Certification Overview

The Four types of local certifications available are as follows:

• Business Enterprises Owned or Operated by People with Disabilities (BEPD)
• Minority-Owned business Enterprise (MBE)
• Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE)
• Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)

Regulations

We have two regulations, one that governs non-construction businesses and another that governs construction businesses. Some companies need to comply with both regulations for more information you can click on the following links:

• For non-construction: Certification Regulations - Non-Construction (PDF)
• For construction: Certification Regulations - Construction (PDF)

Requirements

• Ownership: At least 51% of the business entity must be owned by one or more qualified owners (Minority, Women, Veteran, etc.).
• Independence: Must demonstrate the ability to independently perform in the firm’s area of specialty/expertise without substantial reliance upon non-minority or non-women business enterprises.
• Control: Must exercise majority control over the management and daily business operations of the firm in the specialty area (s) the firm is applying.
• Expertise: Must demonstrate prior experience and expertise in the desired specialty area (i.e. training, licenses, certifications, or academic credentials).
• Location: Must be located in Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Lake, McHenry
• Size: The firm’s gross receipts must not exceed the maximum dollar threshold value and must meet other U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards.

How to Apply

• Start an application here: City of Chicago - Certification and Compliance System
• Professional Declaration of Eligibility- In some instances, you may be able to avoid wait times by hiring a qualified attorney or CPA to conduct the review for your firm’s eligibility. Click here for more details about the Professional Declaration of Eligibility.
• Reciprocal Application- Are you currently certified with the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) or the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)? If so, you may qualify for our short-version application.
• Reciprocity with Cook County- Are you certified as an MBE or WBE with Cook County? If so, you do not need to be certified with us, we accept their certification.

Benefits of Certification

• Provides visibility – Once Certified your firm is listed in a directory that is accessible to the general public and all Prime Contractors.
• There are minority and women participation goals on the City of Chicago projects and sister agencies.
• The City of Chicago and Cook County have reciprocal MBE and WBE Programs; therefore, you do not need to be certified by both agencies.
• There are incentives for BEPD and VBE-certified firms.
• There are businesses in the private sector that seek out certified firms for products and/or services.

The City of Chicago is a federal grant recipient subject to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) DBE/ACDBE requirements under 49 CFR Parts 26 and 23. The objectives of the DBE/ACDBE program are to: Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT/FHWA/FTA/FAA assisted contracts in the Department’s highway, transit, airport financial assistance programs, and Airport concessionaire programs for more information:

The Two types of federal certifications available are as follows:

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
• Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)

Requirements

• Ownership: At least 51% of the business entity must be owned by one or more social or economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Independence: Must demonstrate the ability to independently perform in the firm’s area of specialty/expertise without substantial reliance upon non-minority or non-women business enterprises.
• Control: Must exercise majority control over the management and daily business operations of the firm in the specialty area (s) the firm is applying.
• Expertise: Must demonstrate prior experience and expertise in the desired specialty area (i.e., training, licenses, certifications, or academic credentials).
• Location: Must be located in Illinois. If you are located outside of the State of Illinois, you must submit an Interstate Application.
• Size: The firm’s gross receipts must not exceed the maximum dollar threshold value and must meet other U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards.
• Personal Net Worth Limit: The current regulations require that the eligible disadvantaged applicant’s personal net worth not exceed $1.32M.

Benefits of Certification

• Provides visibility – Once Certified your firm is listed in a directory that is accessible to the general public and all Prime Contractors.
• There are disadvantaged business participation goals on the City of Chicago projects and sister agencies.
• DBE certification with the City of Chicago is accepted by the Illinois UCP members Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), PACE Bus Services, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and Metropolitan Rail Systems (METRA).
• There are businesses in the private sector that seek out certified firms for products and/or services.

How to Apply

• Start an application here - City of Chicago - Certification and Compliance System
• Illinois Unified Certification Program (ILUCP) We are one of five certifying agencies in Illinois that include IDOT, PACE, CTA, and Metra. You only need to be certified with one agency for DBE and/or ACDBE certification.
• Are you certified from out of State? File an Interstate application.