Diversity Webinar Series
The Illinois Tollway hosts a series of webinars to highlight opportunities for new firms to do business with the Tollway. The Department of Diversity and Strategic Development helps small firms, specifically minority- and veteran-owned businesses, gain access to Illinois Tollway work through several different programs and initiatives. This webinar series is designed to help these firms learn about what is offered: from business technical and prequalification assistance to workforce development initiatives and more. By expanding the pool of potential firms, the Illinois Tollway not only creates opportunities for these businesses but also serves its customers by ensuring varied and competitive bids. The Building for Success webinar series takes place every Monday at 3 p.m.
Previous
Illinois Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Certification
Presented by: Illinois Department of Transportation DBE Certification Unit Manager Lincoln Blackwell
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up, is the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with a presentation on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Certification.
This webinar will include an overview of the program and provide information on the process of becoming a DBE certified business with IDOT. The presentation will also cover the benefits of being certified, what happens after you get certified and how to expand into other work categories.
This webinar will be presented by Lincoln Blackwell, DBE Certification Unit Manager at IDOT.
This event is part of the Illinois Tollway's efforts to increase the pool of firms participating in the 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program and is open to construction and professional engineering services firms, including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, as well as veteran-owned businesses.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Small Business Initiative Plaza Improvement Contracts and Virtual Networking
Presented by: Illinois Tollway Senior Project Engineer Laura Thompson and General Manager of Diversity Marlene Vick
This webinar will include information on the registrations and processes necessary to bid on these Small Business Initiative Plaza Improvement contracts, the timeline and tips on how to assemble your team. In addition to the webinar, this event included an opportunity for networking after the presentation.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Plaza Improvement Contract Dates:
Rolling Owner-Controlled Insurance Program
Presented by: Illinois Tollway Senior Manager of Insurance Risk and Loss Control Paula Blonski and ROCIP Administrator Michael Charles-Hillson
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives.
This event is part of the Illinois Tollway's efforts to increase the pool of firms participating in the 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program and is open to construction and professional engineering services firms, including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, as well as veteran-owned businesses.
This webinar will provide information on the Illinois Tollway's program to provide access to general liability insurance coupled with ongoing unbundling of contracts to increase the number of bid opportunities available at $5 million or less, as part of Tollway leaderships' promise to deliver a broader, more effective assistance for small businesses.
Meet the Tollway’s program administrator, learn about the program and where to find resources on the Tollway’s website.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Bonding: Building Capacity For Your Construction Company
Presented by Matthew Cooper–Inner City
Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program Provider
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up, is Bonding and the role it plays in building capacity for your construction company. This webinar will be presented by Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Provider, Inner City Matthew Cooper.
Learn the basics of bonding and how it applies to Tollway contracts. This webinar will discuss what a bond is, the different types of bonds available and the small business requirements to attain one.
This event is part of the Illinois Tollway's efforts to increase the pool of firms participating in the 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program and is open to construction and professional engineering services firms, including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, as well as veteran-owned businesses.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Navigating BidBuy
Presented in collaboration with the State of Illinois Chief Procurement Office for General Services and the Illinois Tollway Procurement Department.
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up, is Navigating BidBuy. This webinar will be presented by Training Manager Dave Littrell with the State of Illinois Chief Procurement Office for General Services and Illinois Tollway Senior Procurement Training Specialist Jennifer Soldat.
Learn the basics of navigating the State of Illinois’ eProcurement System, BidBuy, and how the Illinois Tollway uses BidBuy to provide vendors and contractors with new procurement information, including solicitation opportunities and notices of award for Illinois Tollway goods and services and construction contracts.
This event is part of the Illinois Tollway's efforts to increase the pool of firms participating in the 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program and is open to construction and professional engineering services firms, including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, as well as veteran-owned businesses.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Illinois Tollway Commitment to Diversity
Presented by Illinois Tollway Board Chairman Will Evans, Director Stephen Davis and Executive Director José Alvarez.
The Tollway is looking forward to a new year filled with new opportunities to increase diversity. Learn about what direction the Tollway is heading in 2021 and what new initiatives are happening for the upcoming year for small businesses.
