Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) Hosts Supplier Days

Springfield, Illinois - Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) hosted outreach events in Chicago and Springfield, where current and prospective vendors received updates on DoIT's strategic direction and how minority vendors can capitalize on contracting opportunities with the State of Illinois. DoIT shared information on upcoming initiatives and the prioritization of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) within all projects, as guided by Illinois Public Act 101-0657, which was signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker earlier this year.

"At DoIT we are committed to an inclusive procurement strategy that increases opportunities for diverse suppliers," commented Jennifer Ricker, CIO and DoIT Acting Secretary. "These supplier events allow us to engage directly with vendors on our priorities in order to more effectively collaborate and broaden our potential supplier pool."

City Colleges of Chicago's Kennedy-King College (KKC) was the host for DoIT Supplier Diversity Day, which opened with remarks from Governor JB Pritzker and Senator Mattie Hunter from Illinois' 3rd District, followed by a welcome from KKC President Dr. Gregory Thomas. In addition to updates from DoIT, representatives from Google and IBM offered sessions on partner programs and how BEP vendors can leverage opportunities and participate within their organizations.

The Springfield Supplier Day was held at University of Illinois Springfield in the Student Union Ballroom and opened with a welcome from Dr. Somnath Bhattacharya, UIS Dean of the College of Business and Management, followed by a presentation titled "Artificial Intelligence-Beyond Buzzwords" by Dr. Elham Khorasani Buxton, UIS Associate Professor of Computer Science. DoIT leaders provided updates from the offices of the Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Information Security, Procurement ad Legal.

"We were delighted for the opportunity to host DoIT leaders and IT suppliers on our campus and join in their efforts to encourage diversity across the network of state government vendors," said Bruce Sommer, UIS Director of Economic Development and Innovation. "UIS is proud to work alongside DoIT in these efforts and further inspired to expand our diversity efforts across our suppliers, students, faculty and staff."

DoIT will continue to provide outreach efforts throughout the coming year to strengthen BEP vendor participation.