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

The Online Schedule A Application – MBE/WBE/BEPD

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 | Workshop Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 30 N. LaSalle, 6th Floor, CDOT Computer Lab

As of January 1, 2016, DPS no longer accepts paper applications for M/W/VBE certification. This workshop will give a hands-on experience filling out the online MBE/WBE/VBE/BEPD Schedule A application. During this training, you will learn where to find the online application, what documents are needed, and how to upload the documents. Be prepared to work on your application with the assistance of a subject matter expert.

NOTE: Please bring your username and password for the Certification & Compliance System (C2) and business Tax ID number with you to class.

How to Complete an Online Economic Disclosure Statement (EDS)

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | 30 N. LaSalle, 6th Floor, CDOT Computer Lab

An Economic Disclosure Statement (EDS) is required of all bidders seeking to do business with the City of Chicago. Through the EDS, applicants make disclosures required by State law and City ordinances and certify to compliance with various laws and ordinances. This hands-on workshop will go over the proper way to fill out an EDS and how to submit via the online portal application. Please note that all vendors must bring their FEIN information in order to create an online EDS account and complete the online EDS application.

Building Chicago! Construction Contracting Overview

Wednesday, March 14, 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.

Goldman Sach's 10,000 Small Business Information Session

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 | Workshop Time: 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | 121 N. LaSalle, Bid & Bond, Room 103

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.

Introduction to eProcurement

Thursday, March 15, 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.

How to Become Certified

Wednesday, March 21, 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.

Procurement Fundamentals: Doing Business with the City of Chicago

Wednesday, March 21, 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.

Working with Assist Agencies

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | 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 business 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.