Minority-, women-, and disabled persons-owned businesses in Illinois will have an easier time accessing state contracts thanks to a new Executive Order signed today by Governor Bruce Rauner.
Under the order, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) will have to improve the state's Business Enterprise Program's (BEP) tracking of minority- and women, and disabled persons-owned business participation on Illinois contracts, update the BEP goal setting process on contracts, and review procurement procedures to ensure that businesses owners have sufficient time to respond to the opportunities.
"We need to lift up minorities, women, and persons with disabilities who have been overlooked within our society and are underrepresented in our economy," Governor Rauner said. "Illinois is one of the most diverse states in the country, yet a 2015 study found that disparities exist between the number of minority-owned and women-owned businesses and their utilization on contracts and subcontracts through the State. This Executive Order seeks to address this disparity and ensure more minority-owned businesses are given the opportunity to do business with the State."
Other reforms outlined in the Executive Order include the the establishment of a mentor-protege program as well as an expansion of existing state-sponsored bonding and financial assistance programs.
The CMS is also charged with determining with the state should use a set-aside program for BEP-eligible businesses in certain geographical regions of the state.
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