A message from Jerry Forte, Chief Executive Officer
At Springs Utilities we value the diversity of our workforce and recognize that an inclusive work environment capitalizes on the strengths that each employee brings to the workplace. This core value, people, extends with the same passion in our relationship with our diverse community. We strive to realize extraordinary accomplishments through understanding, valuing, and engaging employees, customers, and other stakeholders in providing safe, reliable, competitively priced electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to the citizens of Colorado Springs. Springs Utilities supports the growth and development of small, disadvantaged, minority and women owned businesses to provide cost effective and timely acquisitions of goods and services. Our Supplier Diversity Program is an initiative that seeks to provide suppliers fair access to sales and service opportunities through mentoring and supplier development activities. Our outreach activities shall consist of, but not limited to, the following: - Promoting our business opportunities to the community.
- Identifying and working with diverse suppliers on how to do business with us.
- Building relationships with proven community based organizations that can assist with identifying existing and potential small and diverse suppliers.
- Participating in and/or sponsoring supplier diversity functions.
- Promoting our supplier diversity program through effective internal and external communications.
We are committed to providing opportunities to small, disadvantaged, minority and women owned businesses. I encourage you to seek more information and learn more about doing business with Colorado Springs Utilities by visiting our website and registering with the Rocky Mountain e-Procurement System, our on-line solicitation process. Jerry Forte 
Small Business Opportunities
Colorado Springs Utilities believes in supporting the community it serves. This simple belief is the foundation of Colorado Springs Utilities' commitment to community involement. Nowhere is this commitment more evident than in the utility's effort to strengthen small business relationships. The goal of the Sourcing and Contracts Office is to mirror the rich diversity of the company's service area and establish relationships with qualified firms that reflect the cultural diversity of utility's customer base. With every relationship built, Colorado Springs Utilities helps to enhance economic growth and provide the best value services to its citizen-owners. The Sourcing and Contracts Office actively encourages small businesses - especially minority and women owned firms - to participate in the company's procurement process by: - Facilitating the certification of small business firms.
- Increasing the number of small businesses certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and profiled in SBA's Pro-Net procurement database.
- Promoting awareness of Colorado Springs Utilities' business needs and procurement/contracting process.
Business Opportunities
Below are some of the goods and services often purchased by Colorado Springs Utilities: - Computers and peripherals
- Pipe and fittings
- Janitorial services
- Office supplies and services
- Transmission and distribution equipment and hardware
- Construction services and supplies
- Promotional items
- Hand and power tools
- Wire and cable
- Various professional and operational services
Procurement Marketing and Access Network
Colorado Springs Utilities partners with the SBA in offering Pro-Net, an Internet database of procurement information for small businesses. Pro-Net offers a search engine for contracting officers, a marketing tool for small firms and a link to government procurement opportunities. The free service is available to all small firms seeking federal, state and private contracts. Businesses that meet the eligibility criteria set forth in local, state and federal guidelines, may register to be on Pro-Net. Criteria include: - Small business size standards
- Business ownership of at least 51 percent by ethnic minorities or women
- Management and control of the daily operations by the minority or women owners
Small businesses may register online. Procurement Information
For futher information, contact: Colorado Springs Utilities
Sourcing and Contracts Office
121 South Tejon St., Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-0920
719-668-3862
Fax: 719-668-3867
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