May 2018 Workshop Schedule

May 1, 2018

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

 

Building Chicago! Construction Contracting Overview

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

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.

 

Contracting 101: How to Respond to a Request for Proposal

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

This workshop is designed to teach 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 a RFP and how to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of a winning bid. Attend this workshop and you will learn how to navigate RFP specifications efficiently.

 

Propelling Your Business through Aviation Opportunities

Wednesday, May 17, 2018 | 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.

 

Introduction to eProcurement

Thursday, May 17, 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.

 

Procurement Fundamentals: Doing Business with the City

Wednesday, May 23, 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.

 

How to Become Certified

Thursday, May 23, 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.

 

Professional Declaration of Eligibility

Thursday, May 30, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

Recommended for Attorneys and Accountants:  The Professional Declaration of Eligibility is an innovative way of allowing qualified attorneys and CPAs to review, verify and attest that an applicant meets the requirements to become certified with the City of Chicago for one of the following certification programs:  Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE).  This workshop will outline who qualifies to use the PDE program, and who is qualified to submit a PDE application.   

Note:  This workshop is for program informational purposes only.  The City does not certify or endorse CPA’s or Attorneys to prepare applications for those vendors seeking certification with the City of Chicago.

 

Tracking Contract Payments: What You Need to Know

Thursday, May 30, 2018 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

The Certification & Compliance (C2) Network System is a web-based tool that provides up-to-date tracking of payments made to prime contractors and sub-contractors. Prime contractors are responsible for reporting payments to all sub-contractors on a monthly basis. Come learn the roles and responsibilities of both the prime and subcontractors.