Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Dear Partners,
We are writing to share that the Illinois Departments of Central Management Services (CMS) and of Commerce and Economic Opportunity are hosting Fast Track BEP Webinars. Through the new FastTrack certification process, CMS's Business Enterprise Program will recognize the certification of businesses owned by minorities, women, or persons with disabilities, who are certified by the City of Chicago or Cook County, with a single affidavit, leading to full, State certification in seven business days.
In June, CMS announced a new expedited option for certification through the Business Enterprise Program for small- and medium-sized minority-owned businesses. FastTrack certification will recognize certifications from both the City of Chicago and Cook County in compliance with Public Act 101-0601 to expand opportunities for prospective State of Illinois (State) vendors.
CMS has also committed to doubling the State's minority vendor pool by 2,020 new participants in calendar year 2020. Expanding certification recognition will not only support the diversification of the State's vendor pool, but also increase opportunities for minority vendors to receive State contracts. Please share with vendors and providers who may be interested.
Event details:
For Certified City of Chicago Vendors: Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 11:00am-12:00pm via Webinar.
Click here to register for October 21st session.
For Certified Cook County Vendors: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 3:00pm-4:00pm via Webinar.
Click here to register for October 27th session.
Thank you,
Grace B. Hou
Secretary, IDHS
