Saint Paul – The State of Minnesota in partnership with the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) will host a workshop for small businesses interested in selling environmentally responsible products and services to public agencies. The supplier development workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 28 at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School Conference Center.

Minnesota is a leader in sustainable operations and state agencies are committed to contracting for goods and services that reduce their carbon footprint. Increased preferences toward sustainable products and operations that protect the environment and human health have significantly shifted state purchasing practices in recent years. The Minnesota Department of Administration (Admin) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) partnered in 2013 to develop sustainable operation practices and green purchasing standards for state agencies that favor greater use of eco-friendly products and services.

The free supplier development workshop will provide attendees with an overview of national sustainable purchasing trends, share updates on goals and specific state sustainability requirements, and help prepare businesses for successful bidding on future sustainable contracts. Staff from the State of Minnesota and SPLC will be available after the event to network and answer questions about how to be competitive in today’s sustainable marketplace.

Event: Becoming Competitive in a Sustainable Marketplace
When: Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Presentation from State and National Leaders, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Networking and Refreshments
Where: Cowles Auditorium & Atrium, University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School Conference Center (301 19th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55455)
Cost: Free
Register: https://mngov.ecenterdirect.com/events/1211

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Sustainable Purchasing program works to increase the availability of sustainable products on state contracts, help public entities green their procurement programs, and share news and information with the sustainable purchasing community.

Admin’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) assists businesses by providing individualized technical assistance in navigating local, state, and federal contracting requirements as well as performance assistance. Expertise provided by PTAC business counselors includes market identification, registration assistance, contracting regulations/compliance assistance, and ongoing technical support throughout the procurement process. PTAC counselors conduct year-round training sessions across the state to help businesses hone essential business skills.

Admin’s Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP) counsels small businesses, including small businesses owned by minorities, women, people with physical disabilities, and veterans attempting to sell goods and services to the State. OEP helps level the playing field for small businesses by ensuring they are aware of contract opportunities, have the information and technical assistance they need to respond to solicitations and have an equitable opportunity to achieve a successful business relationship with the state.

The Department of Administration (Admin) oversees state procurement, including more than $2 billion in state purchases each year. State law has provided for a targeted group preference program since 1990. Additional information about state purchasing programs can be found online at mn.gov/admin.

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For more information:

Curt Yoakum, Assistant Commissioner
(651) 201-2771
Curtis.Yoakum@state.mn.us