HOW TO NAVIGATE THE DPS WEBSITE

AUGUST 5

Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual Workshop

The DPS website is the best place to find a wealth of resources relating to City procurement. Recently, the City of Chicago has refreshed the look of each department website, and some things have changed. This workshop will take you through the new look and feel of the website as well as all the resources that are available and how to find them. Learn how to: locate upcoming opportunities, bid tabulations, information about awarded contracts, how to identify primes and Chicago certified subcontractors, City auctions, upcoming outreach events and how to stay informed of all the latest news and updates.

THE ABC’S OF DBE AND ACDBE CERTIFICATION

AUGUST 6

Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual Workshop

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.

WE ARE FAMILY! DOING BUSINESS WITH SISTER AGENCIES

AUGUST 12

Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual Workshop

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).

INTRODUCTION TO ePROCUREMENT

AUGUST 13

Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual Workshop

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

AUGUST 19

Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual Workshop

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.

PROCUREMENT FUNDAMENTALS: DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY

AUGUST 20

Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual Workshop

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.

GOLDMAN SACH'S 10,000 SMALL BUSINESS INFORMATION SESSION

AUGUST 26

Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual Workshop

Attend this workshop to learn more about this innovative program that can take your business to the next level. Learn what it takes to grow a business, how to increase your staff, create effective marketing strategies, and develop important business relationships. This class with teach you how to apply for this free, competitive application program sponsored by the Goldman Sachs Foundation.

BUILDING CHICAGO! CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING OVERVIEW

AUGUST 27

Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual Workshop

Construction-focused workshop that provides an overview of the bidding process and highlights programs related to construction opportunities. This includes the Small Business Initiative (SBI), Mid-size Business Initiative (MBI), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Apprentice Utilization Bid Preference, and many more. Additionally, learn about the Job Order Contract (JOC). This is another delivery method for the City of Chicago to procure construction services. JOC is a firm, fixed price, competitive bid with indefinite quantity, delivery method designed to produce a large number of multi-trade, repair and rehabilitation projects, as well as minor new construction projects quickly.