DPS offers 19 free workshops presented quarterly to educate citizens and business owners about the fundamentals of procurement and the latest developments in procurement and certification.

For more information and to register for workshops go to www.cityofchicago.org/dpsevents

All Access to Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities

Wednesday, July 11, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

Meet the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities as they discuss the programs they offer for the disabled community with a focus on entrepreneurs. Additionally, DPS will present an overview of the programs and incentives offered including the certification for Business Enterprises Owned or Operated by People with Disabilities (BEPD), which includes service disabled veterans.

We are Family! Doing Business with Sister Agencies

Wednesday, July 11, 2018 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

Interested in doing business beyond the City of Chicago but not sure where to start? This workshop welcomes guest presentations that outlines the roles and responsibilities of how to do business with the City of Chicago’s six sister agencies: Chicago Public Schools (CPS), City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), Public Building Commission (PBC), Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), Chicago Park District (CPD) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

Please note that government agencies change for each session.

Your Business is Certified: Now What?

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

Your business is certified, what are your next steps? This workshop will provide valuable information to newly certified firms on how to compete for City contracts as well as provide information on resources available to certified firms. Are you prepared to meet with prime contractors? Have you considered joint venturing on contracting opportunities? Are you attending pertinent networking events? Come hear advice from subject matter experts to better market your business, compete for, and earn City contracts.

Introduction to eProcurement

Thursday, July 19, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, 11th Floor, Room 1103

DPS is continuing on the next phase of start-to-finish purchasing modernization via the implementation of a comprehensive eProcurement system. eProcurement applies digital technology to the acquisition of goods and services. It will allow DPS to collaborate with City Departments to create solicitations and contracts online, greatly reducing the time it takes to complete procurements. Come watch a demonstration and learn about iSupplier registration, how vendors will submit bids and proposals online, and how to view contracts and payments.

How to Become Certified

Wednesday, July 25, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

DPS is the certifying agency for the following certifications: Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business (VBE), Business Enterprise for People with Disabilities (BEPD), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).This workshop will provide detailed information on who is qualified to be a Chicago certified form. Learn out what documents are needed when submitting an application and how to avoid the most common mistakes in the certification process. Subject matter experts will be on-hand to answer all your questions about common certification topics.

Procurement Fundamentals: Doing Business with the City of Chicago

Wednesday, July, 2018 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

Do you have questions about how to become a successful bidder on City contracting opportunities? Unsure where to begin? This informational workshop highlights the role and responsibility of DPS in the City's purchasing process. Come learn about different procurement methods and the laws which govern the procurement process. Once completed, you will better understand what it takes before you start the bidding process and your responsibilities after you have won a contract with the City of Chicago.