30 ILCS 500/ Illinois Procurement Code.

(30 ILCS 500/40-10)

Sec. 40-10. Authority. State purchasing officers shall have the authority to procure leases for real property or capital improvements.

(Source: P.A. 90-572, eff. date - See Sec. 99-5.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-15)

Sec. 40-15. Method of source selection.

(a) Request for information. Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), all State contracts for leases of real property or capital improvements shall be awarded by a request for information process in accordance with Section 40-20.

(b) Other methods. A request for information process need not be used in procuring any of the following leases:

(1) Property of less than 10,000 square feet with rent of less than $100,000 per year.

(2) (Blank).

(3) Duration of less than one year that cannot be renewed.

(4) Specialized space available at only one location.

(5) Renewal or extension of a lease; provided that: (i) the chief procurement officer determines in writing that the renewal or extension is in the best interest of the State; (ii) the chief procurement officer submits his or her written determination and the renewal or extension to the Board; (iii) the Board does not object in writing to the renewal or extension within 30 calendar days after its submission; and (iv) the chief procurement officer publishes the renewal or extension in the appropriate volume of the Procurement Bulletin.

(c) Leases with governmental units. Leases with other governmental units may be negotiated without using the request for information process when deemed by the chief procurement officer to be in the best interest of the State.

(Source: P.A. 98-1076, eff. 1-1-15.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-20)

Sec. 40-20. Request for information.

(a) Conditions for use. Leases shall be procured by request for information except as otherwise provided in Section 40-15.

(b) Form. A request for information shall be issued and shall include:

(1) the type of property to be leased;

(2) the proposed uses of the property;

(3) the duration of the lease;

(4) the preferred location of the property; and

(5) a general description of the configuration desired.

(c) Public notice. Public notice of the request for information for the availability of real property to lease shall be published in the appropriate volume of the Illinois Procurement Bulletin at least 14 calendar days before the date set forth in the request for receipt of responses and shall also be published in similar manner in a newspaper of general circulation in the community or communities where the using agency is seeking space.

(d) Response. The request for information response shall consist of written information sufficient to show that the respondent can meet minimum criteria set forth in the request. State purchasing officers may enter into discussions with respondents for the purpose of clarifying State needs and the information supplied by the respondents. On the basis of the information supplied and discussions, if any, a State purchasing officer shall make a written determination identifying the responses that meet the minimum criteria set forth in the request for information. Negotiations shall be entered into with all qualified respondents for the purpose of securing a lease that is in the best interest of the State. A written report of the negotiations shall be retained in the lease files and shall include the reasons for the final selection. All leases shall be reduced to writing; one copy shall be filed with the Comptroller in accordance with the provisions of Section 20-80, and one copy each shall be filed with the Board and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

When the lowest response by price is not selected, the State purchasing officer shall forward to the chief procurement officer, along with the lease, notice of the identity of the lowest respondent by price and written reasons for the selection of a different response. The chief procurement officer shall publish the written reasons in the next volume of the Illinois Procurement Bulletin.

(e) Board and Commission on Equity and Inclusion review. Upon receipt of (1) any proposed lease of real property of 10,000 or more square feet or (2) any proposed lease of real property with annual rent payments of $100,000 or more, the Procurement Policy Board and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall jointly have 30 calendar days to review the proposed lease. The Board and Commission have 30 calendar days to submit a joint objection. If no joint objection is submitted, then the proposed lease shall become effective according to its terms as submitted. The leasing agency shall make any and all materials available to the Board and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion to assist in the review process.

(Source: P.A. 101-657, eff. 1-1-22; 102-29, eff. 6-25-21.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-25)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 102-721)

Sec. 40-25. Length of leases.

(a) Maximum term. Except as otherwise provided under subsection (a-5), leases shall be for a term not to exceed 10 years inclusive, beginning January, 1, 2010, of proposed contract renewals and shall include a termination option in favor of the State after 5 years. The length of energy conservation program contracts or energy savings contracts or leases shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 25-45.

(a-5) Extended term. A lease for real property owned by the University of Illinois to be used by the University of Illinois at Chicago for an ambulatory surgical center, which would include both clinical services and retail space, may exceed 10 years in length where: (i) the lease requires the lessor to make capital improvements in excess of $100,000; and (ii) the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois determines a term of more than 10 years is necessary and is in the best interest of the University. A lease under this subsection (a-5) may not exceed 30 years in length.

(b) Renewal. Leases may include a renewal option. An option to renew may be exercised only when a State purchasing officer determines in writing that renewal is in the best interest of the State and notice of the exercise of the option is published in the appropriate volume of the Procurement Bulletin at least 30 calendar days prior to the exercise of the option.

