Illinois Procurement Opportunities (CEI)

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI), an entity separate from the Office of Equity, will assist minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans, build their American dream by providing fair access to job and contracting opportunities with the State. CEI shall help the State enhance its workplace culture so people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas are respected and valued. CEI will champion all individuals pursuing equitable stakes within the marketplace.

Visit https://cei.illinois.gov/ to learn more.

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and competitive business environment that will support underrepresented businesses increase their capacity, grow revenue, and enhance credentials.

The Business Enterprise Program Certification division certifies minority, women, and persons with disabilities owned businesses that:

• Have at least 51% ownership by a minority, woman, or person with a disability
• Have at least 51% of their business controlled by one or more minority groups, women, or persons with a disability
• The owner must be a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident alien
• Have annual gross sales of less than $75 million

Visit https://cei.illinois.gov/business-enterprise-program.html to learn more and apply.

VBP assists businesses owned by qualified service disabled and veterans gain access to State of Illinois contracting opportunities and participation in the competitive procurement process.

In order for a business to qualify as a Veteran Owned Business and participate in the program your business must be ALL of the following:

• At least 51 percent owned by one or more qualified service-disabled veteran or veterans living in Illinois (Public Act 097-0260, Public Act 098-0307)
• Applicant(s) must have valid DD214
• Annual gross sales of less than $75 million
• Home office in Illinois

Visit https://cei.illinois.gov/veterans-business-program.html to learn more and apply.

The Business Enterprise Program Council was developed to help implement, monitor, and enforce the goals of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS575/).

Under this Act, the Business Enterprise Program Council is required to ensure that businesses owned by minorities, females, and persons with disabilities are awarded at least 20% of the total dollar amount of State contracts.

The Council also:

• Reviews compliance plans submitted by State agencies
• Reviews BEP certification application appeals
• Sets BEP Council Meeting Agendas
• Maintains a list of all businesses certified as businesses with 51% or greater ownership by minorities, females, or persons with disabilities

Visit https://cei.illinois.gov/bep-council.html to learn more.