The Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) was recently featured in Community Newspapers, highlighting Miami-Dade County’s ongoing efforts to empower small businesses and expand access to economic opportunities.
Through collaboration, outreach, and strategic partnerships, the County continues to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources, networking opportunities, and initiatives designed to help them grow and compete in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
As part of its commitment to fostering an inclusive business ecosystem that supports innovation, strengthens local businesses, and drives long-term economic growth across the community, SPD will host the Small Business Resource EXPO: County Services Under One Roof on May 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Miami’s Community Newspapers (6796 SW 62nd Ave, South Miami, FL 33143). We hope to see you there!
Read the full article here: /featured/one-roof-endless-opportunity-miami-dade-empowers-small-businesses-for-2026/
#MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #OurCounty #procurement #SmallBusiness
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee will host a Local Business Workshop—Maximizing Match Day—to help prepare local businesses for the FIFA World Cup 2026 tomorrow, May 5, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport Hotel (3974 N. South River Drive, Miami, FL 33142).
Join us to learn about the FIFA Local Impact Supplier Program, practical strategies to help businesses prepare for the World Cup, and how large-scale events—particularly sports—generate economic opportunities for local businesses.
Please RSVP at / and select “View Outreach Opportunities.”
The Strategic Procurement Department’s Small & Local Business Show featured Sophia Cunningham, Assistant Director for Training and Business Outreach. The discussion highlights her global procurement journey and provides insight into how continuous education helps to transform public procurement.
The episode explores the development of procurement training initiatives such as the Vendor Academy and Procurement Academy. It also underscores the importance of accountability, ethics, impartiality, professionalism, service, and transparency as guiding principles for the procurement profession.
Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/ZEfvB105UyQ?si=7jYDmw9ewK2psbYP
On April 21, 2026, the Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) hosted an International Procurement Summit at Start-Up Olé Miami 2026. The event brought together approximately 40 local entrepreneurs, international trade experts, and local public sector leaders to discuss global market access and innovation in public procurement.
International trade experts representing Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Jamaica, and Thailand shared valuable insights on how local businesses can pursue contracting opportunities within their respective countries. Public organizations in these countries are diversifying their vendor base to increase competition, foster innovation and mitigate risks.
Public sector leaders from the City of North Miami Beach, City of Plantation, City of Riviera Beach, and SPD discussed how technological advancements and globalization are shaping the future of public procurement. They also highlighted various capacity building initiatives to enhance the skills of procurement professionals, and to educate and engage vendors.
From global connections to forward-thinking strategies, the Summit showcased the power of collaboration in transforming public procurement and opening doors for local vendors to access contracting opportunities in international markets.
We thank all speakers and participants for contributing to this important conversation and look forward to future engagements.
#MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #OurCounty #procurement #business
The Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) was recently featured in Community Newspapers, highlighting the vital role procurement plays behind the scenes in delivering key County initiatives and services.
From supporting major infrastructure to innovative projects, SPD continues to support the modernization efforts in Miami International Airport (MIA). A recent example is the Wait N’ Sleep room at MIA , where SPD led a competitive Request for Proposals procurement process (EVN0000237) that projected to generate at least $10 million revenue for the County. It underscores SPD’s commitment to deliver impactful projects that enhance the community and traveler experience alike.
Read the full article here: /featured/miami-dade-county-the-magic-behind-the-scenes/
Join us at the International Summit hosted by the Miami-Dade County Strategic Procurement Department on Tuesday, April 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the James L. Knight Center.
This event will feature two expert panels exploring international and local business opportunities. They allow you to gain insights from international leaders representing Brazil, Jamaica, Colombia, India, and Thailand on how businesses can access global contracting opportunities and navigate competitive markets. You will also hear from public sector leaders across South Florida as they discuss the evolving role of procurement that driven by policy, technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to deliver greater value and impact.
For more information, please visit: https://startupolemiami.eu/forum-strategicprocurement/
You can RSVP at: https://startupolemiami.eu/tickets/
We look forward to meeting you at the event!
#MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #procurement #business #SmallBusiness
On March 31, 2026, the Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) hosted a Vendor Registration Bootcamp at the Westchester Regional Library, with approximately 45 local businesses.
During the session, SPD staff provided step-by-step guidance on completing Part 1 of the vendor registration process, navigating the INFORMS bidding portal, and applying for Small Business Enterprise certification. SPD is committed to supporting the County’s vendor community through registration bootcamps.
For upcoming events, please bookmark: www.miamidade.gov/VendorBootcamp
For assistance with vendor registration, contact us at 305-375-5773 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or email [email protected].
#OurCounty #MiamiDade #MiamiDadeCounty #SmallBusiness #procurement
The Strategic Procurement Department's Assistant Director Manny Cid hosted an episode of the SPD Small & Local Business Show featuring Pablo Valin, Senior A/E Consultant Selection Coordinator. The discussion provides an overview of how Architectural and Engineering (A&E) and Design-Build projects in Miami-Dade County are planned, designed, and delivered.
The episode highlights the role of A&E and Design-Build procurement teams in infrastructure projects, as well as how collaboration between prime and sub-contractors supports large-scale projects such as those at Miami International Airport and PortMiami. It also offers insight into how infrastructure projects are developed to help drive Miami’s continued growth as a global hub for travel and trade.
Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/j_xfoFXTHAM
#miamidade #miamidadecounty #OuCounty #smallbusiness #procurement
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee has released a Federal Grants Consultant Request for Proposals (RFP), offering qualified firms an opportunity to support funding and grant-related efforts tied to World Cup activities. Local businesses with relevant experience are encouraged to review and respond.
This initiative connects local suppliers to opportunities associated with one of the world’s largest global events, helping ensure economic benefits reach the South Florida business community.
For more information and to view available opportunities, please visit:
/local-impact-supplier-program/
On March 12, Miami-Dade County Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) Section Manager Carlos Ansuarez joined Assistant Director Manny Cid live on MegaTV to discuss the process and key benefits of obtaining Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certifications in Miami-Dade County.
Small and local businesses are the backbone of our community—driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our local economy. At Team SPD, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow, compete, and succeed.
No matter where you are in your business journey, we are here to support you every step of the way as we work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.
Learn more about the County’s Small Business Enterprise Certification programs:
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/strategic-procurement/small-business-enterprise-certification.page
Join us in shining the spotlight on Kellen Sanchez, Senior Professional Services Specialist with the Miami-Dade County Strategic Procurement Department’s Contract Monitoring and Compliance Division.
Kellen possesses keen analytical skills and the capacity to interpret complex data. Her professional skills were honed during her previous role at the Miami-Dade Office of the Property Appraiser. She applies these skills in her current position by supporting critical compliance functions and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of contract data.
In her current position, Kellen is responsible for entering and maintaining data in the Business Management Workforce System, activating contracts in the County’s web-based payroll system, LCPtracker, and cross-referencing contract information across multiple platforms. She also prepares reports for advisory boards and County departments and provides training to vendors on the use of these systems. Through these efforts, Kellen helps ensure that compliance processes are transparent and efficient, and information is accessible to all stakeholders.
Kellen consistently supports her colleagues with professionalism and a collaborative spirit. Her dedication to teamwork contributes to the effectiveness of the compliance operations and County’s procurement processes.
We thank Kellen for her continued commitment to the mission of the Strategic Procurement Department and for the valuable contributions she makes to the team.
Sign up for the Strategic Procurement Department's Vendor Registration Boot Camp, taking place Tuesday, March 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Westchester Regional Library (9445 Coral Way, Miami FL 33165). We will walk you through the vendor registration process step-by-step to make sure you are ready to participate in County contracts. This event is intended for businesses not currently registered as a Vendor with Miami-Dade County.
For more information: www.miamidade.gov/VendorBootcamp