This event is part of the Illinois Tollway's efforts to increase the pool of firms participating in the 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois Capital Program and is open to construction and professional engineering services firms, including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, as well as veteran-owned businesses.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Illinois Tollway Small Business Initiative
Presented by Illinois Tollway General Manager of Diversity and Strategic Development Tracey Bailey
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives.Learn about how the Tollway is providing new opportunities for small businesses to grow their capacity.
This event is part of the Illinois Tollway's efforts to increase the pool of firms participating in the 15-year, $14 billion capital Program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, and is open to construction and professional engineering services firms, including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, as well as veteran-owned businesses.
This webinar provides information on what firms need to do to participate in the Small Business Initiative, as well as the requirements and the unbundled contract categories that apply.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Rolling Owner-Controlled Insurance Program
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up, the Illinois Tollway's Rolling Owner-Controlled Insurance Program presented by Paula Blonski, Senior Manager of Insurance Risk and Loss Control; Pete Foernssler, Deputy Chief of Program Implementation; and Tracey Bailey, General Manager of Diversity and Strategic Development.
This event is part of the Illinois Tollway's efforts to increase the pool of firms participating in the 15-year, $14 billion capital Program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, and is open to construction and professional engineering services firms, including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, as well as veteran-owned businesses.
This webinar provides information on the Illinois Tollway's program to provide access to general liability insurance coupled with ongoing unbundling of contracts to increase the number of bid opportunities available at $5 million or less, as part of Tollway leaderships' promise to deliver a broader, more effective assistance for small businesses.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
IDOT Prime Contractor Prequalification and Subcontractor Registration in Construction
Presented by Herman Senor, Prequalification Analyst at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
The Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Illinois Tollway programs and initiatives. This webinar focuses on assistance with Prime Contractor Prequalification and Subcontractor Registration in Construction presented by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The Illinois Tollway is committed to providing small, diverse and veteran businesses and individuals with opportunities to grow and succeed. This webinar will provide information to assist construction firms in IDOT prequalification as prime contractors and registration for subcontractors. The presentation will include prequalification requirements, eligibility and the process to get prequalified or registered with IDOT.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
IDOT Statement of Interest (SOI) Feedback
Presented by Jack Elston and Jenni LeSeure, Bureau of Design and Environment at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
The Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Illinois Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up, the Illinois Department of Transportation's Bureau of Design and Environment will be presenting on IDOT Statement of Interest (SOI) Feedback.
The Illinois Tollway is committed to providing small, diverse and veteran businesses and individuals with opportunities to grow and succeed. This webinar will provide information to assist professional engineering services firms in preparing SOIs for IDOT projects. The workshop will include general guidance, reminders and prequalification updates to best position your company to compete for work.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Tollway Statement of Interest Workshop (SOI)
Presented by Illinois Tollway Chief Engineering Officer Paul Kovacs and Illinois Tollway Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development Terry Miller
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up, Illinois Tollway Statement of Interest Workshop by Chief Engineering Officer Paul Kovacs and Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development Terry Miller.
This event is part of the Illinois Tollway's efforts to increase the pool of firms participating in the 15-year, $14 billion capital Program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, and is open to construction and professional engineering services firms, including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, as well as veteran-owned businesses.
This webinar will provide information to assist professional engineering services firms in preparing Statements of Interest (SOIs). The workshop will include general guidance and advice to avoid common mistakes and how to best position your company to compete for Tollway work.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Becoming a Subcontractor on a Tollway Project and Do You Have What It Takes?
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up, is Becoming a Subcontractor on a Tollway Project and Do You Have What It Takes? presented by Dana Harder, Program Manager for the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment is by encouraging contractors to connect with its technical assistance providers. The Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program is designed to prepare emerging and established transportation-related construction firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB), as well as small businesses to participate on highway and vertical construction contracts.
On this webinar you will learn about gaining skills in construction, how to develop a specific set of marketable skills and how to properly become licensed to be a subcontractor on a Tollway project.
Project Management Essentials: Keys to Effectively Manage Your Project
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up, is Project Management Essentials: Keys to effectively Manage Your Project presented by Neda Sharp, Project Manager for the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council and Mike Neal, Strategic Partner and Technical Assistance Consultant.
One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment is by encouraging contractors to connect with its technical assistance providers. The Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program is designed to prepare emerging and established transportation-related construction firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB), as well as small businesses to participate on highway and vertical construction contracts.