(c) Subject to appropriation. All leases shall recite that they are subject to termination and cancellation in any year for which the General Assembly fails to make an appropriation to make payments under the terms of the lease.

(d) Holdover. Beginning January 1, 2010, no lease may continue on a month-to-month or other holdover basis for a total of more than 6 months. Beginning July 1, 2010, the Comptroller shall withhold payment of leases beyond this holdover period.

(Source: P.A. 100-23, eff. 7-6-17; 100-1047, eff. 1-1-19; 101-426, eff. 1-1-20.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 102-721)

Sec. 40-25. Length of leases.

(a) Maximum term. Except as otherwise provided under subsection (a-5), leases shall be for a term not to exceed 10 years inclusive, beginning January, 1, 2010, of proposed contract renewals and shall include a termination option in favor of the State after 5 years. The length of energy conservation program contracts or energy savings contracts or leases shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 25-45.

(a-5) Extended term. A lease for real property owned by a public institution of higher education to be used for healthcare uses, academic facilities, dormitory facilities, or other support uses may exceed 10 years in length when: (i) the lease requires the lessor to make capital improvements in excess of $100,000; and (ii) the Board of Trustees of the public institution of higher education determines a term of more than 10 years is necessary and is in the best interest of the institution. A lease under this subsection (a-5) may not exceed 30 years in length.

(b) Renewal. Leases may include a renewal option. An option to renew may be exercised only when a State purchasing officer determines in writing that renewal is in the best interest of the State and notice of the exercise of the option is published in the appropriate volume of the Procurement Bulletin at least 30 calendar days prior to the exercise of the option.

(c) Subject to appropriation. All leases shall recite that they are subject to termination and cancellation in any year for which the General Assembly fails to make an appropriation to make payments under the terms of the lease.

(d) Holdover. Beginning January 1, 2010, no lease may continue on a month-to-month or other holdover basis for a total of more than 6 months. Beginning July 1, 2010, the Comptroller shall withhold payment of leases beyond this holdover period.

(e) On December 31, 2023, and every year thereafter, any institution of higher education that enters into a lease under this Section shall file with both houses of the General Assembly a report outlining each lease entered into under this Section that is current as of the date of the report.

(Source: P.A. 101-426, eff. 1-1-20; 102-721, eff. 1-1-23.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-30)

Sec. 40-30. Purchase option. Leases of all space in entire, free-standing buildings shall include an option to purchase exercisable by the State, unless the purchasing officer determines that inclusion of such purchase option is not in the State's best interest and makes that determination in writing along with the reasons for making that determination and publishes the written determination in the appropriate volume of the Illinois Procurement Bulletin. Leases from governmental units and not-for-profit entities are exempt from the requirements of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-43, eff. 8-9-17; 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-33)

Sec. 40-33. Leased property square footage reduction. When operational needs indicate that reduction in the square footage of a leased property is necessary and in the best interests of the State, a contract for the lease of real property may be amended to reduce the square footage of the leased property, regardless of the method of procurement or source selection.

(Source: P.A. 102-18, eff. 6-25-21.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-35)

Sec. 40-35. Rent without occupancy. Except when deemed by the Board to be in the best interest of the State, no State agency may incur rental obligations before occupying the space rented.

(Source: P.A. 90-572, eff. date - See Sec. 99-5.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-40)

Sec. 40-40. Local site preferences. Upon the request of the chief executive officer of a unit of local government, leasing preferences may be given to sites located in enterprise zones, tax increment districts, or redevelopment districts.

(Source: P.A. 90-572, eff. date - See Sec. 99-5.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-45)

Sec. 40-45. Leases exempt from Article. A lease entered into by the State under Section 7.4 of the State Property Control Act is not subject to the provisions of this Article.

(Source: P.A. 93-19, eff. 6-20-03.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-46)

Sec. 40-46. Leases exempt from Article. A lease entered into under Section 7.5 of the State Property Control Act is not subject to the provisions of this Article.

(Source: P.A. 93-19, eff. 6-20-03.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-55)

Sec. 40-55. Lessor's failure to make improvements. Each lease must provide for actual or liquidated damages upon the lessor's failure to make improvements agreed upon in the lease. The actual or liquidated damages shall consist of a reduction in lease payments equal to the corresponding percentage of the improvement value to the lease value. The actual or liquidated damages shall continue until the lessor complies with the lease and the improvements are certified by the chief procurement officer and the leasing State agency.

(Source: P.A. 98-1076, eff. 1-1-15.)

(30 ILCS 500/40-150)

Sec. 40-150. Proposed contracts; Procurement Policy Board. This Article is subject to Section 5-30 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 93-839, eff. 7-30-04.)

