April 10 -- Over 400 local and regional vendors and 30 District Government agencies gathered for DC Buys: Reverse Trade Fair at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, organized by the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP).  The day-long event was designed for the local and regional vendor community to learn about opportunities to do business with the District.

Through workshops and panel discussions, representatives from OCP and District government agencies with independent procurement authority offered advice about upcoming solicitations; the DC Supply Schedule application process; resources available through the DC Procurement Technical Assistance Program; an overview of the procurement process that DC government agencies follow; and resources available to entrepreneurs through community organizations and the District government.

“DC Buys 2015 was an important first step towards developing a stronger connection between OCP and the vendor community. We look forward to continuing the conversations with vendors and to hosting this event next year,” said Nancy Hapeman, Interim Chief Procurement Officer.

Vendors also networked with program and procurement professionals to market their businesses and learn about specific programs and upcoming opportunities to contract with District agencies.

For more information about doing business with the District, please contact Liz Anderson, Vendor  Relations Manager at 202-299-3963 or [email protected] .