Section 1.4570  Contracting with Businesses Owned and Controlled by Minorities, Females and  Persons with Disabilities

a)         Introduction

The Business Enterprise Act for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities [30 ILCS 575] (Act) sets a goal (minimum 12%) for contracting with businesses owned or controlled by minorities, females, or persons with disabilities.

b)         Goal

Each State agency subject to that Act shall establish a goal that at least 12% of the dollar value of State contracts be awarded to minority and female-owned businesses.  Of that 12%, five shall be for female-owned businesses, two for businesses owned by persons with disabilities and not-for-profit agencies for the disabled, and the remaining five for other minority-owned businesses, unless these percentages are modified by the Council created under the Act.

c)         Upon direction of the CPO, and pursuant to direction from the Council, the procuring agencies may establish set-asides and other such preferences for vendors certified under that Act.

d)         Certification

Certification procedures are set forth in rules governing the Business Enterprise Act (44 Ill. Adm. Code 10).

e)         List of Certified Businesses

1)         The CPO shall maintain a list of businesses that have been certified. This list shall be made available to all procuring agencies.

2)         The names and addresses of certified vendors shall be made available to the public.

f)          Professional and Artistic Contract Reporting

Professional and artistic contracts, which must be reported to the Business Enterprise Council pursuant to Section 6a of the Business Enterprise Act, shall be reported as follows:

1)         Notice that an agency intends to enter into a professional and artistic contract shall be given to the Council.  Notice may be mailed, hand delivered or given by fax, and must be submitted on the same date that the potential vendor is contacted.  If the contract is advertised in the Bulletin, reporting to the Council is not required.

2)         The notice shall include the agency name and address; contact person; contract reference number; date bid or proposal was first available; return dates and opening dates; term of the contract; services to be provided; special requirements; and dollar value.  Notice should be given on the form available from the CPO.