(30 ILCS 500/Art. 45 heading) ARTICLE 45 PREFERENCES

(30 ILCS 500/45-5)

Sec. 45-5. Procurement preferences. To promote business and employment opportunities in Illinois, procurement preferences are established and shall be applicable to any procurement made under this Code.

(Source: P.A. 90-572, eff. date - See Sec. 99-5.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-10)

Sec. 45-10. Resident bidders and offerors.

(a) Amount of preference. When a contract is to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or offeror, a resident bidder or offeror shall be allowed a preference as against a non-resident bidder or offeror from any state that gives or requires a preference to bidders or offerors from that state. The preference shall be equal to the preference given or required by the state of the non-resident bidder or offeror. Further, if only non-resident bidders or offerors are bidding, the purchasing agency is within its right to specify that Illinois labor and manufacturing locations be used as a part of the manufacturing process, if applicable. This specification may be negotiated as part of the solicitation process.

(b) Residency. A resident bidder or offeror is a person authorized to transact business in this State and having a bona fide establishment for transacting business within this State where it was actually transacting business on the date when any bid for a public contract is first advertised or announced. A resident bidder or offeror includes a foreign corporation duly authorized to transact business in this State that has a bona fide establishment for transacting business within this State where it was actually transacting business on the date when any bid for a public contract is first advertised or announced.

(c) Federal funds. This Section does not apply to any contract for any project as to which federal funds are available for expenditure when its provisions may be in conflict with federal law or federal regulation.

(Source: P.A. 98-1076, eff. 1-1-15.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-15)

Sec. 45-15. Soybean oil-based ink and vegetable oil-based ink.

(a) As used in this Section:

"Digital printing" means a printing method which includes, but is not limited to, the electrostatic process of transferring ink or toner to a substrate. This process may involve the use of photo imaging plates, photoreceptor drums, or belts which hold an electrostatic charge. "Digital printing" is also defined as a process of transferring ink through a print head directly to a substrate, as is done with ink-jet printers.

"Offset printing" means lithography, flexography, gravure, or letterpress. "Offset printing" involves the process of transferring ink through static or fixed image plates using an impact method of pressing ink into a substrate.

(b) Contracts requiring the procurement of offset printing services shall specify the use of soybean oil-based ink or vegetable oil-based ink unless a State purchasing officer determines that another type of ink is required to assure high quality and reasonable pricing of the printed product.

This Section does not apply to digital printing services.

(Source: P.A. 100-43, eff. 8-9-17.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-20)

Sec. 45-20. Recycled supplies. When a public contract is to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or offeror, an otherwise qualified bidder or offeror who will fulfill the contract through the use of products made of recycled supplies shall be given preference over other bidders or offerors unable to do so, provided that the cost included in the bid of supplies is equal or less than other bids or offers, unless the use of the product constitutes an undue practical hardship.

This Section applies to bid opportunities posted to the Illinois Procurement Bulletin on or after January 1, 2016.

Nothing in this Section shall be construed to apply to a construction agency for the purposes of procuring construction and construction-related services.

(Source: P.A. 98-1076, eff. 1-1-15; 99-428, eff. 8-21-15.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-22)

Sec. 45-22. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 100-951, eff. 1-1-19. Repealed internally, eff. 1-1-22.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-25)

Sec. 45-25. Recyclable supplies. All supplies purchased for use by State agencies must be recyclable paper unless a recyclable substitute cannot be used to meet the requirements of the State agencies or would constitute an undue economic or practical hardship.

(Source: P.A. 96-197, eff. 1-1-10.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-26)

Sec. 45-26. Environmentally preferable procurement.

(a) Definitions. For the purposes of this Section:

(1) "Supplies" means all personal property, including but not limited to equipment, materials, printing, and insurance, and the financing of those supplies.

(2) "Services" means the furnishing of labor, time, or effort by a contractor, not involving the delivery of a specific end product other than reports or supplies that are incidental to the required performance.

(3) "Environmentally preferable supplies" means supplies that are less harmful to the natural environment and human health than substantially similar supplies for the same purpose. Attributes of environmentally preferable supplies include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) made of recycled materials, to the maximum extent feasible;

(ii) not containing, emitting, or producing toxic substances;

(iii) constituted so as to minimize the production of waste; and

(iv) constituted so as to conserve energy and water resources over the course of production, transport, intended use, and disposal.

