Monday, June 20, 2022
Please be advised that there will be a heat advisory in effect for this week. Take care of yourself and check on your neighbors, seniors, family and friends.
SAVE-THE- DATE
for the
9th ANNUAL VENDOR FAIR
AUGUST 25, 2022
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
MALCOLM X COLLEGE

DETAILS COMING SOON!
Business Diversity Program and Utilization Report Deadline 

Last year, Mayor Lightfoot issued Executive Order 2021-2 (EO), which requires all contractors that have agreements with the City to submit annual reports about their company Business Diversity Program (BDP). This BDP and utilization report is due on July 1st of each calendar year from all contractors, with limited exceptions. A dedicated microsite with information, the reporting form, and FAQs can be found at http://www.chicago.gov/bdp
 
The 2022 deadline for the submission of this report is Friday, July 1, 2022
  
DPS advises vendors who receive alerts via Certification and Compliance (C2 Platform) that additional communication about the deadline to file the BDP and utilization report will be forthcoming this week. 
 
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.   
VIRTUAL OUTREACH AND EVENTS
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
Virtual Business Roundtable
in honor of PRIDE MONTH
June 23, 2022 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
In recognition of LGBTQ Pride month, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) will host a virtual business roundtable. This panel will offer LGBTQ business stakeholders the opportunity to learn about contract opportunities at the MWRD and speak direction with MWRD staff on behalf of their respective memberships. The hour long session will focus on MWRD’s procurement process and diversity program. We will also hear from panelists including Roxanna Daniel, President and CEO Taj Development Company, Inc., and John Lashmett, Supplier Diversity Chair, LGBT Chamber of Commerce Illinois.
WomenRock2022 - Clear Skies Ahead
Offshore, Navy Pier, 1000 E. Grand Ave
June 23, 2022 | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join FWC for our Annual Awards Event at Offshore Rooftop, Navy Pier for an evening of networking, camaraderie, and fun with industry colleagues as we recognize outstanding achievements of those in the construction industry.
DPS VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
We are now offering our workshops virtually. View the full workshop schedule at www.chicago.gov/dpsevents. To request an accommodation, please contact DPS Public Affairs at dps.accommodations@cityofchicago.org.
ALL-ACCESS TO MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
June 22, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Meet the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities as they discuss the programs they offer for the disabled community, focusing 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), including service-disabled veterans.
BUILDING CHICAGO! CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING OVERVIEW
June 29, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
A construction-focused workshop that provides an overview of the bidding process and highlights programs related to construction opportunities, including 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), another delivery method for the City of Chicago to procure construction services. JOC is a firm, fixed price, competitive bid with an indefinite quantity, a delivery method designed to quickly produce many multi-trade, repair, and rehabilitation projects and minor new construction projects.
CONTRACTING 101: HOW TO RESPOND TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
June 30, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
This workshop is designed for business owners who are interested in how to respond to a City of Chicago RFP. Using the 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.
WEEKLY BID OPPORTUNITY LIST
Bid Opportunity List for the Week of June 20, 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.

Please visit www.chicago.gov/bids for the latest updates on current solicitations.
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.
RESOURCES FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
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 recently 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, how to maintain safe working spaces and conditions, and how to design and monitor workplace operations to create flexibility and maintain safety for employees and customers. Guidelines can be found at www.chicago.gov/reopening.
DPS RESOURCES ONLINE
DPS believes that everyone should have a chance to participate in the business of government. This includes participation by way of bidding on a contract, being a supplier, becoming a certified vendor, or even learning about how to do business with the City.

Our DPS website provides information to keep our vendor community informed of procurement news, outreach, initiative and programs. Visit www.chicago.gov/dps to learn about the following: