On June 3, the Department of Aviation’s Purchasing Administration Unit (PAU) hosted its second session in its “Change Your Altitude” series. The session, “Dominating the Details What You Need to Know to Get it Right,” was held at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and included representatives from the City of Philadelphia’s Central Procurement, Central Law Department, Office of Economic Opportunity, Risk Management, Labor Standards, and the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS). Attendees included 75 local business entities (LBEs), as well as small and new businesses.
“We hosted this event to bring all city agencies together that participate in the procurement process,” said Department of Aviation Vice President of Procurement Deatrice Issac. “Our goal was to demystify the City’s procurement process and make it easier for firms to understand and learn how to win a contract with the City. Firms learned about the specific contracting requirements that are unique to the airport, which include badging/security requirements and unique work hours.”
Businesses in attendance learned about and listened to presentations from various agencies on the requirements needed to do business with the City of Philadelphia. OTIS presented a new initiative, the PILOT program, that will award contracts to qualifying firms within designated zip codes in the city.
Central Procurement highlighted LBEs and how to register with the City as a local business, including the benefits associated with this registration. For vendors certified as an LBE, it may be possible to reduce their bid price, potentially leading to them winning a contract. The City utilizes both formal and informal contracts to procure services, supplies, and equipment and awards contracts to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
"Democratizing access to information is key," stated Donna Jackson Stephans, the Vice President responsible for small business development and engagement. "Our aim is to ensure that everyone and anyone can access opportunities. A well-informed business is a thriving business."
PAU will hold two more Change Your Altitude sessions this year, including the annual Business Opportunity Forum at the Airport Marriott on October 3.
Businesses looking forward to learning about city contracts and bids can access the city’s official website - https://www.phlcontracts.phila.gov/bso/