(4) "Environmentally preferable services" means services that are less harmful to the natural environment and human health than substantially similar services for the same purpose. Attributes of "environmentally preferable services" include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) use of supplies made of recycled materials, to the maximum extent feasible;

(ii) use of supplies that do not contain, emit, or produce toxic substances;

(iii) employment of methods that minimize the production of waste; and

(iv) employment of methods that conserve energy and water resources or use energy and water resources more efficiently than substantially similar methods.

(b) Award of contracts for environmentally preferable supplies or services. Notwithstanding any rule, regulation, statute, order, or policy of any kind, with the exceptions of Sections 45-20 and 45-25 of this Code, State agencies shall contract for supplies and services that are environmentally preferable.

If, however, contracting for an environmentally preferable supply or service would impose an undue economic or practical hardship on the contracting State agency, or if an environmentally preferable supply or service cannot be used to meet the requirements of the State agency, then the State agency need not contract for an environmentally preferable supply or service. Specifications for contracts, at the discretion of the contracting State agency, may include a price preference of up to 10% for environmentally preferable supplies or services.

(Source: P.A. 96-197, eff. 1-1-10.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-30)

Sec. 45-30. Illinois Correctional Industries. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in other law, each chief procurement officer appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 shall, in consultation with Illinois Correctional Industries, a division of the Illinois Department of Corrections (referred to as the "Illinois Correctional Industries" or "ICI") determine for all State agencies under their respective jurisdictions which articles, materials, industry related services, food stuffs, and finished goods that are produced or manufactured by persons confined in institutions and facilities of the Department of Corrections who are participating in Illinois Correctional Industries programs shall be purchased from Illinois Correctional Industries. Each chief procurement officer appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 shall develop and distribute to the appropriate purchasing and using agencies a listing of all Illinois Correctional Industries products and procedures for implementing this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-43, eff. 8-9-17.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-35)

Sec. 45-35. Not-for-profit agencies for persons with significant disabilities.

(a) Qualification. Supplies and services may be procured without advertising or calling for bids from any qualified not-for-profit agency for persons with significant disabilities that:

(1) complies with Illinois laws governing private not-for-profit organizations;

(2) is certified as a work center by the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor or is an accredited vocational program that provides transition services to youth between the ages of 14 1/2 and 22 in accordance with individualized education plans under Section 14-8.03 of the School Code and that provides residential services at a child care institution, as defined under Section 2.06 of the Child Care Act of 1969, or at a group home, as defined under Section 2.16 of the Child Care Act of 1969; and

(3) is accredited by a nationally-recognized accrediting organization or certified as a developmental training provider by the Department of Human Services.

(b) Participation. To participate, the not-for-profit agency must have indicated an interest in providing the supplies and services, must meet the specifications and needs of the using agency, and must set a fair and reasonable price.

(c) Committee. There is created within the Department of Central Management Services a committee to facilitate the purchase of products and services from not-for-profit agencies that provide employment opportunities to persons with physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, or any combination thereof. This committee is called the State Use Committee. The State Use Committee shall consist of the Director of the Department of Central Management Services or his or her designee, the Secretary of the Department of Human Services or his or her designee, the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity or his or her designee, one public member representing private business who is knowledgeable of the employment needs and concerns of persons with developmental disabilities, one public member representing private business who is knowledgeable of the needs and concerns of rehabilitation facilities, one public member who is knowledgeable of the employment needs and concerns of persons with developmental disabilities, one public member who is knowledgeable of the needs and concerns of rehabilitation facilities, 2 members who have a disability, 2 public members from a statewide association that represents community-based rehabilitation facilities serving or supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and one public member from a disability-focused statewide advocacy group, all appointed by the Governor. The public members shall serve 2 year terms, commencing upon appointment and every 2 years thereafter. A public member may be reappointed, and vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the completion of the term. In the event there is a vacancy on the State Use Committee, the Governor must make an appointment to fill that vacancy within 30 calendar days after the notice of vacancy. The members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses at a rate equal to that of State employees on a per diem basis by the Department of Central Management Services. All members shall be entitled to vote on issues before the State Use Committee.

The State Use Committee shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To request from any State agency information as to product specification and service requirements in order to carry out its purpose.

(2) To meet quarterly or more often as necessary to carry out its purposes.

(3) To request a quarterly report from each participating qualified not-for-profit agency for persons with significant disabilities describing the volume of sales for each product or service sold under this Section.

(4) To prepare a report for the Governor and General Assembly no later than December 31 of each year. The requirement for reporting to the General Assembly shall be satisfied by following the procedures set forth in Section 3.1 of the General Assembly Organization Act.

(5) To prepare a publication that lists all supplies and services currently available from any qualified not-for-profit agency for persons with significant disabilities. This list and any revisions shall be distributed to all purchasing agencies.

