Supplier Outreach Program

A Humboldt penguin standing on a rocky shore with its black back, white belly, and a black band across its chest.

A Message from the CEO

At Brookfield Zoo Chicago, supplier outreach is an important part of our overall commitment to diversity. This commitment is reflected in our institutional values and supplier outreach policy. Minority and women suppliers expand the pool of excellent suppliers that enables Brookfield Zoo Chicago to pursue our mission of inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. A robust Brookfield Zoo Chicago supplier outreach initiative helps us provide an extraordinary guest experience but will also cultivate a cadre of champions that share our passion for conservation while spreading the virtues of our institution to an expanded audience. If we are to have a sustainable future, all communities must participate.

Dr. Michael Adkesson President & CEO, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Utilization of Certified Diverse Business Enterprises (MBE, WBE, DBE, VOSB)

We are committed to procuring goods and services from certified minority, women, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned small businesses that are capable of meeting our business requirements. If you are a certified minority, women, disadvantaged, or veteran-owned business, please continue reading to learn more about doing business with Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Please see the FAQs or email SupplierDiversity@brookfieldzoo.org if you have further questions about our program.

Variety of Projects

Brookfield Zoo Chicago contracts with vendors for a wide variety of projects, goods and services throughout the year. We obtain bids from vendors for projects, goods and services over $5K. Contracts are generally awarded to the lowest qualified bidder.

Please register your business with us one of two ways, depending on the product or service you provide. If you are a vendor that provides capital goods or service, download and complete the pre-qualification form under Capital Projects. For any other type of goods or services, please use the on-line registration form below. Database vendors that are a match to the project, good or service can receive requests for proposals or quotes directly. We update the site regularly with anticipated project descriptions.

Capital Projects and Requirements

To determine whether a firm has the financial and organizational resources necessary to bid and construct the project under consideration. The Society requires all firms to submit a Contractor’s Prequalification Statement to be considered for capital projects.

Requirements:

  • Bid bond or certified check in the amount of 10% of the contract amount. The bid bond or certified check will be returned within 10 working days to bidders that were not awarded the contract. This requirement may be waived for smaller projects at the Capital Project Committees discretion.

  • Attendance at the mandatory pre-bid meeting

  • Contractors to pay prevailing wages

  • General Contractor to provide a payment and performance bond in the amount equal to the full amount of the contract sum from a surety acceptable to the Society (A- or higher by S&P or A2 or higher by Moody’s). The bond shall also acknowledge the prevailing wage requirements.

FAQs

What is required to do business with Brookfield Zoo Chicago as a minority-owned and/or woman-owned supplier?

To be considered a “Minority Business Enterprise” (MBE) and “Women Business Enterprise” (WBE) with Brookfield Zoo Chicago, the company must 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more persons from the following “Minority Groups. “Minority Group” means any of the following racial or ethnic groups:

  • A woman-owned business (a company that is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by a woman or women)

  • Native American (includes American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts or Native Hawaiians)

  • Other groups, or individuals, found to be socially and economically disadvantaged and to have suffered actual racial or ethnic discrimination and decreased opportunities to compete in the area markets

  • Asian-Americans (persons having origins in any of the original peoples of East Asia, Southeast Asia, the India subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands)

  • Hispanics (persons of Spanish culture with origins in Mexico, South or Central America, or the Caribbean Islands, regardless of race)

  • African-Americans or Blacks (persons having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa)

Is certification required to do business with Brookfield Zoo Chicago?

Certification is not required. All suppliers are welcomed. However, to benefit from the advocacy associated with our supplier outreach initiative we encourage minority and woman-owned businesses to become certified with one of the following agencies:

  • Cook County (Illinois)

  • City of Chicago

  • State of Illinois

  • Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)

  • Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)

  • National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

  • Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

What criteria are used when selecting MWBE suppliers to do business with Brookfield Zoo Chicago?

Suppliers are selected based on product quality, value-added service, competitive pricing and excellent customer service.

What products and services does Brookfield Zoo Chicago purchase?

The following list contains items that we procure on an annual basis from third party vendors:
Accounting Services

  • Architecture Services

  • Animal feed

  • Audio Visual Equipment & Services

  • Construction Services

  • Consulting services

  • Engineering Services

  • Food Service Supplies

  • Fundraising Services

  • Graphic Design Services

  • Horticulture Services

  • IT Services

  • Insurance Services

  • Janitorial Services & Supplies

  • Maintenance Services

  • Marketing Services

  • Medical Equipment

  • Medical Services

  • Office Furniture & Supplies

  • Printing Services

  • Produce & Hay

  • Public Relations Services

  • Security Services

  • Telecommunications Services

  • Uniforms

How can I learn about potential procurement opportunities?

To learn about potential procurement opportunities please register your company to receive notices of request for proposals or requests for quotes as they become available.