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, October 17, 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.
Meeting ID: 823 2617 4676
Upcoming Events
Contracting with Government Event - Illinois Tollway
Thursday, October 23 - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chicago Building Congress Riverfront Exchange
Thursday, October 23rd - 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
MWRD Diversity Vendor 101
Friday, October 24th
Vendor 101 (for Newly Registered Vendors) is a quarterly orientation designed to help newly registered vendors learn how to do business with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Participants will gain an overview of upcoming contract opportunities, learn about the District’s certification process, and explore whether pursuing certification is the right fit for their firm. Invitations are emailed a few weeks before each session. If you are a newly registered vendor and have not received an invitation, please contact Melanie Hernandez-Ocampo at ocampom@mwrd.org
BCOE General Member Meeting
Wednesday, October 29th 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Metropolitain Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Diversity Officer Desirée Foster will lead a presentation on the 21-092-3P Battery E Project at the O’Brien Water Reclamation plant.
Chicago Build Expo 2025
October 29th-30th - McCormick Place
Diversity Administrator Richard L. Martinez Jr. will be representing the District at Chicago Build as a “Diversity in Construction Ambassador”. Chicago Build offers a unique experience for participants over the course of two days, featuring:
- 30,000+ attendees from contractors, architects, realtors, civil engineers, developers, government, house builders and construction professionals
- 400+ incredible speakers across 13 conference tracks
- AIA CES approved workshops
- The Festival of Construction with DJs, musicians, live performances, food and drinks tastings, entertainment and more
- Architect’s Hub with project displays of upcoming projects from leading architects
- Exclusive networking parties with key decision-makers
- The USA's largest networking event for Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction
- An inclusive Ambassador Program supporting Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction
- 350+ exhibitors showcasing the latest services, products and innovations
Past Events
Latino Heritage Business Roundtable
Wednesday, October 8 - Noon - 1 p.m.
IHCC Business Conference and Expo
Thursday, October 9 - Navy Pier
The 2025 MWRD Diverse Business Summit
President Kari K. Steele
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) invites you to the 2025 Small Business Summit, a premier event designed to foster connections, share resources, and open doors to new business opportunities. This dynamic, full-day event is designed to inform, connect, and empower small businesses seeking to work with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD).
Whether you're an experienced contractor or a newcomer to government procurement, the summit offers tools, insights, and connections to help your business thrive.
What to Expect:
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with procurement professionals, prime contractors, consultants, and representatives from local government agencies.
- Exhibitor Showcase: Meet MWRD department heads, Prime Contractors and Consultants, Labor Union representatives, resource organizations, and more ready to support your business journey.
- Educational Panels: Hear from industry experts on topics ranging from MWRD’s 2026 project forecast and the bid preparation process to navigating organized labor in public contracts and emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity.
- Business Matchmaking Sessions: Participate in targeted matchmaking with MWRD department heads, prime contractors, consultants, and sister agencies.
- Industry Meetups: Connect with veteran, women, African-American, and Hispanic-owned business communities in dedicated networking sessions.
Opportunities Await
Hear directly from past participants about why the Small Business Summit is a must-attend event.