(6) To encourage diversity in supplies and services provided by qualified not-for-profit agencies for persons with significant disabilities and discourage unnecessary duplication or competition among not-for-profit agencies.

(7) To develop guidelines to be followed by qualifying agencies for participation under the provisions of this Section. Guidelines shall include a list of national accrediting organizations which satisfy the requirements of item (3) of subsection (a) of this Section. The guidelines shall be developed within 6 months after the effective date of this Code and made available on a nondiscriminatory basis to all qualifying agencies. The new guidelines required under this item (7) by Public Act 100-203 shall be developed within 6 months after August 18, 2017 (the effective date of Public Act 100-203) and made available on a non-discriminatory basis to all qualifying not-for-profit agencies.

(8) To review all pricing submitted under the provisions of this Section and may approve a proposed agreement for supplies or services where the price submitted is fair and reasonable. Review of pricing under this paragraph may include, but is not limited to:

(A) Amounts private businesses would pay for similar products or services.

(B) Amounts the federal government would pay contractors for similar products or services.

(C) The amount paid by the State for similar products or services.

(D) The actual cost of manufacturing the product or performing a service at a community rehabilitation program offering employment services on or off premises to persons with disabilities or mental illnesses, with adequate consideration given to legal and moral imperatives to pay workers with disabilities equitable wages.

(E) The usual, customary, and reasonable costs of manufacturing, marketing, and distribution.

(9) To, not less than every 3 years, adopt a strategic plan for increasing the number of products and services purchased from qualified not-for-profit agencies for persons with disabilities or mental illnesses, including the feasibility of developing mandatory set-aside contracts.

(c-5) Conditions for Use. Each chief procurement officer shall, in consultation with the State Use Committee, determine which articles, materials, services, food stuffs, and supplies that are produced, manufactured, or provided by persons with significant disabilities in qualified not-for-profit agencies shall be given preference by purchasing agencies procuring those items.

(d) (Blank).

(e) Subcontracts. Subcontracts shall be permitted for agreements authorized under this Section. For the purposes of this subsection (e), "subcontract" means any acquisition from another source of supplies, not including raw materials, or services required by a qualified not-for-profit agency to provide the supplies or services that are the subject of the contract between the State and the qualified not-for-profit agency.

The State Use Committee shall develop guidelines to be followed by qualified not-for-profit agencies when seeking and establishing subcontracts with other persons or not-for-profit agencies in order to fulfill State contract requirements. These guidelines shall include the following:

(i) The State Use Committee must approve all subcontracts and substantive amendments to subcontracts prior to execution or amendment of the subcontract.

(ii) A qualified not-for-profit agency shall not enter into a subcontract, or any combination of subcontracts, to fulfill an entire requirement, contract, or order without written State Use Committee approval.

(iii) A qualified not-for-profit agency shall make reasonable efforts to utilize subcontracts with other not-for-profit agencies for persons with significant disabilities.

(iv) For any subcontract not currently performed by a qualified not-for-profit agency, the primary qualified not-for-profit agency must provide to the State Use Committee the following: (A) a written explanation as to why the subcontract is not performed by a qualified not-for-profit agency, and (B) a written plan to transfer the subcontract to a qualified not-for-profit agency, as reasonable.

(Source: P.A. 102-343, eff. 8-13-21; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-40)

Sec. 45-40. Gas mileage.

(a) Specification. Contracts for the purchase or lease of new passenger automobiles, other than station wagons, vans, four-wheel drive vehicles, emergency vehicles, and police and fire vehicles, shall specify the procurement of a model that, according to the most current mileage study published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, can achieve at least the minimum average fuel economy in miles per gallon imposed upon manufacturers of vehicles under Title V of The Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.

(b) Exemptions. The State purchasing officer may exempt procurements from the requirement of subsection (a) when there is a demonstrated need, submitted in writing, for an automobile that does not meet the minimum average fuel economy standards. The chief procurement officer shall promulgate rules for determining need consistent with the intent of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 90-572, eff. date - See Sec. 99-5.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-45)

Sec. 45-45. Small businesses.

(a) Set-asides. Each chief procurement officer has authority to designate as small business set-asides a fair proportion of construction, supply, and service contracts for award to small businesses in Illinois. Advertisements for bids or offers for those contracts shall specify designation as small business set-asides. In awarding the contracts, only bids or offers from qualified small businesses shall be considered.

