Vendor Academy

The Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) is committed to providing procurement-related information to the County’s vendors to promote the objectives of equity, environmental sustainability, economic development and engagement of all stakeholders to foster accountable and transparent governance. As providers of goods and services, vendors represent key stakeholders in the success of the County’s procurement processes.

Below are various training resources, including upcoming virtual instructor-led workshops, INFORMS materials, links to videos and upcoming outreach/vendor onboarding events.

Upcoming Virtual Workshops

This workshop is intended to provide a general understanding of the Invitation to Bid (ITB) procurement method and how vendors can respond to an ITB. It will also provide an overview of the County’s procurement opportunities, vendor registration process and Small Business Enterprise programs.
- Thurs., March 21
  10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  Register now
This workshop will present an overview of the benefits of doing business with Miami-Dade County. The workshop will provide information on the County’s procurement methods, its Vendor Academy, Strive 305 Program and partnership with the South Florida Anchor Alliance (SFAA).
- Tues., April 2
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
The session will cover the basics of the Sherman Antitrust Act and prosecution of bid rigging, price fixing, and market allocation offenses. It will detail common “red flags” for antitrust violations and procurement fraud and review a case study.
- Thurs., April 18
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This workshop is intended to provide an overview of the Architectural and Engineering (A&E) and Design-Build process. It also explains the vendor registration process, how to obtain Prequalification and Technical Certifications, governing legislation, and how to respond to A&E and Design Build solicitations.
- Tues., April 23
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This workshop explains the procurement methods that are used by the County for construction services. It also explains the roles of the contracting parties, key elements of a construction contract and the County’s Miscellaneous Construction Contracts Program.
- Tues., May 3
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This course provides a summary of the OIG’s authority, function, and independence in its oversight of large and diverse governmental organizations.
- Tues., May 8
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This course is intended to provide an understanding of the County’s Request to Qualify solicitation method. It explains the difference between a contract and a prequalification pool and discusses spot market competitions.
- Tues., May 14
  10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  Register now
This workshop is intended to help vendors submit proper invoices to the County. The workshop will also provide information on payment methods offered by the County.
- Tues., May 21
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This workshop will provide a general understanding of the Request for Proposals (RFPs) process and how vendors can respond to RFPs.
- Tues., May 28
  10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  Register now
This workshop will provide information on the core values and principles of public procurement including but not limited to ethics, transparency and accountability.
- Tues., June 4
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This session will provide components on becoming a trusted partner, identify the key influences in each role including end users and the buying process, cultivate lasting relationships, and understanding government purchasing processes.
- Fri., June 7
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This workshop will provide an overview of the County’s Small Business Enterprise Program – how to become a certified SBE firm, benefits and opportunities.
- Tues., June 11
  11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  Register now
This workshop is intended to provide a general understanding of the Invitation to Bid (ITB) procurement method and how vendors can respond to an ITB. It will also provide an overview of the County’s procurement opportunities, vendor registration process and Small Business Enterprise programs.
- Tues., June 18
  10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  Register now
The course will provide an overview to vendors pertaining applicable procurement legislation that governs contracts for goods and services and the various procedures and protocols involved in such legislation.
- Fri., June 21
  1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
  Register now

We are Here to Listen, Ready to Respond

The Strategic Procurement Department pledges to respond to vendor concerns and to provide professional, courteous and prompt service. SPD is committed to treating vendors equitably and building strategic relationships.

Vendor Feedback Form

Procurement 101 Videos

How to Register as a Vendor in Miami-Dade County (English)

How to Register as a Vendor in Miami-Dade County (Spanish)

How to Register as a Vendor in Miami-Dade County (Haitian Creole)

Here are some helpful resources for using the INFORMS eSupplier Portal:
- Recorded eSupplier Workshop
  Password: q37%t+pG
- Submit a Bid Job Aid

Vendor Onboarding Events

Doing business with the County does not have to be challenging. The Academy offers onboarding events that provide information on the different procurement processes and navigation of the INFORMS eSupplier portal.

Thurs., March 14, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Wed., April 10, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Thurs., May 23, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Thurs., June 13, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Vendor Forums - A New Path to Collaboration

Vendor Forums demonstrate the County’s commitment to engage and collaborate with vendors. The goals of these forums include:

Providing opportunities for vendors to interact with County staff
Providing valuable insights on vendors’ experiences in doing business with the County.
Building and strengthening relationships between the County and vendors.
Providing avenues for vendors to learn about the County’s contracting opportunities and resources that are available to help them thrive.

Vendor Forums are hosted by the Strategic Procurement Department on the third Thursday of the designated month (unless otherwise noted) from 10 a.m. until noon. Online registration will be available 30 days prior to each session.

Upcoming Vendor Forums

Wed., Mar. 27, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | South Dade Regional Library Auditorium (10750 SW 211 St, Cutler Bay, FL 33189). Please refer to the flyer for more information.
Wed., June 26, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Details will be announced soon.

Here's a list of additional resources to help your business strive in Miami-Dade County:
- South Florida Anchor Alliance
  South Florida Anchor Alliance is a collaborative of regional institutions-hospitals and healthcare systems, education enterprises, and municipalities-coming together to harness their collective multi-billion-dollar spending power and vast human and intellectual capital in order to create a more just and inclusive local economy. The collective commitment of these institutions supports the stability and growth of our local small business community by providing access to critical resources that expand access to contracting opportunities, training assistance, capacity building and workforce development.
- Strive305
  The Strive305 program is designed to accelerate the growth of small businesses countywide and support budding entrepreneurs as they launch and grow new businesses.
- Finance Department - Vendor Payments
  Miami-Dade County offers a payment option that will expedite County payments to your organization.
- Internal Services Department - Small Business Development Division
  Small Business Development is responsible for the County’s Debarment, Cone of Silence, Selection Committee Formations, Change Order Coordination Process, Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, Prompt Payment Ordinance, Equitable Distribution Program, and Miscellaneous Construction Contracts Program as mandated by County Code, implementing orders, and federal regulations.

Vendor Academy

Upcoming Virtual Workshops

Contracting Opportunities: Invitation to Bid, March 21

Doing Business with Miami-Dade County, April 2

Anti-Trust / Sherman Act Training, April 18

Architectural and Engineering & Design-Build Services: How to Prepare a Proposal, April 23

Construction Services, May 3

Office of the Inspector General’s Roles in the Procurement Process, May 8

Contracting Opportunities: Request to Qualify/Prequalification Pools, May 14

Vendor Payments, May 21

Contracting Opportunities: Request for Proposals, May 28

Values and Principles of Public Procurement, June 4

Marketing your Business to Public Purchasers, June 7

County’s Small Business Enterprise Program, June 11

Contracting Opportunities: Invitation to Bid, June 18

Procurement Legislation, June 21