CMS Programs

In addition to the Illinois Tollway's DBE Program for construction contracts and professional services awards, the Tollway participates with the State of Illinois Central Management Services small business programs. These programs apply only to the procurement of goods and services. Specific programs and their descriptions are below.

Business Enterprise Program

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) promotes the economic development of diverse businesses - those owned by minorities, women and persons with disabilities. Last year, the State of Illinois awarded nearly $400 million to BEP-certified firms.

The BEP promotes the economic development of businesses owned by minorities, women and people with disabilities. Criteria is 51 percent owned and controlled by a minority, woman or disabled person; U.S. citizen or resident alien; and average annual gross sales of less than $75 million.

For more information on the BEP

Apply for certification with the Business Enterprise Program

Search the BEP Vendors Directory

Small Business Set-Aside Program

The Small Business Set-Aside Program promotes the economic development of small Illinois companies (revenues less than $6 million for retail or service business and less than $10 million for wholesale, construction or manufacturing companies). There are currently 64 service and commodity classifications [PDF, 24KB] that have been specifically set aside for small businesses. Also, a number of contracts under $50,000 are set aside for Illinois small business competition. This program has specific benefits for providers of goods and services:

64 supply and service classifications set aside
All awards less than $50,000 are set aside for certified small businesses
All state procurements are considered for the set aside program

Search the Small Business Vendors Directory

Apply for certification with the Small Business Set-Aside Program

http://sell2.illinois.gov/sbsp/Set_Aside.htm

Other Agency Certifications Recognized

Note that the State of Illinois has a mechanism in place for recognition of certifications issued by the following other agencies:

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Chicago Minority Business Development Council (CMBDC)
Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)
City of Chicago
Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA)
Metra
Pace
Cook County

Complete the Recognition Certification Affidavit [PDF, 246KB]
Complete the BEP Schedule A Certification Affidavit [PDF, 341KB] if you are not currently certified by one of the entities above.
To continue your annual BEP certification, complete the Business Enterprise Program Annual Certification Renewal [PDF, 102KB]

Learn More