AMHA issues RFP for Electrical Services for Miscellaneous Repairs

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP #P25017 

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority is requesting proposals for Electrical Services for Miscellaneous Repairs and/or Interior/Exterior Electrical Services and Related Work at Various AMHA Buildings, Apartments and Single Family Homes. 

A pre-proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307. 

Those interested in submitting a proposal for the aforementioned work may obtain the instructions/information package by contacting SE Blueprint, 540 South Main Street, Suite 211, Akron, Ohio 44311. (330) 376-1689 seblue@seblueprint.com 

Proposals, to be considered, must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the RFP and received by AMHA no later than 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Monday, August 25, 2025. 

Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Herman Hill
Executive Director

The July 24 OhioMBE Bid Board is live

The July 24 edition of the OhioMBE Bid Board is now live!
This issue includes new contracting opportunities, summer events, and professional development workshops to help Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses grow and thrive.

πŸ”¨ Featured Contracting Opportunities:
🧹 Janitorial Services at AMHA Service Center – Due August 14
🧼 Janitorial Services at REACH Opportunity Center – Due August 14
🧽 Carpet Cleaning Services – Due July 31
🐾 Veterinary Services – Due July 30
πŸ“₯ Read the full Bid Board: https://bit.ly/3H64Udg

πŸ—“οΈ Upcoming Events:
🌼 July 26 – South Side in Bloom (Springfield)
πŸ—οΈ July 31 – Franklin County & Elford Small Business Outreach
πŸ’» July 31 – Design & Build Your Website in a Month
πŸ“‹ August 2 – OBDC Certification 101 (Online)
πŸ“‹ August 5 – OBDC Certification 101 (Online)
🧽 August 6 – Post-Construction Cleaning (Online)
πŸ“‹ August 12 – Certification 101 (Evening Session)
πŸš› August 13 – Integrated Hauling & Logistics (Online)
πŸ™ August 16 – Back to School Teen Prayer Rally
πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό August 20 – SheLeads.OH Women’s Business Conference at Quest Conference Center
πŸ”— Register: WomenInOhio.com

πŸ“° This week’s must-reads on OhioMBE.com:
⭐ SheLeads.OH Speaker Spotlight
⭐ Recap: OhioMBE Procurement Fair at the Columbus Zoo
⭐ Consultants for the Incompetent?
⭐ Where Are the Black Churches?
⭐ The Audit Is In: Columbus City Schools Must Do Better

πŸ“’ Want to share your event for FREE?
Submit it to: OhioDiversityNetworks.com

πŸ“¬ Please forward this edition to another business owner and encourage them to subscribe to the Bid Board at OhioMBE.com

In advocacy and action,
Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher, OhioMBE

Franklin County & Elford Hosting Small Business Outreach Event – July 31

Franklin County is partnering with Elford, Inc. to host a Small Business Outreach Event focused on connecting diverse contractors and suppliers with upcoming construction opportunities. Local small businesses are encouraged to attend and learn how to get involved in one of the county’s largest project bundles.

πŸ—“οΈ Event Details:

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: 1220 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
Format: In-person & virtual options available
RSVP by July 25 to dgilliam@elford.com

πŸ—οΈ Featured Projects:

  • East Opportunity Center – Lobby & Interior Renovation
  • Juvenile Intervention Center Renovations
  • Family Stabilization Unit
  • One Door – 45,000 SF Renovation
  • Purchasing and DEI Buildout
  • CSEA Interim Improvements
  • FCOT Maintenance Program (26-story tower)
  • PFM Office Relocation

This is a great opportunity to:
βœ… Meet project teams
βœ… Learn about subcontracting opportunities
βœ… Get prepped for bidding
βœ… Grow your business network

πŸ’¬ Hosted By:

πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό Andrena Austin, Economic Equity Administrator, Franklin County
πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό Denise Gilliam, Director of Inclusion & Outreach, Elford, Inc.

Don’t miss this chance to connect and build with Franklin County!
#SupplierDiversity #BuildTogether #OhioMBE #FranklinCounty

SheLeads.OH 2025 Speaker Spotlight Announced!

The Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the SheLeads.OH 2025 Women’s Business Conference, coming to the Quest Conference Center in Columbus on August 20.

This dynamic event is packed with business education, certification resources, networking, and inspiration for women entrepreneurs across Ohio.

πŸ’Ό Featured Speakers

Luncheon Power Panel
πŸ‘©πŸ½β€πŸ³ Lisa Gutierrez, Owner & CEO of Dos Hermanos
🏒 Haleema Shafeek, President of GOFS Commercial Interiors

Breakout Sessions
🎯 Judith Politi, Owner of Judith Politi Interior Design, Inc.
Topic: How to Market Your Certification

πŸ’° Shaundretta Boykins, State of Ohio
Topic: Financing Your Business


🎟️ Reserve Your Seat
Tickets & details: WomeninOhio.com

πŸ“’ Want to Showcase Your Business?

  • Become a Vendor in our Small Business Marketplace
  • Sponsor a session or feature your brand
  • Submit your interest now: bernita@ohbdc.org

πŸŽ–οΈ Proudly Sponsored by Fortuna Bank and The Franklin County Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Hosted by the Ohio Women’s Chamber of Commerce

πŸ—οΈ Construction Contracts 101: What to Include in Your General Conditions

Free Virtual Class – Wednesday, July 23 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Are your construction bids and contracts missing key language that protects your business?

Join the OBDC Construction Academy for a free virtual training on Wednesday, July 23 to learn what belongs in the General Conditions section of your project proposals β€” and why getting it right can protect your time, budget, and bottom line.

πŸ” What Are General Conditions?

General Conditions are the foundation of any construction contract. They spell out the responsibilities, expectations, and support services required for successful project execution β€” and they play a crucial role in avoiding disputes and cost overruns.

🧠 In This Class, You’ll Learn:

  • What should be included in your General Conditions section
  • How to tailor your terms to match project size and scope
  • Common mistakes that cost contractors time and money
  • Sample language and formatting tips

Whether you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, or project manager, this session will give you the tools to build stronger, smarter bids.


πŸ“… Class Details:

Class: What to Include in General Conditions
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
πŸ’Έ Cost: Free for OBDC members

πŸ”— Register now at OHBDC.org


This training is part of the OBDC Construction Academy, our ongoing series created to support construction professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to compete and thrive.

The July 16 OhioMBE Bid Board is live

πŸ› οΈ The newest edition of the OhioMBE Bid Board is now available, featuring contracting opportunities, upcoming business events, and community highlights to support the growth of Ohio’s small and minority-owned businesses.

πŸ”¨ Featured Contracting Opportunities:
🧼 Janitorial Services – AMHA Service Center (Due Aug. 14)
🧼 Janitorial Services – REACH Opportunity Center (Due Aug. 14)
🧽 Carpet Cleaning Services (Due July 31)
🐾 Veterinary Services (Due July 30)

πŸ“₯ Read the full July 17 Bid Board: https://bit.ly/4nOip1P


πŸ—“οΈ Upcoming Events – July 2025
πŸ“Œ July 17 | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
🦁 OhioMBE Procurement Fair @ The Columbus Zoo
🎯 Meet with buyers from the Zoo, CMHA, Franklin County, SSA Group & more
🎟️ Register here

πŸ“Œ July 19 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
πŸ’‰ First Stick Phlebotomy and IV Summit

πŸ“Œ July 19 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
πŸŽ„ Christmas in July – Red Riding Hood Rescue Project

πŸ“Œ July 23 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
πŸŽ™οΈ Convos with Commissioner Crawley

πŸ“Œ July 23 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
πŸ“± Post. Pitch. Profit. (Hosted by OWCC)
πŸ’Ό Learn to turn your social media into revenue

πŸ“Œ July 23 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
πŸ“‹ What to Include in General Conditions
πŸ’‘ Protect your profit in construction contracts
πŸ”— Register at OHBDC.org


πŸ“£ Add Your Event for FREE at OhioDiversityNetworks.com
Whether it’s a training, networking event, or community gathering, share your info and increase your visibility statewide.


