Diversity and Strategic Development
Department Objectives
The Department of Diversity and Strategic Development works to:
- Increase access to contract opportunities for certified disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprises through diversity outreach efforts
- Effectively communicate the Tollway's diversity programs and initiatives
- Level the playing field for all businesses through growing competition
- Help to diversify skilled and construction trades
- Improve monitoring of Tollway contracts to maximize economic benefit and ensure prompt payment and diversity compliance
Diversity Programs
The Illinois Tollway provides opportunities for disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprises, as well as underemployed individuals, through the following programs:
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program
- Earned Credit Program (ECP)
- Mentor/Protégé Program
- Small Business Initiative
- Small Contractor Bridge Program
Additionally, the Tollway participates in the following State of Illinois Central Management Services (CMS) small business programs specifically for the procurement of goods and services:
Outreach and Networking Events
The Tollway sponsors and participates in outreach and networking events throughout the year. Should your organization wish to include the Tollway in any of your events, or to learn more about activities, please contact the Department of Diversity and Strategic Development at (630) 241-6800.
Networking Events
| April 2013 Construction Networking Event Presentations |
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| Illinois Tollway Presentation (pdf) |
| Capital Development Board Presentation (pdf) |
| Chief Procurement Office Presentation (pdf) |
| Previous Networking Event Presentations |
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| May 2012 Construction Networking Presentation (pdf) |
| March 2012 Professional Services Networking Event (pdf) |
2013 Quarterly Outreach and Networking Event List
Outreach and Networking Photo Gallery
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Equal Employment Opportunity Capture Application
The DBE/EEO capture application provides Tollway contractors the ability 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.
Related Tollway Links
Studies
The Tollway commissioned a study in 2006 to shape the focus of its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. The study found statistical evidence of business disparities affecting disadvantaged business enterprises in major construction and related professional services procurement categories and data sources.
In 2008, the Tollway commissioned a disparity study of minority- and women-owned business enterprises in highway construction contracting and professional services industries and an analysis of disadvantaged business enterprises. Recommendations included in the study are currently under review by the Tollway.
