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 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
This workshop is intended to promote an understanding of ethics in the procurement process. It examines the conflict of interest, principal, and lobbyist registration requirements, cone of silence, and public records law.
- Tues., July 16
  10 a.m. - 11:30 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 legislations, and how to respond to A&E and Design Build solicitations.
- Tues., July 30
  
  10 a.m.- 11:30 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., Aug. 6
  
  10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  
  Register now
This workshop is intended to provide a basic summary of what constitutes an enforceable contract and discusses various sections in the County’s General Terms and Conditions.
- Thur., Aug. 29
  
  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.
- Tues., Sept. 10
  10 a.m. - 11 a.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., Sept. 17
  10 a.m.- 12 p.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., Oct. 8
  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 legislations, and how to respond to A&E and Design Build solicitations.
- Tues., Oct. 22
  10 a.m.- 11:30 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., Oct. 29
  10 a.m. - 11 a.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., Nov. 5
  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., Nov. 19
  10 a.m.- 12 p.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., Dec. 3
  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., Dec. 17
  10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  Register now

Vendor Events and Forums

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., June 13, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Thur., July 11, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Fri., Aug. 2, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Fri., Sept. 20, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Fri., Oct. 11, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Fri., Nov. 8, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Thur., Dec. 5, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.
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
- Fri., Oct. 18
  11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Details will be announced soon
- Fri., Dec. 13
  11 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Details will be announced soon
This workshop will provide an overview of the benefits of doing business with Miami-Dade County and contracting opportunities with County departments.
- Wed., June 26: Matchmaking with Park, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS)
  1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  Arcola Lakes Senior Center
  8401 NW 14 Ave.
  Miami, FL 33147
- Fri., Nov. 15
  11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Details will be announced soon

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
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

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

Keep Ethics in Mind When You Do Business with the County, July 16

Architectural and Engineering & Design-Build Services: How to Prepare a Proposal, July 30

Contracting Opportunities: Request for Proposals, Aug. 6

Contracts 101, Aug. 29

Marketing your Business to Public Purchasers, Sept. 10

Contracting Opportunities: Invitation to Bid, Sept. 17

Contracting Opportunities: Request to Qualify/Prequalification Pools, Oct. 8

Architectural and Engineering & Design-Build Services: How to Prepare a Proposal, Oct. 22

Office of the Inspector General’s Roles in the Procurement Process, Oct. 29

Vendor Payments, Nov. 5

Contracting Opportunities: Request for Proposals, Nov. 19

County’s Small Business Enterprise Program, Dec. 3

Contracting Opportunities: Invitation to Bid, Dec. 17

Vendor Events and Forums

Vendor Onboarding Events

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:

Vendor Matchmaking

This workshop will provide an overview of the benefits of doing business with Miami-Dade County and contracting opportunities with County departments.

We are Here to Listen, Ready to Respond

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)

INFORMS Support Resources

Additional Resources