(b) Small business. "Small business" means a business that is independently owned and operated and that is not dominant in its field of operation. The chief procurement officer shall establish a detailed definition by rule, using in addition to the foregoing criteria other criteria, including the number of employees and the dollar volume of business. When computing the size status of a potential contractor, annual sales and receipts of the potential contractor and all of its affiliates shall be included. The maximum number of employees and the maximum dollar volume that a small business may have under the rules promulgated by the chief procurement officer may vary from industry to industry to the extent necessary to reflect differing characteristics of those industries, subject to the following limitations:

(1) No wholesale business is a small business if its annual sales for its most recently completed fiscal year exceed $13,000,000.

(2) No retail business or business selling services is a small business if its annual sales and receipts exceed $8,000,000.

(3) No manufacturing business is a small business if it employs more than 250 persons.

(4) No construction business is a small business if its annual sales and receipts exceed $14,000,000.

(c) Fair proportion. For the purpose of subsection (a), for State agencies of the executive branch, a fair proportion of construction contracts shall be no less than 25% nor more than 40% of the annual total contracts for construction.

(d) Withdrawal of designation. A small business set-aside designation may be withdrawn by the purchasing agency when deemed in the best interests of the State. Upon withdrawal, all bids or offers shall be rejected, and the bidders or offerors shall be notified of the reason for rejection. The contract shall then be awarded in accordance with this Code without the designation of small business set-aside.

(e) Small business specialist. Each chief procurement officer shall designate one or more individuals to serve as its small business specialist. The small business specialists shall collectively work together to accomplish the following duties:

(1) Compiling and maintaining a comprehensive list of potential small contractors. In this duty, he or she shall cooperate with the Federal Small Business Administration in locating potential sources for various products and services.

(2) Assisting small businesses in complying with the procedures for bidding on State contracts.

(3) Examining requests from State agencies for the purchase of property or services to help determine which invitations to bid are to be designated small business set-asides.

(4) Making recommendations to the chief procurement officer for the simplification of specifications and terms in order to increase the opportunities for small business participation.

(5) Assisting in investigations by purchasing agencies to determine the responsibility of bidders or offerors on small business set-asides.

(f) Small business annual report. Each small business specialist designated under subsection (e) shall annually before November 1 report in writing to the General Assembly concerning the awarding of contracts to small businesses. The report shall include the total value of awards made in the preceding fiscal year under the designation of small business set-aside. The report shall also include the total value of awards made to businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, as defined in the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, in the preceding fiscal year under the designation of small business set-aside.

The requirement for reporting to the General Assembly shall be satisfied by filing copies of the report as required by Section 3.1 of the General Assembly Organization Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-43, eff. 8-9-17; 100-391, eff. 8-25-17; 100-863, eff. 8-14-18.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-50)

Sec. 45-50. Illinois agricultural products. In awarding contracts requiring the procurement of agricultural products, preference may be given to an otherwise qualified bidder or offeror who will fulfill the contract through the use of agricultural products grown in Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 90-572, eff. date - See Sec. 99-5.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-55)

Sec. 45-55. Corn-based plastics. In awarding contracts requiring the procurement of plastic products, preference may be given to an otherwise qualified bidder or offeror who will fulfill the contract through the use of plastic products made from Illinois corn by-products.

(Source: P.A. 90-572, eff. date - See Sec. 99-5.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-57)

Sec. 45-57. Veterans.

(a) Set-aside goal. It is the goal of the State to promote and encourage the continued economic development of small businesses owned and controlled by qualified veterans and that qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (referred to as SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (referred to as VOSB) participate in the State's procurement process as both prime contractors and subcontractors. Not less than 3% of the total dollar amount of State contracts, as defined by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, shall be established as a goal to be awarded to SDVOSB and VOSB. That portion of a contract under which the contractor subcontracts with a SDVOSB or VOSB may be counted toward the goal of this subsection. The Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall adopt rules to implement compliance with this subsection by all State agencies.

(b) Fiscal year reports. By each November 1, each chief procurement officer shall report to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion on all of the following for the immediately preceding fiscal year, and by each March 1 the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall compile and report that information to the General Assembly:

(1) The total number of VOSB, and the number of SDVOSB, who submitted bids for contracts under this Code.

(2) The total number of VOSB, and the number of SDVOSB, who entered into contracts with the State under this Code and the total value of those contracts.

(b-5) The Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly that shall include the following:

(1) a year-by-year comparison of the number of certifications the State has issued to veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses;

(2) the obstacles, if any, the Commission on Equity and Inclusion faces when certifying veteran-owned businesses and possible rules or changes to rules to address those issues;

(3) a year-by-year comparison of awarded contracts to certified veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses; and

(4) any other information that the Commission on Equity and Inclusion deems necessary to assist veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to become certified with the State.

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall conduct a minimum of 2 outreach events per year to ensure that veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses know about the procurement opportunities and certification requirements with the State. The Commission on Equity and Inclusion may receive appropriations for outreach.

