The document provides information about the McCormick Place supplier diversity program. It discusses how registering as a vendor is important for communication and notifications. It emphasizes the importance of certification and outlines the different certification agencies accepted. It provides tips for minority and women-owned businesses to pursue opportunities, such as attending outreach events, following procurement plans, and using the Freedom of Information Act. Compliance monitoring of subcontractor payments is mandatory. The supplier diversity fair is highlighted as an opportunity for networking.

1. McCormick Place │ SMG
Supplier Diversity Program
Alex Buckles, Supplier Diversity Analyst
ABuckles@McCormickPlace.com

2. The Why
MWBEs increase their capacity, grow their revenue, and enhance their credentials
because of Supplier Diversity Programs.
SMG believes that beyond its obligations to the McCormick Place, we should also have
a hand in the success of minority and women owned business enterprises. The
success of those entities are crucial to the economy of the state, city, and local
communities.
SMG should be reflective of it’s environment

3. Vendor Registration
• Why Register?
Because it serves as the main platform of
communication between businesses and prospective
vendors/businesses.
• Do I need to register if I have a buying plan?
Yes, the information in a buying plan is always subject
to change and every item is not always included.

4. Vendor Registration
-Does not guarantee awards
-Provide detail regarding codes and
services…keywords!
-Registered vendors receive Day 1
notification
- 1 Document Attachment (In this
order):
M/WBE Certification
W-9
Brochure/Catalogue (Optional)
http://mccormickplace.com/vendor-
form.php

6. Putting Yourself In the Know
1. Register as a vendor EVERYWHERE!
2. Check the website/Buying Plans regularly
3. Attend outreach events (Many are free)
4. Make the pitch, but also inquire to the current needs
5. Research the opportunity (Power of FOIA)

7. Covering The McCormick Bases
• The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) ) is a municipal
corporation created by the Illinois General Assembly. Its Board of Directors
is appointed by the Governor of Illinois and the Mayor of Chicago.
• MPEA owns McCormick Place, Navy Pier, Hyatt Regency McCormick
Place
• MPEA procures more professional and construction services than SMG
• MPEA is currently constructing a new hotel and event center across from
the McCormick Place
• Register with MPEA!

8. GPC Buying Plan
• Consolidated Buying Plan
of Government
Procurement Compliance
(GPC) Forum
• Introduced in 2015
• Over a dozen
procurement agencies
• 12-16 Month of forecast
of goods and services

9. The Importance of Certification
• The McCormick Place only credits
diversity participation with certified
individuals
• Public Entities (Governments) are the
same way
• Personally recommend certification
for: independent contractors of the
trades, professional service providers
and suppliers/distributors
• Some businesses may not see the
same incentives such as restaurants
(unless caterers), salons, clothing
stores (non-uniforms), etc.

10. MBE & WBE
SMG defines and recognizes diverse suppliers as being:
1. At least 51% owned, controlled and operated by a minority or woman,
and;
2. Certified by one of the following certification agencies (The Big 5):
-City of Chicago
-Cook County
-State of Illinois Central Management Services (CMS)
-Women Business Development Center (WBDC)
-Chicago Minority Supplier Diversity Council (CMSDC)
Other certifications are reviewed for competency in comparison to standards
of the big 5 if proposed and have to be approved by the authority

11. Tiers of Opportunity
Non-certified Contractors
(Highly Competitive)
Certified Sub-Contractors
(Competition depends on
market)
Certified
Primes
(Competitive
but versatile)

12. Relationship Building
1. Procurement departments/officials – the ones
publicizing the opportunity
2. Manager behind the opportunity – the one creating
what we’re looking for
3. Distributors – the people you get your supplies from
4. MWBE Partners – the people you should think about
collaborating with
5. Prime contractors -the people you may have to work
with