πŸ“° This Week’s Must-Reads on OhioMBE.com
β€’ Consultants for the Incompetent?
β€’ SheLeads OH: Voices. Vision. Victory.
β€’ Where Are the Black Churches?
β€’ Westerville Hosts Sold-Out Procurement Fair
β€’ Audit: Columbus City Schools Must Do Better

πŸ“’ Know another business owner? Forward this issue and tell them to subscribe at OhioMBE.com

In advocacy and action,
Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher, OhioMBE

Franklin County Seeks Proposals for Veterinary Services

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners is requesting proposals for:

🐾 RFP #2025-07-13
Spay, Neuter, Emergency Care, & After-Hours Emergency Veterinary Services

πŸ“Œ Issued By: Franklin County Department of Animal Care and Control
πŸ—“οΈ Proposal Due Date: July 30, 2025, at 3:30 PM ET
πŸ“… Pre-Proposal Conference: July 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET

This RFP seeks qualified veterinary providers to support the health and wellbeing of animals in the county’s care through spay/neuter services and 24/7 emergency care.

πŸ“„ Full details and updates:
πŸ‘‰ Visit Franklin County’s Purchasing site:
http://purchasing.franklincountyohio.gov/businesses/bid-opportunities/

πŸ“¬ Questions?
Contact: Erika Patray
πŸ“§ epatray@franklincountyohio.gov
πŸ“ž 614.525.2595
πŸ•” Deadline for questions: July 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET

β€”

πŸ“ Posted on OhioMBE.com – Ohio’s hub for small and minority business opportunities.

#FranklinCounty #OhioMBE #VeterinaryRFP #AnimalCare #SmallBusinessOpportunities #BidAlert #SupplierDiversity

OBDC Class Tonight – Boost Your Business with AI: Learn How to Write Winning Quotes Using ChatGPT

Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE for OBDC Members
πŸ”— Register at OHBDC.org


Are you spending too much time writing quotes, estimates, or proposals β€” only to wonder if they’re even working?

If so, it’s time to discover how AI tools like ChatGPT can help you streamline your process, sound more professional, and ultimately win more contracts.

Join the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) for a free online class on Wednesday, July 16 and learn how to make ChatGPT work for your business.

πŸ’‘ What You’ll Learn:

  • How to use ChatGPT to write professional quotes and proposals
  • Techniques for customizing AI-generated responses
  • Ways to save time while improving clarity and structure
  • Pitfalls to avoid when using AI for client communication

This session is especially helpful for contractors, consultants, and service-based entrepreneurs who want to sharpen their quoting process and stand out with stronger proposals.

No prior experience with AI is required β€” we’ll walk you through it step by step.


πŸŽ“ Who Should Attend?

  • Small business owners
  • Construction professionals
  • Consultants and freelancers
  • Anyone writing client quotes, estimates, or RFP responses

πŸš€ Why It Matters

Strong quotes lead to stronger client relationships β€” and more closed deals. This class will help you stop guessing and start using the tools that give you an edge.

Don’t miss out β€” register now at OHBDC.org and take your proposals to the next level.

AMHA issues bid notice for Janitorial Services at Reach Opportunity Center

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bid proposals will be received by the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority at 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307 until 2:00 p.m. local time on THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025 at which time and place all bids will opened. Bid Results will be posted on SE Blueprint web site .Β Β 

JANITORAL SERVICES AND RELATED WORKΒ at REACH OPPORTUNITY CENTER
390 WEST CROSIER STREET
AKRON,OHIO 44311

Specifications can be purchased at SE Blueprint, Inc. located at 520 South Main Street, Suite 2411, Akron, Ohio 44311 (330) 376-1689.Β  Please email (akron@seblueprint.com) or call with quantity requests and notice will be provided when documents are available for pick-up.

