Upcoming Diversity Events
Contract Opportunity
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) is excited to share a major contracting opportunity with you and your network. Contract 21-092-3P, Battery E Activated Sludge Facility at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant, is the largest contract in MWRD history, with an estimated value between $308 million and $373 million.
We encourage you to distribute this invitation to bid widely within your membership to ensure that qualified firms are aware of this unique opportunity to participate.
Key details include:
• Project: Contract 21-092-3P,Battery E Activated Sludge Facility at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant
• Bid Due Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 by 11:00 AM CST (electronic submission only)
• Optional Site Walk-Through: Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM CST
• Voluntary Technical Pre-Bid Meeting: Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM CST (via Zoom)
• Virtual Informational Sessions for Small Business Subcontractors: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 2:30 pm (via Zoom)
As noted above, we will be hosting a virtual informational sessions following the pre-bid meeting where members of our Engineering Department will present contract information and answer questions.
Questions:
Thank you for helping us get the word out and supporting diverse participation on this historic project. Should you or your members have technical questions involving the scope of the project, please direct them through the MWRD’s online Q&A system (link included in the Invitation to Bid) no later than one week prior to the bid opening date. General questions, or questions related to the contract’s affirmative action goals, can be directed to Diversity Officer Desirée Foster at fosterd@mwrd.org.
The meeting invitation for session is attached and the link and details can also be found below. The invitation for the second session will be sent out closer to the date.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PMpL6ngBQyeo-LuBC3_0fQ
Impact Small Business Summit 2026
The Impact Small Business Summit, hosted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, is designed to connect small and diverse businesses with real opportunities in public contracting. Learn more
Upcoming Events
A Connect DuPage Webinar: Doing Business with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
April 29, 2026
1:00PM
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is a special purpose government agency responsible for treating wastewater and managing stormwater in Cook County, Illinois. Encompassing an area of approximately 883 square miles, it is one of the largest governmental bodies in the state of Illinois.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to become a registered vendor of MWRD, which averages $130 million in procurement each year across a broad range of projects, supplies, and services.
PRESENTER
Richard L. Martinez, Jr.
Administrator, Diversity Section
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
NAWBO Women Mean Business Conference
April 29, 2026
MWRD’s Diversity Section is proud to support the NAWBO Chicago Women Mean Business Regional Entrepreneurial Conference & 43rd Annual Fundraiser.
Join us on April 29, 2026, for a full day of networking, educational sessions, and opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and resource partners. The conference brings together a dynamic community focused on business growth, leadership, and meaningful connections.
MWRD Diversity will be participating as an exhibitor, please stop by our table in the Exhibitor Hall to learn more about doing business with the MWRD, available contracting opportunities, and resources to support your business growth.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Small Business Success Stories: Ashley M. Coleman (President and Co-Founder) C&G Construction Supply Company
Thursday, April 30, 2026 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
We are pleased to feature Ashley M. Coleman, President and Co-Founder of C&G Construction Supply Company, who will share insights from her business journey, lessons learned in the industry, and practical advice for small businesses seeking to grow and succeed.
With the session just days away, we encourage you to register soon and join us for what promises to be an engaging and informative conversation.
Hosted by Richard L. Martinez Jr., MWRD Diversity Administrator, this discussion will offer practical guidance and meaningful insights for firms looking to expand their opportunities. Please feel free to share this invitation with others in your network who may benefit from attending.
We hope you can join us this Thursday as we continue strengthening connections with our partners throughout the year.
Meet the Prime Contractor for the MWRD’s New JOC Contract
May 28, 2026, | 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Network directly with the prime contractor and explore opportunities to collaborate on upcoming Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) projects. HOSTED BY: Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) and Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC)
Small Business Expo Chicago
June 10
2026 Annual Womenrock Awards Reception
June 10, 2026, | 6:00PM
Past Events
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day
April 17, 2026.
MWRD’s Diversity Section is proud to support the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) Chicago Business Opportunity Forums Day on April 17, 2026.
This event brings together small businesses and industry leaders for networking, a general session, Business Opportunity Connection Exchange, and access to specialized hubs, including Financial Advisory Services and Public Sector resources.
MWRD Diversity will be participating as an exhibitor—stop by our table to learn more about contracting opportunities and resources available to support your business.
Chicago Transit Authority's Building Small Business
April 16, 2026
5:30PM - 8:00 PM
Networking Breakfast: Building Illinois – What’s Next in Construction.
April 9, 2026
8 AM - 10 AM
Join our partners at the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for an engaging Networking Breakfast: Building Illinois – What’s Next in Construction. We are proud to share that MWRD Diversity Administrator Richard L. Martinez, Jr. will be among the featured speakers, joining industry leaders and public agency representatives to discuss upcoming opportunities and the future of construction in our region. We encourage our network to attend and connect!
Meet the JOC Prime Contractor
Thursday, April 9, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
BCOE Headquarters, 7744 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
Looking to connect with a prime contractor and position your business for upcoming work?
Join us on Thursday, April 9 for a “Meet the Prime Contractor” networking event featuring McDonagh Demolition, the prime contractor for MWRD’s new Job Order Contract (JOC).
This is your opportunity to:
· Introduce your business directly to the prime contractor
· Learn about upcoming MWRD project opportunities
· Build relationships for future subcontracting and partnership opportunities
Event Details:
📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026
🕔 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 BCOE Headquarters, 7744 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
We encourage contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and professional service firms to attend.
Connect & Contract Summit
March 30, 2026
BCU Gala
March 28, 2026
GSA/OSDBU Region 5 Matchmaking Event
March 18, 2026, | 10:00am to 11:30am
City of Chicago Construction Summit | 2026
March 18, 2026, | 10:00am to 3:00pm
Government Contracting Summit hosted by The Illinois APEX Accelerator
Mar 17, 2026, | 8:30am to 4:30pm
African American Contractors Association
March 04, 2026
Veterans Chamber of Commerce
March 02, 2026
Meet The Primes: Connecting Prime Contractors with
Subcontractors & Suppliers
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
CMAA LNY Small Business Showcase
February 18, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Chatham Business Association presentation
February 10, 2026
BCOE 2nd Annual Gala & Scholarship Drive
January 31, 2026
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
MWRD Small Business Success Stories
JANUARY 30, 2026
11:00 AM
Hire 360
January 16, 2026
