Stay at Home Order
In response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Chicago has joined the State of Illinois in issuing a Stay at Home order effective Saturday, March 21st at 5pm CT. In addition, City of Chicago facilities are closed to the public. Staff are prioritizing essential services to protect the health and safety of our residents and employees. As such, we may be delayed in responding to non-essential inquiries and service requests. To stay up to date on the City of Chicago’s COVID-19 response, please visit the City Coronavirus Response Center site.
M/W/VBE Program - Certification (DBE/ACDBE/BEPD) / IL UCP Directory
The Department of Procurement Services utilizes certified businesses to promote opportunities in the contracting process by contract award to or use as a subcontractor. The list of current certification types is:
- Airport Concessionaire Disadvantage Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
- Business Enterprises owned by People with Disabilities (BEPD)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
- Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
Our task is to ensure that contract awards reflect and adhere to the City of Chicago's participation goals. Awarded contracts are monitored and audited by the Department of Procurement Services.
If you are interested in becoming certified, need an application or for more information about the MBE/WBE/VBE, BEPD & ACDBE/DBE programs, please contact the Department of Procurement Services at 312.744.4900
Find Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE firms)/IL UCP Directory
Search the Illinois UCP (Unified Certification Program) for DBE firms (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises).
Minority and Women owned and BEPD firms
Searchable directory of City of Chicago certified MBE, WBE, DBE, and BEPD vendors.Help with the procurement process
- Assist Agencies (May 2019)
These organizations can help explain the certification process and assist applicants with the completion of various bid forms and applications.
Events and workshops designed to teach vendors about various procurement processes and contracting opportunities.