On this webinar you will learn the essentials of project management including scheduling, cost and damage control.
Construction Drawing Process Review
Presented by Matthew Cooper and Bruce Montgomery, Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program Provider, Inner-City Underwriting Agency
The Illinois Tollway Building for Success Webinar Series highlights key Tollway programs and initiatives. Next up is Construction Drawing Process Review presented by Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program provider, Inner-City Underwriting Agency.
One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment is by encouraging contractors to connect with its technical assistance providers. The Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program is designed to prepare emerging and established transportation-related construction firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB), as well as small businesses to participate on highway and vertical construction contracts.
Workforce Development Initiatives
Earned Credit Program and ConstructionWorks Program
Presented by Julia Garibay, DBE Program Manager, Illinois Tollway
This is a presentation on the Earned Credit Program and ConstructionWorks Program offering contractors the opportunity to earn contract bid credits in return for supporting the Tollway's efforts to increase diversity within the heavy highway construction industry.
Contractors from any size firm can earn Tollway bid credits when they hire and retain qualified trained workers from a pool of eligible job candidates, including historically underrepresented individuals. Bid credits give contractors a bidding advantage on Tollway construction contracts in a highly competitive industry.
This presentation provides an overview of how each program works and information for contractors interested in participating with the Tollway to create a pipeline of diverse men and women for construction industry careers.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Small Business Set-Aside Program
Presented by Andrew Schackelford, Small Business Specialist with the Chief Procurement Office
One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment to small business is supporting the State's Small Business Set-Aside Program (SBSP) as part of its Small Business Initiative. The Initiative puts small businesses in a position to succeed and grow by identifying select construction contracts, generally with values of approximately $1 million, specifically for small businesses to perform as prime contractors. The Tollway establishes small business goals for select construction contracts on a project-by-project basis.
Download a PDF of the Presentation here.
BEP Certification and FastTrack Application
Presented by Irma Lopez, Outreach Manager, Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS)
One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment is partnering with sister agencies like Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). The CMS BEP fosters an inclusive and competitive business environment for diverse firms — those owned by minorities, women and persons with disabilities.
To participate as a BEP vendor on Illinois Tollway goods and services contracts or Job Order Contracting (JOC) Program contracts, businesses must have current BEP certification with CMS at time of bid. Register to learn more about the BEP certification process and requirements.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
IDOT Consultant Engineering Prequalification
Presented by Jack Elston and Jenni LeSeure, Bureau of Design and Environment, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
This session detailed the consultant engineering prequalification process in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Topics Covered:
- Prequalification requirements
- Latest updates to prequalification
- The SEFC application
- Resources
Marketing Your Business in Times of COVID-19
Presented by Suzanne Stantley, Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program Provider, Griggs Mitchell and Alma
One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment is by encouraging contractors to connect with its technical assistance providers. The Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program is designed to prepare emerging and established transportation-related construction firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB), as well as small businesses to participate on highway and vertical construction contracts.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Estimating
Presented by Paul Murtagh, Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program Provider, Construction Business Development Center
One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment is by encouraging contractors to connect with its technical assistance providers. The Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program is designed to prepare emerging and established transportation-related construction firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB), as well as small businesses to participate on highway and vertical construction contracts.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Access to Capital
Presented by Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program Provider Deavay Tyler, Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce
One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment is by encouraging contractors to connect with its technical assistance providers. The Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program is designed to prepare emerging and established transportation-related construction firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise (D/M/WBE) firms, service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) as well as small businesses to participate on highway and vertical construction contracts.
Download a PDF of the presentation here.
Partnering For Growth
The Building for Success Summer Webinar Series highlights key Illinois Tollway programs and initiatives, next up Partnering for Growth Construction Program. One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment is by encouraging contractors to assist disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise firms, as well as veteran and small businesses in remaining self-sufficient, competitive and profitable.
Download a PDF of the Presentation here.
Unbundling
This webinar series highlights key Illinois Tollway programs and initiatives, kicking off with contract unbundling. One of the ways the Tollway demonstrates its commitment to creating additional contracting opportunities for small, diverse and veteran-owned firms is by unbundling construction and professional engineering services contracts. This involves breaking down larger contracts into smaller jobs in amounts generally under $5 million.
Download a PDF of the Presentation here