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., June 5
  10 a.m. - noon
  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.
- Thurs., June 18
  11 a.m. - noon
  Register now
The course will provide an overview of the procurement legislation that governs contracts for goods and services.
- Tues., June 24
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This session offers an overview of insurance requirements for County contracts and provides guidance on submitting proper invoices and understanding payment methods offered by the County.
- Wed., July 9
  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., July 22
  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.
- Fri., Aug. 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.
- Fri., Aug. 15
  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.
- Thurs., Sept. 4
  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. It will also include some key tips on how vendors should review the ITB document and submit bids.
- Tues., Sept. 9
  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., Sept. 16
  10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  Register now
This workshop is intended to provide a general understanding of the Request for Proposal (RFP) procurement method. It will also include some key tips on how vendors should review the RFP document and submit proposals.
- Thurs., Oct. 16
  10 a.m. - 12 p.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.
- Wed., Oct. 22
  11 a.m. - 12 p.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., Nov. 4
  10 a.m. - 11:30 a.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.
- Wed., Nov. 12
  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. It will also include some key tips on how vendors should review the ITB document and submit bids.
- Tues., Dec. 2
  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. 9
  11 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.
- Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Friday, July 11, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Friday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Friday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Friday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Friday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 12, 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.
The next Vendor Forum is scheduled for Fri., Oct. 10, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Additional details will be announced soon.
The event is to assist with the County's vendor registration process step-by-step to make sure local businesses are ready to participate on County contracts. The event is intended for businesses not currently registered as a vendor with Miami-Dade County.
- Fri., Sept. 19, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Fri., Dec. 5, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Please note that the above schedule is tentative and subject to change. Additional 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

Contracting Opportunities: Invitation to Bid, June 5

County’s Small Business Enterprise Program, June 18

Procurement Legislation, June 24

Insurance Requirements and How to Get Paid, July 9

Contracting Opportunities: Request for Proposals, July 22

Contracts 101, Aug. 8

Architectural and Engineering & Design-Build Services: How to Prepare a Proposal, Aug. 15

Keep Ethics in Mind When You Do Business with the County, Sept. 4

Contracting Opportunities: Invitation to Bid, Sept. 9

Contracting Opportunities: Request to Qualify/Prequalification Pools, Sept. 16

Contracting Opportunities: Request to Qualify/Prequalification Pools, Oct. 16

Office of the Inspector General’s Roles in the Procurement Process, Oct. 22

Architectural and Engineering & Design-Build Services: How to Prepare a Proposal, Nov. 4

Procurement Legislation, Nov. 12

Contracting Opportunities: Invitation to Bid, Dec. 2

County’s Small Business Enterprise Program, Dec. 9

Vendor Events and Forums

Vendor Onboarding Events

Vendor Forums - A New Path to Collaboration

Vendor Matchmaking

Vendor Registration Bootcamp

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