13. Quick Tips (Procurement/Managers)
• Don’t be pushy @
outreach (or anywhere)
• Keep it professional
• Put what you do on
your business card
• Bring something to
show (marketing)
• Send a follow-up after a
conversation (Preferably
an email without a
rainbow of colors)

14. Quick Tips (Distributors)
• Best Price Bargain
• Give the incentive of
demand
• Align your supplier with
what the facility is
currently using
• Research if the supplier
is already established
on another contract

15. The Contractor Difference
Prime Contractor
• Primarily responsible for the
contract/project
• Not a supervisor to sub
• Maintains contact with
owner
• Paid by owner
Sub Contractor
• Hired under prime for a
specific task
• Partner to prime
• Mostly communicates with
prime, but can express
disputes with owner
(diversity)
• Paid by prime

16. Quick Tips (Partners/Primes)
• Work with someone
with a good reputation
• MWBE joint ventures
can be powerful
• Shop around and go
into an opportunity
with as many credible
primes as possible
• Research the incumbent

17. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
“The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law that gives you the right to
access information from the federal, national, and local government. It is
often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their
government.” – The Government
FOIA Old proposals and quotes of an opportunity of interest to find out:
• Specifications
• Previous bids (winners & losers)
• Insurance Requirements
• Procurement procedure
• Everything Else….
Don’t Wait Until the opportunity is released

18. Patience This Is Government!

19. Responding To The Opportunity
1. Fill out all of the required forms and turn in by deadline
2. Submit Questions in writing (email)
3. Be clear on pricing
4. Attend the Site Visit
5. Don’t fear the subcontracting opportunity (inquire)

20. Submit & Hope For The Best!

21. Once Your in the Door
The Supplier Diversity contact ensures that prime
contractors are utilizing their proposed
subcontractors to the fullest extent, per their
contractual requirements. In order to successfully
implement compliance tracking, the following
measures are taken:
• Monitor contracts to ensure compliance with
contractual commitments and Program
objectives
• Ensure all payment information is submitted
and entered into the compliance monitoring
system on a monthly basis
• Audit all payments made to Prime and Sub
Contractors
• Review and facilitate any issues concerning
contracts

22. Having A System in Place
McCormick Place | SMG mandates that all contractors report and confirm MWBE utilization on a monthly basis
in our diversity compliance system. A diversity utilization account is set up for the Contactor and all
subcontractors following execution of the contract.
During the term of a contract, the prime contractor and all subcontractors are responsible for submitting
monthly reports to McCormick Place SMG via the Compliance Monitoring System according to the following
schedule:
CONTRACTOR (PRIME)
Report all payment activity, including non-
payments, to subcontractors for the prior month
15th day of each month
SUBCONTRACTOR
Confirmation of all payments received from
prime Contractor
20th of each month
Payment
made
Prime Reports
Sub
Confirms/Denies

23. What if the Prime doesn’t comply?
• Provide timely notices of
non-compliant activity
• Document EVERYTHING!!
• Arrange a Rectification Plan
• Enforce contractual
penalties (i.e. stop
payments, contract
cancellation)

24. Supplier Diversity Fair
*December 7, 2017*
The McCormick Place is holding its annual Supplier Diversity
Fair December 7th, 2017.
The fair attracts various minority and women-owned business
enterprises to our facility to learn about getting certified and
becoming a contractor at the McCormick Place. The fair also
presents the opportunity to network with the McCormick
Place management personnel about upcoming and possible
procurements.
Register on
Eventbrite
today!

25. McCormick Place │ SMG
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
McCormick Place│SMG is committed to developing mutually beneficial business relationships with minority and women-owned
businesses. Diversity is a part of our business strategy and incorporated into our culture at all levels of the procurement process.
Alexander Buckles
Supplier Diversity Analyst
ABuckles@McCormickPlace.com
Hilary Barker
Purchasing Manager
HBarker@McCormickPlace.com
Tiffany Petties
MPEA Diversity
Tpetties@mpea.com