Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
All units of area government share a commitment in expanding opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned businesses. The exact details of these program commitments and the steps required to qualify as a DBE, MBE, or WBE vendor are outlined on each agency's web page. Please note that the Chicago Transit Authority only administers a DBE Program pursuant to U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Regulation 49 C.F.R. Part 26.
DBE Certification Workshop Registration Form
Get the Registration Form to register for an upcoming DBE Certification Workshop.
Illinois Unified Certification Program - IL UCP
Pursuant to the requirements of the federal regulations, 49 CFR, Part 26, all recipients of federal-aid must implement a "one-stop" certification process for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. As a result of this requirement, the Illinois Department of Transportation, City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace have established the IL UCP.
The IL UCP is based on the concept of certification reciprocity among the agencies. The IL UCP provides "one stop shopping" to applicants for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification, such that an applicant needs only to apply once for DBE certification. This DBE certification will be honored by all participating IL UCP agencies in the state of Illinois.
Illinois Unified Certification Program (DBE) Application
The Chicago Transit Authority, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), City of Chicago, METRA, and PACE utilize the Illinois Unified Certification Program Application. Each agency certifies minority and women owned firms pursuant to eligibility standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Regulation 49 C.F.R. Part 26 and the procedures established under the IL UCP.
The IL UCP application has been developed to determine whether your firm is eligible for the Authority's DBE program and to provide information regarding the certification of your firm in your designated area of expertise. In order to become certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, your firm must meet the eligibility standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Regulation 49 C.F.R., Part 26. Once a firm is certified by CTA as a DBE, it will be honored by all IL UCP participating agencies. We suggest you contact each agency in order to receive additional information pertaining to their respective bidding opportunities.
You may apply for and maintain your DBE certification on-line by accessing www.ctavendor.com. The following IL UCP directories are available for download in PDF format:
List of Certified DBE Vendors (PDF Documents)
Please be advised the certification process takes 90 days. Please return the completed application to:
Diversity & Small Business
Compliance Program Department
567 W. Lake Street 4th Flr.
Chicago, IL 60661
or
P.O. Box 7562
Chicago, IL 60680-7562
If you need assistance, or have questions regarding completion of the application, please contact us at (312) 681-2601.
Mayra Garcia Guzman
General Manager
Diversity & Small Business Compliance Programs Department