The need for such a site was raised in October 2006 at the "Sealing the Deal" business roundtable sponsored by Councilmember Desley Brooks and 100 Black Men of the East Bay. Since the roundtable, Councilmember Brooks and 100 Black Men worked with City of Oakland's Contract Compliance & Employment Services and Information Technology staff to make the Web site a reality.
Phase I of the Web site invites businesses to register with the city, get certified as local businesses and access contracting opportunities. Businesses and agencies interested in hiring local firms can search the certified business data base for small, local Oakland businesses. In addition, each business can access city contracting schedules and forms. A more extensive interactive process is forthcoming under Phase II.
An important aspect of the new site is the ability to access contracting information for all city agencies. The new site links the agencies so that they are easily accessible from one location. Drop-down menus help businesses access contracting opportunities with individual city agencies.
Phase II of this project will further address some of the needs identified by those who attended the roundtable. A "prompt noticing" component will be added whereby businesses can register to receive notifications of upcoming opportunities specific to their vendor or industry code and complete contracting schedules and forms pertinent to the contracting process online. Also, the Web site will become more interactive, allowing contractors to update any changes such as contact information or changes to various schedules online.
During the process the city will test the site and solicit feedback on its serviceability.
