10/15/2020

ECA October 14, 2020 Membership Meeting

Highlights of the event -

The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) October Membership Meeting was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. The program was a virtual session and featured industry updates, as well as a presentation from the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS) Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Shannon Andrews. Ms. Cathy Kwiatkowski, Director of Public Affairs was also on hand from the Department.  CPO Andrews discussed issues that impact electrical construction throughout Chicago. She gave background information as to current Department of Procurement Services (DPS) programming, as well as the following presentation highlights:

DPS at a Glance:
Contact Administration, Certification Program and Compliance Program

Pivoting in Today’s Environment:
eProcurement process enacted; a iSupplier Portal Online eProcurement System for all purchasing activities; www.chicago.gov/eprocurement  

Disparity Study:
Adopted in 1990; periodically modified; continuous review; Ordinance will extend the current program until September 30, 2021; current goals are 26% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) / 6% Woman Business Enterprise (WBE).

Legislative Update:
LGBTBE Resolution, VBE Pilot Program extension, Certified M/WBE Firms Directory; Recently proposed Ordinances concerning goals, waivers, definitions within program and other concerns are being addressed.

Working to Help Businesses Continue to Thrive:
-Recovery Taskforce – Advisory Report:  City of Chicago’s “Forward Together Building a Stronger Chicago”
-Payment Processes – Prompt Payment Task Force with City Comptroller’s Office.
-Buying Plan:  DPS Buying Plan “How-to-Guide” available online at:  www.chicago.gov/dps.
-Upcoming Meeting & Events:  “2020 Virtual Vendor Fair – November 5, 12, 19.
www.Chicago.gov/VendorFair. 

We thank Ms. Andrews and Ms. Kwiatkowski for their time during the session.  

^{Pictured above is City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services (DPS)
Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Shannon Andrews}