Section 2000.4570  Contracting with Businesses Owned and Controlled by Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities

a)         Introduction

            The  Business Enterprise Act for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities [30 ILCS  575] (Act) sets a goal (minimum 12%) for contracting with businesses owned or controlled by minorities, females, or persons with disabilities.

b)         Goal

            The CPO shall establish a goal that at least 12% of the dollar value of State contracts be awarded to minority and female-owned businesses.  Of that 12%, five shall be for female-owned businesses, two for businesses owned by persons with disabilities and not-for-profit agencies for the disabled, and the remaining five for other minority-owned businesses, unless these percentages are modified by the Council created under the Act.

c)         Upon direction of the CPO, and pursuant to direction from the Council, the SOS may establish set-asides and other such preferences for vendors certified under that Act.

d)         Certification

            Certification procedures are set forth in rules governing the Business Enterprise Act (44 Ill. Adm. Code 10).

e)         List of Certified Businesses

1)         The CPO for DCMS shall maintain a list of businesses that have been certified.

2)         The names and  addresses  of  certified  vendors  shall  be  made available to the public.

f)          Professional and Artistic Contract Reporting

            Professional  and  artistic  contracts,  which must be reported to the Business Enterprise Council pursuant to Section  6a  of  the  Business Enterprise Act, shall be reported as follows:

1)         Notice  that  an  agency intends to enter into a professional and artistic contract shall be given to the Council.  Notice  may  be mailed, hand delivered or given by fax, and must be submitted on the same date that the potential vendor is contacted. If the contract is advertised in the Bulletin, reporting to the Council is not required.

2)         The notice shall include the agency  name  and  address; contact person; contract reference number; date bid or proposal was first available; return dates and opening dates; term of the contract; services to be provided; special requirements; and dollar  value. Notice should be given on the form available from the CPO for DCMS.