DWSD June Contractor Connect Newsletter

2022

Earlier this year, Detroit Water & Sewerage Department’s (DWSD) Director Gary Brown made a groundbreaking commitment to opportunities and inclusion for contractors, suppliers, and employees. To support his bold vision, he created a new director-level position – the Opportunity & Inclusion Director.

I’m honored to be that person! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tiffany Jones. I’ve been with DWSD since February 2018 and have more than 20 years of public relations experience. In my previous role, I oversaw DWSD's communications strategy which included guiding the messaging and writing standards across the organization. I led the launch of DWSD’s first coordinated advertising campaign and collaborated with internal groups to develop outreach material related to construction projects, including the creation of the Lead Service Line Replacement Program packet.

My goals include developing and executing a workplan around the following areas specific to DWSD, and to support Mayor Mike Duggan’s citywide initiative to create inclusive opportunities for Detroiters and minorities:

  • Outreach and engagement to construction and professional services firms with a focus on opportunities and inclusion for minority and Detroit-based contractors.
  • Develop incentives related to DWSD contracts to comply with Mayor Duggan’s Executive Order 2016-1 that requires Detroit residents account for at least 51% of the hours performed on City construction contracts of more than $3M; and
  • Create strategies and initiatives around employee diversity and inclusion in promotional opportunities.

I’m excited about this new role, even though contractor outreach is not new to me. Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure to manage and moderate DWSD’s Annual Construction Contractor Workshop. I’m looking to reconnect and bring more opportunities to our Detroit community! Feel free to contact me by mobile at (313) 573-3320 or email at [email protected].

 

 

Tiffany M. Jones
Opportunity & Inclusion Director, DWSD

 

 

Doing Business with DWSD

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DWSD has its own Procurement Group, Procurement Policy, and e-procurement platform, separate from City of Detroit. The first step to do business with DWSD is to register your company with BidNet or MITN (The Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network). Companies can register online at www.mitn.info. There are also step-by-step instructions in a downloadable PDF on detroitmi.gov/DWSD . Click on the website and search: MITN Instructions.

Procurement Opportunities Header

  • Catch Basin Cleaning, Inspections, Repairs & Replacement Services (On Call)
  • Hydrojetting Services (On Call)
  • Claims Adjuster Services Related to Summer 2021 Flood Events
  • Printing Services
  • CS-1947 - Water Main Condition Assessment
  • DWS-926 - Sewer Condition Assessment

DWSD opportunities can only be viewed on BidNet or MITN. Proposals must be submitted via that website. 

News you Can Use

Don’t forget to get clearances and business licenses renewed ANNUALLY! The state of Michigan requires all business owners of limited liability companies (LLC) and corporations to file an annual report. Submitting annual reports is one of the compliance tasks required to keep business entities in good standing with the state. Find out more at https://www.corpnet.com/blog/michigan-annual-reports/.

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Are you a prime contractor looking for a sub? Or are you a small business owner who wants to start a joint or mentor venture? DWSD is updating its resource directory. If you want to be included, please click this link to submit your contact information. We will compile all of the information and create a public directory that will be located on the website. Contractors will be able to view and contact other contractors directly.