An email link for the above mentioned specifications is available at the Subcontractors Association NEO, 637 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; Akron Urban League, Minority Business Assistance Center, 440 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio; the Builders Exchange of Canton, 5080 Aultman Rd., North Canton, Ohio; Builders Exchange of Cleveland, 9555 Rockside Road, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio; and the Ohio Construction News, 7261 Engle Road, Suite 304, Cleveland, Ohio.Β  A list of plan holders can be obtained from SE Blueprint’s website @ www.seblueprint.com

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held by the Housing Authority at the AMHA Administration Building, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307, on Tuesday, JULY 22, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT (Governor’s Order of January 27, 1972)

Bidders’ attention is called to the provision for β€œEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CLAUSE” and the β€œSTANDARD FEDERAL EQUAL EMPLOYMENT CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS”.Β  The goals, timetables, compliance and regulations set for in the Executive Order deemed part of this solicitation by reference.

Each bidder must insure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Bidder’s attention is further called to the provisions of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701u) (Section 3), and are required to comply with all requirements as relates to Section 3, including training and employment opportunities forΒ  Section 3 Residents and Business Concerns for this Section 3 covered project.

The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to re-advertise our bids, and to waive any informality in bids received whenever such rejections, re-advertisement or waiver is in the best interest of the Housing Authority.

No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of (60) days subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance are asked to contact AMHA’s ADA Coordinator, 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, OhioΒ  44307, (330) 762-9631 or Ohio Relay at 800-750-0750 at least seven (7) days in advance.

AKRON METROPOLITAN HOUSING AUTHORITY
HERMAN HILL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Upcoming Events to Empower and Connect Diverse Communities – July Highlights

Stay in the loop with the latest events supporting diverse entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community leaders across Ohio. These listings from OhioDiversityNetworks.com include business workshops, networking opportunities, and community celebrations happening this July.


πŸ“‘ July 16 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

OBDC Construction Academy: Using ChatGPT to Write Your Quote

Let AI help you win contracts! Learn how to use ChatGPT to write clear, professional, and persuasive quotes for your business. This session is perfect for contractors, consultants, and small business owners looking to save time and land more work.
πŸ”— Register at OHBDC.org
#ChatGPTForBusiness #ConstructionQuotes #OBDC


🦁 July 17 | 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM

OhioMBE Procurement Fair – Hosted by The Columbus Zoo

πŸ“ Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Make new contracting connections in a wild setting! The July OhioMBE Procurement Fair is your chance to connect with purchasing reps from the Columbus Zoo and other supplier diversity champions.
βœ… Scheduled 15-minute one-on-one meetings
πŸ’΅ $24.99
πŸ”— Register at OhioMBE.com
#OhioMBE #SupplierDiversity #BusinessGrowth


πŸ’‰ July 19 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

First Stick Phlebotomy and IV Summit

Full-day training and networking for healthcare professionals and students.
πŸ“ See full event details at OhioDiversityNetworks.com


πŸ’¬ July 23 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Convos with Crawley

πŸ“ Lifecare Alliance, 670 Harmon Ave, Columbus, OH
Join this in-person community conversation session led by local changemaker Crawley.
πŸ“ Event details and updates available at OhioDiversityNetworks.com


πŸ“± July 23 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Post. Pitch. Profit. – Hosted by OWCC

Social media meets strategy! Learn how to turn likes into leads and followers into paying clients. This special Pitch & Connect event includes live pitches, real tips, and purposeful networking for women entrepreneurs.
🌟 OWCC members receive priority pitch slots.
πŸ”— Register at OHBDC.org
#OWCC #PostPitchProfit #WomenInBusiness


πŸ“‘ July 23 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

What to Include in General Conditions – OBDC Construction Academy

Are your General Conditions protecting your bottom line? This hands-on workshop will walk through what belongs in the General Conditions section of your bids and contracts.
Perfect for contractors, estimators, and project managers.
πŸ”— Register at OHBDC.org
#ConstructionAcademy #GeneralConditions #OBDC


🌸 July 26 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

South Side in Bloom

Celebrate growth, beauty, and community on Springfield’s South Side!
πŸ“ Full event details and activities listed at OhioDiversityNetworks.com


πŸ’₯ Don’t miss these amazing opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive. Visit OhioDiversityNetworks.com regularly for new event listings and ways to get involved.

πŸ“’ Hosting an event that supports diverse communities or small businesses?
πŸ‘‰ Add your event for FREE at OhioDiversityNetworks.com