University Helps Minority Firms Thru Bid Process

The University of Illinois at Chicago is highlighting the Minority and
Female Business Enterprise Program, a state initiative designed to help
businesses owned by women, minorities and persons with disabilities,
with a day of networking, learning and building relationships with
buying professionals and other business owners.

The University of Illinois MAFBE Conference will take place June 16 at
the UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road. This year's theme, "Making the
Connection 2010," is focused on connecting the university's buying
departments with qualified businesses. Keynote speaker is U of I
Trustee Lawrence Oliver II.

The conference Networking Fair will feature exhibitors from the
University of Illinois's three campuses, other public and private
universities, and local offices of government from the municipal,
county, state and federal levels.

Expected attendance is 500.

Workshops include:

• Accessing Financial Resources
This session will provide detailed information on the resources that
help minority and female businesses identify and connect with capital.
Participants will get information to help prepare required documents
for financial assistance.

• Transitioning Your Business to Meet Sustainability
This session will provide information on redefining business processes
to comply with legislative and agency sustainability initiatives. The
workshop will provide industry best practices and tips on integrating
sustainable methods into a business to allow it to compete when
opportunities arise.

• Understanding University of Illinois Purchasing
This session will explain the University of Illinois purchasing
process. Topics to be covered include: Illinois Higher Education
Bulletin, Regulatory Requirements, RFP and Sealed Bid Process,
Evaluation Process and Performance. The workshop will be facilitated by
the purchasing offices of the three campuses of the U of I.

• University of Illinois Office of Capital Programs and Facilities
Management
This session will discuss the different roles of Facilities Management
and Capital Programs, including their organizational structure, areas
of shared responsibility, how and where vendors are utilized, and
vendor qualifications for each program. An update on revised policies
for Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) in Capital Programs at the
university, including vendor registration, MAFBE QBS criteria in
selections, MAFBE certification requirements, and an overview of recent
state laws affecting MAFBE participation and goals in construction.

Registration is free at mafbe.conference.uic.edu. Breakfast, lunch and
parking will be provided for pre-registered attendees.

For more information contact Janice R. Thomas at thomasj1@uillinois.edu
or call (312) 413-2892.

- UIC -