(c) Yearly review and recommendations. Each year, each chief procurement officer shall review the progress of all State agencies under its jurisdiction in meeting the goal described in subsection (a), with input from statewide veterans' service organizations and from the business community, including businesses owned by qualified veterans, and shall make recommendations to be included in the Commission on Equity and Inclusion's report to the General Assembly regarding continuation, increases, or decreases of the percentage goal. The recommendations shall be based upon the number of businesses that are owned by qualified veterans and on the continued need to encourage and promote businesses owned by qualified veterans.

(d) Governor's recommendations. To assist the State in reaching the goal described in subsection (a), the Governor shall recommend to the General Assembly changes in programs to assist businesses owned by qualified veterans.

(e) Definitions. As used in this Section:

"Armed forces of the United States" means the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or service in active duty as defined under 38 U.S.C. Section 101. Service in the Merchant Marine that constitutes active duty under Section 401 of federal Public Act 95-202 shall also be considered service in the armed forces for purposes of this Section.

"Certification" means a determination made by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion that a business entity is a qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a qualified veteran-owned small business for whatever purpose. A SDVOSB or VOSB owned and controlled by women, minorities, or persons with disabilities, as those terms are defined in Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, may also select and designate whether that business is to be certified as a "women-owned business", "minority-owned business", or "business owned by a person with a disability", as defined in Section 2 of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act.

"Control" means the exclusive, ultimate, majority, or sole control of the business, including but not limited to capital investment and all other financial matters, property, acquisitions, contract negotiations, legal matters, officer-director-employee selection and comprehensive hiring, operation responsibilities, cost-control matters, income and dividend matters, financial transactions, and rights of other shareholders or joint partners. Control shall be real, substantial, and continuing, not pro forma. Control shall include the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the business and to make the day-to-day as well as major decisions in matters of policy, management, and operations. Control shall be exemplified by possessing the requisite knowledge and expertise to run the particular business, and control shall not include simple majority or absentee ownership.

"Qualified service-disabled veteran" means a veteran who has been found to have 10% or more service-connected disability by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Department of Defense.

"Qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small business" or "SDVOSB" means a small business (i) that is at least 51% owned by one or more qualified service-disabled veterans living in Illinois or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more qualified service-disabled veterans living in Illinois; (ii) that has its home office in Illinois; and (iii) for which items (i) and (ii) are factually verified annually by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

"Qualified veteran-owned small business" or "VOSB" means a small business (i) that is at least 51% owned by one or more qualified veterans living in Illinois or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more qualified veterans living in Illinois; (ii) that has its home office in Illinois; and (iii) for which items (i) and (ii) are factually verified annually by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

"Service-connected disability" means a disability incurred in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service as described in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

"Small business" means a business that has annual gross sales of less than $75,000,000 as evidenced by the federal income tax return of the business. A firm with gross sales in excess of this cap may apply to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion for certification for a particular contract if the firm can demonstrate that the contract would have significant impact on SDVOSB or VOSB as suppliers or subcontractors or in employment of veterans or service-disabled veterans.

"State agency" has the meaning provided in Section 1-15.100 of this Code.

"Time of hostilities with a foreign country" means any period of time in the past, present, or future during which a declaration of war by the United States Congress has been or is in effect or during which an emergency condition has been or is in effect that is recognized by the issuance of a Presidential proclamation or a Presidential executive order and in which the armed forces expeditionary medal or other campaign service medals are awarded according to Presidential executive order.

"Veteran" means a person who (i) has been a member of the armed forces of the United States or, while a citizen of the United States, was a member of the armed forces of allies of the United States in time of hostilities with a foreign country and (ii) has served under one or more of the following conditions: (a) the veteran served a total of at least 6 months; (b) the veteran served for the duration of hostilities regardless of the length of the engagement; (c) the veteran was discharged on the basis of hardship; or (d) the veteran was released from active duty because of a service connected disability and was discharged under honorable conditions.

(f) Certification program. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall work together to devise a certification procedure to assure that businesses taking advantage of this Section are legitimately classified as qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or qualified veteran-owned small businesses.

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall:

(1) compile and maintain a comprehensive list of certified veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses;

(2) assist veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses in complying with the procedures for bidding on State contracts;

(3) provide training for State agencies regarding the goal setting process and compliance with veteran-owned small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business goals; and

(4) implement and maintain an electronic portal on the Commission on Equity and Inclusion's website for the purpose of completing and submitting veteran-owned small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business certificates.

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion, in consultation with the Department of Veterans' Affairs, may develop programs and agreements to encourage cities, counties, towns, townships, and other certifying entities to adopt uniform certification procedures and certification recognition programs.

