DPS Training
The Department of Procurement Services offers monthly workshops in procurement, certification, transparency, and outreach. Please visit our Events Calendar to sign up for workshops. DPS now offers our workshops virtually. Learn more about our workshops from the presentations below.
PROCUREMENT
PROCUREMENT FUNDAMENTALS: DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
BUILDING CHICAGO! CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING OVERVIEW
This construction-focused workshop 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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
CONTRACTING 101: HOW TO RESPOND TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
This workshop is designed to teach business owners 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 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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
DPS INCENTIVES & PROGRAMS: GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR BIDS
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation
ePROCUREMENT 101
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
HOW TO COMPLETE AN ONLINE ECONOMIC DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (EDS)
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Please note that all vendors must bring their FEIN information in order to create an online EDS account and complete the online EDS application.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
WE ARE FAMILY! DOING BUSINESS WITH SISTER AGENCIES
Interested in doing business beyond the City of Chicago but not sure 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).
Please note that government agencies change for each session. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (Public Building Commission & Chicago Housing Authority)
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (Chicago Park District & Chicago Transit Authority)
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES & PROGRAMS
The City of Chicago has created numerous initiatives to significantly increase the number of skilled residents prepared to work in growing industries. Ensuring that disadvantaged populations have access to employment opportunities in Chicago is a high priority. This workshop will cover the Project Area Resident Ordinance and local hiring requirements, apprenticeship utilization, and ex-offender bid incentives. Additionally, the Department of Family and Support Services and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership will feature programs they offer. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
PROFESSIONAL DECLARATION OF ELIGIBILITY (PDE)
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
CERTIFICATION & COMPLIANCE
COMPLIANCE 101: HONORING OBLIGATIONS TO CHICAGO TAXPAYERS
This workshop will provide an overview of vendor requirements, including information about paying correct wages, the City’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program, and Chicago Residency and Project Area Resident contracting requirements. Learn about helpful tips on how to complete bid submittal compliance documentation and also gain insight on laws, rules, and regulations governing compliance. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
TRACKING CONTRACT PAYMENTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED
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 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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
YOUR BUSINESS IS CERTIFIED: NOW WHAT?
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
THE ONLINE SCHEDULE A APPLICATION – MBE/WBE/VBE/BEPD
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
NOTE: Please bring your username and password for the Certification & Compliance System (C2) and business Tax ID number with you to class.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation
THE ABC’S OF DBE AND ACDBE CERTIFICATION
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation
TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
WORKING WITH ASSIST AGENCIES
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 Chicago’s diverse communities. These organizations offer many resources to help businesses 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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Please note that agencies will vary each session. Visit www.chicago.gov/dpsevents for the latest schedule updates.
2022 PowerPoint Presentations
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
2021 PowerPoint Presentations
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (HACIA, Business Leadership Council, and WBDC)
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (HIRE360 and Revolution Workshop)
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (ChicagoMSDC, USMCA, Aerostar)
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (HIRE360, IHCC, LGBT CC)
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (February 24, 2021 - Fresh Start Home Community Development Corporation, Sustainable Options for Urban Living, Inc. (SOUL) & The Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce)
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation. (SBA & HACIA)
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE DPS WEBSITE
The DPS website is the best place to find a wealth of resources relating to City procurement. Recently, the City of Chicago has refreshed the look of each department website, and some things have changed. This workshop will take you through the new look and feel of the website as well as all the resources that are available and how to find them. Learn how to: locate upcoming opportunities, bid tabulations, information about awarded contracts, how to identify primes and Chicago certified subcontractors, City auctions, upcoming outreach events, and how to stay informed of all the latest news and updates. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.
ALL-ACCESS TO MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Meet the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities as they discuss the programs they offer for the disabled community with a focus 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), which includes service-disabled veterans. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
GOLDMAN SACH'S 10,000 SMALL BUSINESS INFORMATION SESSION
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.
FIRST LOOK: ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL/ STREETS AND SANITATION
The DPS First Look Series assist the vendor community in learning how to navigate processes related to City procurement. Subject matter experts will provide information about their department and upcoming contracting opportunities from key City of Chicago infrastructure departments. In addition, representatives will highlight opportunities currently in the Buying Plan or forthcoming but not yet advertised so that the vendor community can prepare, seek partnerships, and garner certifications. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.
FIRST LOOK: PUBLIC SAFETY
As part of Emergency Preparedness Month, the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) invites you to participate in a virtual Procurement workshop with The City of Chicago Public Safety Agencies: The Chicago Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC), Office of Public Safety Administration(
Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.
FIRST LOOK: THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER MANAGEMENT (DWM)
The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) will preview potential upcoming construction contracts for the year. Additionally, focused on the ambitious 10-year Capital Improvement Plan, DWM has opportunities in water and sewer main replacement, facilities modernization for engineering and construction projects. These contracts, both term agreements, and standalone contracts will be available to bid by vendors and DWM staff will be available to provide highlights and specifics on these upcoming projects. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.
FIRST LOOK: THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDOT)
CDOT manages over 100 construction projects each year, covering a wide array of capital improvements from the complete reconstruction of Wacker Drive to the replacement of a square of sidewalk in front of a residence. This workshop is geared toward those looking to learn about construction-related opportunities with the City. CDOT will provide a “First Look” at contracting opportunities that will be available as part of the new Obama Presidential Center and other projects. CDOT officials will be on hand to provide an overview of the work needed, including paving, site grading, landscaping, water main installation, as well as lighting and other electrical work. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation
FIRST LOOK: THE DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION (CDA)
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. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
In today's business environment the Financial Services industry is constantly evolving to encompass a broad range of services and programs for businesses. This panel will explore Financial Services key issues and opportunities and share an array of innovative solutions and best practices. To view the recording for this workshop go to www.YouTube.com/ChicagoDPS and click on the DPS Workshop Playlist.
Click here to download the PowerPoint Presentation.
JP Morgan Chase -
Minority Entrepreneurs | Business Banking | Chase.com
https://www.chase.com/business/minority-businesses
Small Business Administration (SBA) -
- COVID-19 EIDL (sba.gov)
- Loans (sba.gov)
- Lender Match connects you to lenders (sba.gov)
- Get local assistance (sba.gov) SCORE, SBDC and WBDC
- Community Navigators (sba.gov)
Allies for Community Business
For dates and times of upcoming workshops, please visit our DPS Events Calendar to register.