Certification Program

The Diversity Section administers the District’s certification program for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE). Certification is required for firms seeking to participate toward affirmative action goals on District contracts.

The District is a self-certifying agency. All firms are reviewed by the District to determine eligibility in accordance with the requirements of the Affirmative Action Ordinance, Revised Appendix D, dated December 31, 2022.

Firms currently certified by the City of Chicago or Cook County within the last two (2) years may participate in an abbreviated, streamlined certification review process. As part of this process, the District will verify that the firm meets the eligibility requirements of Revised Appendix D.

Certification review may occur in advance of the bid process or during the bid process.

Certification Pathways

The District processes certification requests through two primary pathways:

Utilization Plan (UP) Certification Firms listed on a Utilization Plan at the time of bid may be reviewed on an expedited basis. Firms are permitted to be listed prior to certification; however, certification by the District is required before a Utilization Plan can be approved.

Rolling Certification Firms may request certification independently of a specific contract. These requests are reviewed through the District’s standard certification process.

Request for Certification

Firms seeking certification or recertification must submit a request via email.

Upon receipt, the District will contact the firm and request the required supporting documentation.

Firms will have fourteen (14) days from the date of the request to submit all required documentation. Following review of the documentation, an interview and on-site visit will be scheduled.

Documentation must be sufficient to verify ownership, control, independence, and business size in accordance with the Ordinance. This includes, but is not limited to:

· Business formation and organizational documents

· Proof of ownership and control

· Financial information, including tax returns

· Resumes and identification for all owners

· Relevant licenses and business records

For a complete list of required documentation, please refer to the Certification Checklist.

Incomplete submissions may delay the review process. Review time may vary depending on the completeness of the submission and responsiveness to requests for additional information.

Review Process

Upon receipt of a certification request, the Diversity Section conducts a detailed review to determine eligibility under the District’s standards.

As part of this process, an interview and/or site visit will be required in most instances to verify that the firm operates as represented and meets all program requirements.

The District may request additional information or clarification at any time during the review process

Determination

Upon completion of the review, the District will issue a formal written determination:

· Approved – The firm is certified and eligible to participate toward MBE, WBE, or VBE goals

· Denied – The firm does not meet the eligibility requirements

Firms are notified in writing of the District’s determination. An appeal process is available in accordance with the Affirmative Action Ordinance.

Certification Term and Maintenance

Certification is valid for a period of two (2) years.

Firms are responsible for maintaining compliance with all eligibility requirements throughout the certification period. The District may issue reminders or request updated information as needed to confirm continued eligibility.

Firms must notify the District of any material changes, including but not limited to changes in ownership, control, business structure, or size. Such changes may affect the firm’s certification status.