(f-5) A business shall be certified by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business for purposes of this Section if the Commission on Equity and Inclusion determines that the business has been certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business by the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and the business has provided to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion the following:

(1) documentation showing certification as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business by the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;

(2) proof that the business has its home office in Illinois; and

(3) proof that the qualified veterans or qualified service-disabled veterans live in the State of Illinois.

The policies of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion regarding recognition of the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs shall be reviewed annually by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, and recognition of service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses certified by the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs may be discontinued by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion by rule upon a finding that the certification standards of the Vets First Verification Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs do not meet the certification requirements established by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

(g) Penalties.

(1) Administrative penalties. The chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 shall suspend any person who commits a violation of Section 17-10.3 or subsection (d) of Section 33E-6 of the Criminal Code of 2012 relating to this Section from bidding on, or participating as a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier in, any State contract or project for a period of not less than 3 years, and, if the person is certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business, then the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall revoke the business's certification for a period of not less than 3 years. An additional or subsequent violation shall extend the periods of suspension and revocation for a period of not less than 5 years. The suspension and revocation shall apply to the principals of the business and any subsequent business formed or financed by, or affiliated with, those principals.

(2) Reports of violations. Each State agency shall report any alleged violation of Section 17-10.3 or subsection (d) of Section 33E-6 of the Criminal Code of 2012 relating to this Section to the chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20. The chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 shall subsequently report all such alleged violations to the Attorney General, who shall determine whether to bring a civil action against any person for the violation.

(3) List of suspended persons. The chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 shall monitor the status of all reported violations of Section 17-10.3 or subsection (d) of Section 33E-6 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 relating to this Section and shall maintain and make available to all State agencies a central listing of all persons that committed violations resulting in suspension.

(4) Use of suspended persons. During the period of a person's suspension under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a State agency shall not enter into any contract with that person or with any contractor using the services of that person as a subcontractor.

(5) Duty to check list. Each State agency shall check the central listing provided by the chief procurement officers appointed pursuant to Section 10-20 under paragraph (3) of this subsection to verify that a person being awarded a contract by that State agency, or to be used as a subcontractor or supplier on a contract being awarded by that State agency, is not under suspension pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(h) On and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly, all powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities of the Department of Central Management Services with respect to the requirements of this Section are transferred to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

All books, records, papers, documents, property (real and personal), contracts, causes of action, and pending business pertaining to the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities transferred by this amendatory Act from the Department of Central Management Services to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, including, but not limited to, material in electronic or magnetic format and necessary computer hardware and software, shall be transferred to the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

The powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities transferred from the Department of Central Management Services by this amendatory Act shall be vested in and shall be exercised by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

Whenever reports or notices are now required to be made or given or papers or documents furnished or served by any person to or upon the Department of Central Management Services in connection with any of the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities transferred by this amendatory Act, the same shall be made, given, furnished, or served in the same manner to or upon the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

This amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly does not affect any act done, ratified, or canceled or any right occurring or established or any action or proceeding had or commenced in an administrative, civil, or criminal cause by the Department of Central Management Services before this amendatory Act takes effect; such actions or proceedings may be prosecuted and continued by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

Any rules of the Department of Central Management Services that relate to its powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities under this Section and are in full force on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly shall become the rules of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. This amendatory Act does not affect the legality of any such rules in the Illinois Administrative Code. Any proposed rules filed with the Secretary of State by the Department of Central Management Services that are pending in the rulemaking process on the effective date of this amendatory Act and pertain to the powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities transferred, shall be deemed to have been filed by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. As soon as practicable hereafter, the Commission on Equity and Inclusion shall revise and clarify the rules transferred to it under this amendatory Act to reflect the reorganization of powers, duties, rights, and responsibilities affected by this amendatory Act, using the procedures for recodification of rules available under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, except that existing title, part, and section numbering for the affected rules may be retained. The Commission on Equity and Inclusion may propose and adopt under the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act such other rules of the Department of Central Management Services that will now be administered by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

(Source: P.A. 102-166, eff. 7-26-21; 102-671, eff. 11-30-21.)

(30 ILCS 500/45-60)

Sec. 45-60. Vehicles powered by agricultural commodity-based fuel. In awarding contracts requiring the procurement of vehicles, preference may be given to an otherwise qualified bidder or offeror who will fulfill the contract through the use of vehicles powered by ethanol produced from Illinois corn or biodiesel fuels produced from Illinois soybeans.

(Source: P.A. 90-572, eff. date - See Sec. 99-5.)