We Are Family! Doing Business with Sister Agencies (CPS & CCC)

April 7, 2021 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

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).

DPS Incentives & Programs: Getting the Most from Your Bids

April 8, 2021 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

DPS has made it a priority to ensure that all interested businesses have the opportunity, information, and resources to compete for City contracts. This workshop will feature incentives and programs created to increase the diversity of the businesses that bid on and earn City Contracts. Come learn about comprehensive information on ways to grow your business, increase capacity, foster mutually beneficial business relationships, and be more competitive on City contracts. Learn about the Small Business Initiative, BEPD Incentive, M/WBE Mentorship Program, Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE), and many more.

How to Become Certified

April 14, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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. 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

April 15, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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.

Your Business Is Certified: Now What?

April 21, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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 as well as 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.

Introduction to eProcurement 101

April 22, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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.

The ABC’s Of DBE And ACDBE Certification

April 28, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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.

Contracting 101: How to Respond to A Request For Proposal (RFP)

April 29, 2021 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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.

Download the April 2021 Workshop Schedule Flyer (PDF)