Earned Credit Program

The Illinois Tollway Earned Credit Program (ECP) is a rewards initiative that allows contractors and subcontractors to earn credit toward their next Tollway contract when they hire from a pool of pre-screened apprenticeship candidates.

The ECP is part of an effort to diversify and expand the pool of firms and individuals doing business with the Illinois Tollway.

• Detailed description of the Tollway's Earned Credit Program (pdf)

Be Part of the Earned Credit Program

Your competition is already earning credit to undercut your low bid. Many primes and subs are already earning credit to apply to their next bid. Don't let them knock you out as a contender when you have the lower bid--start earning credit today!

Credits may be transferable. Other agencies are exploring the use of the Earned Credit Program to manage their bid processes.

Eventually you may be able to apply the credits you earn through the Tollway's program to your bids at other participating agencies. Plus you will earn credit for any project on which the hired apprentices work. As long as they are making money, you are earning credit.

• ECP Certificate Status Report (pdf)

Bid Credit Schedule

Please be advised that requests submitted for ECP bid credits will be processed on the following schedule:

• Monthly requests issued within one week
• Quarterly requests issued within two weeks
• Annual requests issued within three weeks based on volume

This schedule ensures timely processing and provides contractors with up-to-date bid certificate information. All requests for ECP Certificates must be made using Form 006 and be accompanied by appropriate union benefit reports.

How the Earned Credit Program Works

• HIRE NOW: Request applicants from a pool of qualified participants with construction experience who are screened by the Illinois Employment Training Center to meet state and union requirements.
• UNION SPONSORSHIP: Sponsor the new hires into any union in which contractors are the signatory.
• GUARANTEED REWARDS: Put the new apprentices to work anywhere in Illinois and start earning up to $0.50 credit on every dollar they are paid. Apply these credits to bids on Tollway projects to give your bid the edge. Sub-contractors can also contribute earned credits toward the Prime's bid in order to increase the chances of qualifying as the lowest bidder.

Watch the ECP Informational Video for more details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Earned Credit Program?

The Earned Credit Program (ECP) is a voluntary program to promote the State of Illinois ' employment initiative by encouraging contractors and fabricators to sponsor into applicable unions, employ and retain qualified and eligible disenfranchised African- and Hispanic-Americans, women, ex-offenders and veterans on any construction-related project in the State of Illinois.

When did the Earned Credit Program begin?

The Earned Credit Program started on November 1, 2005.

Who is eligible?

Any union contractor/fabricator with an existing State of Illinois or Tollway construction contract or seeking to bid on future Tollway construction projects may voluntarily participate in the ECP.

What are the benefits?

By retaining an ECP participant, contractors/fabricators can accumulate bid credits at the following rates which may apply to future bids on the Illinois Tollway's Congestion-Relief Plan (CRP):

• Operating Engineers and Structural Steel Ironworkers: 50 cents for every dollar earned.
• All other skilled union trades and fabricators: 40 cents for every dollar earned.
• Skilled Laborers: 30 cents for every dollar earned.

How do I know an Earned Credit Program Participant is qualified?

ECP participants are screened to meet specific union, physical, drug-free, and other requirements.

Who should I contact for referrals?

Interested contractors/fabricators may contact 630-241-6800 extension 3210, to request referrals of ECP participants to sponsor into an applicable union and employ on any job located within the State of Illinois .

For More Information

Call 630-241-6800 extension 3207, to learn more about the ECP.

Request Current Certificate (Form 0006)
All requests for ECP Certificates must be made using Form 006 and be accompanied by appropriate union benefit reports.