Monday, September 5, 2022 |
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On behalf of the City of Chicago, the Department of Procurement Services (DPS), and the Government Procurement Compliance (GPC) Forum, we would like to thank all who attended the 9th Annual Procurement Vendor Fair. We hope you had much success making connections to move your business to the next level!
Aileen Velazquez, Chief Procurement Officer, welcomed the audience to the Fair and highlighted the goals of the Department of Procurement Services as it pertains to the commitment to the local business community. Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot energized the crowd with her opening remarks about our shared goal of building a fair and equitable playing field through the City's programs, incentives, and outreach efforts such as the Vendor Fair.
The 9th Annual Procurement Vendor Fair included over 90 exhibitors, sharing information about upcoming contracting opportunities, training, and business development programs that can assist attendees in the procurement process. In addition, we had over 1000 registrants who had the opportunity to hear a virtual motivating keynote address given by Deryl McKissack, President, and CEO of McKissack & Mckissack. Ms. McKissack shared how she started with $1,000 in her bank account and now manages over $15 billion in nationwide projects. Attendees could also attend 9 workshops focusing on government contracting, certification, financial resources, and Job Order Contracting, to name a few.
We hope those who attended took advantage of the one-stop networking opportunity with the approximate 100 exhibitors from different organizations who shared resources and discussed tips for acquiring contracting opportunities. Our prime and developer from the Business to Business Connect were also on hand to discuss joint venture opportunities and mentor-protege partnerships. There were many opportunities to get all the resources and information needed to grow your business to the next level, no matter the size.
During the Fair, we heard positive feedback from exhibitors, workshop speakers, and attendees. If you missed this event and want to see the highlights, you can visit www.chicago.gov/2022vendorfair.
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Please take the brief survey and give us feedback about your experience at the 9th Annual Procurement Vendor Fair.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps us to create programs that benefit Chicago's diverse business community.
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THE CHICAGO TREASURER'S OFFICE
Let's Talk Building Wealth
All Weekend Long at the
UIC Forum
Friday, September 30th| 10:00 am - 3:00 pm CST
Saturday, October 1st | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm CST
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The Financial Services Career Fair will be full of career readiness workshops and opportunities to engage with employers on-site, chat with career coaches, take updated professional headshots, participate in resume reviews, mock interviews, and much more!
Employer Registration Extended until September 15, 2022. Register NowLooking for a career opportunity. Click here to attend as a jobseeker
Participating Employers include
BMO Harris Bank
Wintrust
CIBC
Fifth Third Bank
First American Bank
Amazon
Marquette Bank
New York Life
and many more!
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Features a fireside chat with Daymond John of ABC's Shark Tank and the first NBC Apprentice, Bill Rancic
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Fireside Chat kicks off at 1:00 pm CST
Located on the Main Stage
Meet Bill Rancic and Meet Daymond John!
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DPS participates in many outreach events around the Chicagoland area. Check out the upcoming events happening soon. For a full calendar of events, please visit www.chicago.gov/dpsevents
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SMALL BUSINESS EDUCATIONAL SERIES FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
September 19, 2022 | DEADLINE
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Industry professionals will teach participants how to procure business opportunities, master the CTA invoicing process, submitting a bid, common pitfalls to avoid, and accounting for small businesses. Secure your attendance by completing our registration application. Once application is approved further details will be provided.
Application Deadline: Monday, September 19, 2022
Elevate your business status by joining CTA Diversity Programs Small Business Educational Series for professional services.
Note:
- The Small Business Educational Series for Professional Services is a 4 week class
- Classes will be held in-person at CTA headquarters located at 567 W Lake St Chicago IL 60661 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Wednesday October 5, 2022 - October 26, 2022 2 FL conference rooms A, B,C
- Masks are strongly recommended
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2022 Business EXPO
"Make the Connection!™ Build Your Future"
October 20, 2022 | 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
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The 2022 Business EXPO "Make the Connection!™ Build Your Future" will have:
- Hundreds of guests who'll have an opportunity to network and hear from high-ranked leaders in the business community and elected officials at the opening breakfast.
- An exhibit floor featuring dozens of businesses showcasing their products and services.
- Excellent networking opportunities with business professionals from all sectors.
- Workshops at no cost.
- Procurement one-on-one matching sessions
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WE ARE FAMILY! DOING BUSINESS WITH SISTER AGENCIES (CPD & CTA)
October 5, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Guest Speakers from CPD & CTA
Interested in doing business beyond the City of Chicago but unsure where to start? This workshop welcomes guest presentations that outline 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).
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HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED
October 12, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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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 what documents are needed when you submit 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. |
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PROCUREMENT FUNDAMENTALS: DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY
October 13, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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Do you have questions about becoming 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. |
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YOUR BUSINESS IS CERTIFIED: NOW WHAT?
October 19, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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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 and 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. |
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ePROCUREMENT 101
October 20, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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DPS is continuing on the next phase of start-to-finish purchasing modernization via implementing 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. |
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BUILDING CHICAGO! CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING OVERVIEW
October 26, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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A construction-focused workshop, providing an overview of the bidding process and highlighting 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. |
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CONTRACTING 101: HOW TO RESPOND TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
October 27, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
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This workshop teaches business owners how to respond to a City of Chicago RFP using advice from seasoned professionals, you will learn specific details about what evaluators look for in an RFP and how to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of a winning bid. Attend this workshop and learn how to navigate RFP specifications efficiently. |
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WEEKLY BID OPPORTUNITY LIST |
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Bid Opportunity List for the Week of September 5, 2022 |
The weekly Bid Opportunity List (BOL) is the resource to find currently advertised contracting opportunities with the City of Chicago. The information on the BOL is subject to change.
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Please be advised that all contracts awarded on March 10, 2021 and beyond will include Terms related to compliance with Executive Order 2021-2. These terms include quarterly reporting requirements for the projected and actual utilization of M/WBE firms. |
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Business Diversity Program and Utilization Report Deadline |
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***PLEASE NOTE*** - If you filed a BDP report last year, the credentials you used will not grant access to the microsite this year. Starting in 2022, contractor representatives are required to register in the Business Diversity Reporting system. This will allow each vendor the convenience of being able to leave and come back to Business Diversity Program reports in progress, find reports uploaded in previous years, and keep a historical record of the reports going forward. Click on the Vendor Registration link to register. Once registered, you can simply log in to get access to previously submitted reports, continue working on in-progress reports for the current year, and upload new reports.
Thank you for your attention to advancing the administration's leadership in ensuring that the private sector is an equal and accountable partner in building a more diverse Chicago.
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RESOURCES FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY |
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Resource Navigators
The City of Chicago has established Small Business Resource Navigators to provide 1:1 assistance to small businesses looking for support. For more information, click here.
Information on Chicago Reopening Guidelines
Mayor Lightfoot released industry-specific guidelines for businesses, employees, and customers to follow as the city prepares to begin safely reopening. Industry-specific guidelines include details such as how businesses can engage in healthy interactions between workers and customers, maintain safe working spaces and conditions, and design and monitor workplace operations to create flexibility and maintain safety for employees and customers. Guidelines can be found at www.chicago.gov/reopening.
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DPS believes that everyone should have a chance to participate in government business. Including participation in bidding on a contract, being a supplier, becoming a certified vendor, or even learning how to do business with the City.
Our DPS website provides information to inform our vendor community of procurement news, outreach, initiative, and programs. Visit www.chicago.gov/dps to learn about the following:
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DEPARTMENT OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES | www.chicago.gov/dps |
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