The Chicago Transit Authority today announced a series of workshops designed to help vendors better understand CTA's procurement process and assist them in registering to do business in the CTA. Specifically, the agency encourages small and disadvantaged-owned businesses to attend.
"These workshops provide an excellent opportunity for vendors to receive hands-on instruction and learn the ins and outs of doing business with the CTA," said CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez. "They also give disadvantaged and small businesses the chance to see how they can compete for the many opportunities that exist. One of the agency's priorities is to increase minority participation as CTA vendors whenever possible."
The monthly workshops will provide an overview of the CTA's program, list what items are currently out for bid and supply a bid forecast. During the workshops, participants also will have the opportunity to work with CTA personnel and apply for CTA vendor status. In addition, minority or female-owned small businesses will be able to apply for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) status to help bolster their prospects.
These free workshops will be held once a month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CTA headquarters, 567 W. Lake Street, Chicago. Workshops are currently scheduled for:
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
For more information on the workshops or to register, contact Kourtney Harper at kharper@transitchicago.com.
Currently all vendors are also able to access applications any time directly at www.ctavendor.com or at CTA’s Web site, www.transitchicago.com, under the Doing Business heading at the Procurement Information link. The documents can be filled out and submitted directly online. CTA also provides options for companies who prefer to download or receive their applications by mail.
As a recipient of federal funding, the CTA is required to operate a DBE program. A company can be certified as a DBE if: it is a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration and 51 percent of the ownership belongs to an individual who is a minority or a female and whose personal wealth does not exceed $750,000.
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