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.chicago.gov/dpsevents

PROCUREMENT

INTRODUCTION TO ePROCUREMENT

NOV. 7 - 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.

PROPELLING YOUR BUSINESS THOUGH AVIATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOV. 14 - Workshop Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, 11th Floor, Room 1103

The City of Chicago’s two major airports (O’Hare and Midway International) create more than $45 billion in annual economic activity and create 540,000 jobs for the region. This workshop focuses on aviation-specific contracting opportunities in construction, work services, operations, and maintenance. Learn about the Chicago Department of Aviation and how to do business with the City of Chicago at its major airports.

PROCUREMENT FUNDAMENTALS: DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY

NOV. 20 - 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.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES & PROGRAMS

NOV. 21 - Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, 11th Floor, Room 1103

The City of Chicago has created numerous initiatives to significantly increase the number of skilled residents prepared to work in growing industries. Ensuring that disadvantaged populations have access to employment opportunities in Chicago is a high priority. This workshop will cover the Project Area Resident Ordinance and local hiring requirements, apprenticeship utilization and ex-offender bid incentives. Additionally, the Department of Family and Support Services and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership will feature programs they offer.

CERTIFICATION & COMPLIANCE

THE ABC’S OF DBE AND ACDBE CERTIFICATION

NOV 13 - Workshop Time: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

This workshop provides an overview of the City’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs. Come learn about the application process and benefits of certification as part of the Illinois Unified Certification process with the City of Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.

HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED

NOV. 20 - 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 firm. 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.

TRANSPARENCY AND OUTREACH

WORKING WITH ASSIST AGENCIES

NOV. 6 - Workshop Time: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, 11th Floor, Room 1103

City of Chicago Assist Agencies are comprised of not-for-profit agencies and/or chambers of commerce that represent the interests of small, local, minority, women, veteran, and disadvantaged- owned businesses within the Chicago’s diverse communities. These organizations offer many resources to help businesses at every stage of their growth cycle as well as connect prime contractors with certified firms for subcontracting opportunities. This workshop will outline the role and responsibilities of an Assist Agency.

Please note that agencies will vary each session. Visit www.cityofchicago.org/dpsevents for the latest schedule updates.