Diversity Programs

The Illinois Tollway is focused on promoting, assisting and ensuring participation of a diverse population in all aspects of its operations, including contracting, consulting and supply of goods and services. Various programs are utilized to achieve our goals of inclusion and equal opportunity for all.

Program Objectives

Level the playing field for all firms
Build competition through increased capacity
Help to diversify skilled trades
Provide disenfranchised workers with access to the construction trades
Maximize economic benefit in all Tollway contracting

Mission

The mission of the Diversity Program is to ensure that qualified Illinois businesses, regardless of the owner's racial or gender background, participate in Tollway procurements. The focus is on improving access of disadvantaged, minority and women-owned (D/M/WBE) firms to the Tollway's procurement opportunities. Additionally, through the Tollway's capital programs, the agency is committed to promoting, assisting, and ensuring the participation of minority and women tradespersons in employment opportunities.

Diversity Programs

The Illinois Tollway accomplishes its diversity goals through the following programs:

Additionally, the Illinois Tollway participates in the State of Illinois Central Management Services (CMS) small business programs specifically for the procurement of goods and services through the following programs:

Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
Small Business Set-Aside Program (SBSP)

DBE/EEO Capture Application

The DBE/EEO Capture application provides the user with the capability to enter new DBE 2114 and EEO 0003 forms, view all forms that have previously been entered for that contract and update any forms for that contract that have not yet been electronically submitted to the Tollway.

The application can be accessed at http://www.tollwaydiversitycapture.com.

Disparity Study

In September 2011, the Illinois Tollway completed a disparity study of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in highway construction contracting and professional services industries and an analysis of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). The study includes review of construction projects from 2006 through 2009. Recommendations included in the study are currently under review by the Illinois Tollway.

Read the Disparity Study