Business Insights

A large portion of the money used for capital improvement across the United States is provided by legislation passed through the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. In July 2017 the committee approved the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Funding Bill for 2018, which will provide funding for capital improvement projects in every region of the country and create new bidding opportunities for third-party vendors at state, local and federal levels.

The Purchasing Division of the San Antonio government is the point of contact for businesses looking for contract opportunities with the city. Responsible for the procurement of all goods and services for the various departments of city government, the Purchasing Division is the only government department in San Antonio that can issue contracts over $3,000. For government purchases valued at over $50,000, the Purchasing Division issues solicitations that require City Council approval before vendors can bid on them. [i]

Every four years, people around the world gather to cheer on their country’s top athletes as they compete in the Summer Olympics. In the years leading up to an Olympic Summer Games, cities across the globe are also in intense competition as they craft proposals that they hope will convince Olympic organizers to let them host the Games. These plans are submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the governing body that decides which city will host the upcoming edition of the Olympics.

The automotive industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and one of the most visible examples of this evolution is the increasing popularity of electric cars. The desire for electric-powered vehicles has been growing steadily for years, but high prices for the vehicles have acted as a barrier to entry for the average consumer. But two announcements made in July 2017 that could change all of that.

The City of Denver has adopted policies to ensure that small businesses have equal opportunity to participate in the city’s procurement processes. As part of Denver’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity the city introduced Executive Order 101, which states that all city departments and agencies soliciting goods and services must take into account a vendor’s status in regards to diversity and inclusivity when entering into contracts. [i]

The first thoughts that come to many people’s minds when they hear the words New York are images of Broadway, Wall Street and Times Square. But beyond the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of New York City are the diverse landscapes of Upstate and Western New York State.

Just 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean is Block Island, a 9.7 square mile island home to around 1000 people. Named one of the "The Last Great Places" by the Nature Conservancy, 40 percent of Block Island is set aside for conservation, making the island attractive for tourists. [i] Visitors to Block Island in 2017 will be welcomed by a new green infrastructure project just off the coast of the island: the five towering turbines of America’s first offshore wind farm.

Employing a staff of 10,000, The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) maintains 14 complexes across the state that collectively house more than 42 thousand inmates. The ADC’s procurement needs are handled by the Procurement Services Unit, which has an approximate annual budget of $1.1 million and is tasked with sourcing products and services for each ADC facility, including supplies and materials for inmate education and rehabilitation programs. [i]

More than any other American city, Portland, Oregon is a leader in adopting green and sustainability initiatives. By working closely with residents and businesses, the city of Portland has adopted policies that promote clean energy and urban livability that continue to generate impressive results.

In the City of Chicago, the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) is the contracting authority for the procurement of goods and services. Through a competitive open bid process, the DPS awards contracts with the goal of securing the best value for the city. By establishing a procurement system that focuses on open communication, timely processes and fair business practices, vendors are able to partner with the city for a variety of contract opportunities.