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Diversity
Diversity Contracting Unit
ABOUT
The Capital Development Board (CDB)’s Diversity Contracting Unit (DCU) unit is responsible for ensuring equal opportunity with state-funded construction projects. A team of compliance technicians, assistants, and specialists is responsible for the management of these programs. They perform project reviews as required by state regulations, assist prime contractors in locating diverse vendors to achieve established participation goals, and offer training for those vendors newly prequalified or interested in learning more about CDB projects and procedures.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PARTICIPATION PROGRAM
CDB utilizes certified businesses to promote opportunities in the contracting process. The list of business enterprise certification categories is:
CDB actively promotes the economic development of minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities businesses in the construction field as participants on CDB projects. The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) promotes opportunities for minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and businesses owned by persons with disabilities as stipulated by the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS 575), and promotes opportunities for veteran-owned firms in accordance with Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/45-57).
DESIGN
CDB, with the support of industry partners, typically applies a 15% MBE/WBE/PBE goal and 3% VBE goal on design contracts for construction projects with an estimated basic services fee of $75,000 or more (projects valued at approximately $1,000,000 or greater).
CONSTRUCTION
Projects with a total estimated construction cost of $250,000 or greater are generally have goals for the utilization of MBE/WBE/VBE/PBE certified firms. Goals may vary depending on scope, dollar, and geographical region.
The DCU ensures contract awards reflect and adhere to the Business Enterprise Program participation goals. Awarded contracts are reviewed and monitored by the DCU. To take part in CDB projects as an MBE/WBE/PBE/VBE certified vendor, the business must be certified with the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, Business Enterprise Program. CDB does not certify businesses.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS WORKFORCE PROGRAM
The Illinois Department of Human Rights Minority/Female Workforce Program offers equal employment opportunities to minority and female tradesperson in accordance with the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/7-105 (A)) and the Rules established by the Department of Human Rights (44 Ill. Adm. Code 750). Minority and female workforce employment goals are established for each county in the State.
The DCU oversees and monitors workforce compliance on State-funded construction projects. For all construction work in given geographic areas, workforce goals are measured as a percentage of total hours of labor performed by the contractor's total workforce in each trade.
Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative Program
The goal of the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative (“10% apprenticeship goal”) is that for projects estimated to cost $500,000 or more, apprentices will perform either 10% of the total labor hours actually worked in each prevailing wage classification or 10% of the estimated labor hours in each prevailing wage classification, whichever is less. The 10% apprenticeship goal applies to projects being paid for in whole or in part by appropriated capital funds to construct a public work either through a contract or grants. The Capital Development Board is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative for all contracts and grants it administers.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND FORMS
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
CDB offers training sessions for those firms newly prequalified or interested in learning more about CDB project procedures.
The DCU compliance technicians are frequently available at CDB pre-bid and pre-construction meetings to aid in the clarification of the programs and procedures. They are also periodically available at the construction sites in conjunction with the DCU. For contact information, please refer to the DCU CT Areas map.
The DCU assists prime contractors in locating MBE/WBE/PBE/VBE firms to achieve established participation goals.
CERTIFIED BUSINESS DIRECTORY
BEP ACHIEVEMENTS
Capital Development Board BEP Annual Reports