The City of Philadelphia released the one-year update to the Procurement Forecast during the 40th Annual Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. In anticipation of increased infrastructure investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the City released the first ever Procurement Forecast in October 2023 and is committed to updating the forecast every six months. Previously, the forecast accounted for over $520 million in upcoming work. Today the City is releasing an updated forecast showcasing over 250 contract opportunities from seven different agencies, totaling over $1 billion in upcoming work.
The Procurement Forecast is spearheaded by the Infrastructure Solutions Team (IST), a cross-departmental working group dedicated to advancing racial equity with BIL funding. To ensure that the City is utilizing the historic levels of federal funding to create a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia with economic opportunity for all, the IST established a two-pillar approach focusing on equitable workforce and diverse business participation. Publishing forecasts of upcoming contracts is a Procurement Excellence best practice to create an efficient and fair procurement process. The forecast is intended to increase transparency around government contracting and provide potential contractors more time to plan and prepare competitive bids and proposals.
For the first time this year, the forecast includes anticipated public works and professional service contract opportunities from multiple agencies, including:
- City of Philadelphia Department of Streets,
- City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability (OOS) / Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA),
- City of Philadelphia Aviation Department (PHL/PNE),
- City of Philadelphia Water Department (PWD),
- Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW),
- School District of Philadelphia (SDP), and
- Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
The forecast’s scope of work crosses multiple trades and upcoming demand for prime contractors and subcontractors for electrical, general, and mechanical construction; water, sewer, and GSI construction and reconstruction; asphalt paving; and public engagement, communications, and design consulting.
Looking Ahead
Today kicks off the 40th annual Philadelphia MED Week, a national observance that recognizes the outstanding achievements of Minority Business Enterprises. This year’s theme is “Investing in the Future: 40 Years of Helping Minority Businesses Lead the Way.” Be sure to check out the Commerce Department’s official events listing to find more than 40 events and workshops happening around the city this MED week.