Expedited Certification

There is a certification process option that allows businesses that have been certified by the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) and the Chicago Minority Business Development Council (CMBDC) to apply for an expedited certification with the City of Chicago.

Under this process, businesses applying for City of Chicago certification only need to complete an Outside Recognition Certification Application, which asks for the following supplemental information:

• Current copy of WBDC or CMDBC certification letter and/or certificate
• Financial Documentation which may include a Personal Net Worth Statement
• Proof of business location in Six County Region (Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake and McHenry), and
• Proof of US Citizen or Legal Alien Resident Status

If a business meets these eligibility requirements after evaluation of the supplemental information provided, the business will then be issued a City of Chicago recognition letter allowing this business to participate in the City's M/WBE program.

This process provides faster access to City of Chicago certification as it reduces the duplication of documents and amount of review needed for each applicant.

Professional Declaration of Eligibility

The new Professional Declaration of Eligibility certification process allows an applicant firm to receive expedited certification if its file is reviewed by a licensed attorney, CPA or other designated certifying agency (as defined in the Chicago Municipal Code), and that the professional certifies that the applicant meets the requirements of Chicago’s certification program.

Only non-construction, non-supplier/distributor firms will be eligible to apply under the new process, and the application must be reviewed and attested by:

An attorney or CPA licensed in Illinois for at least 3 years; or A certifying agency which is an agency designated by the City that: Has certification requirements that conform with the standards of the City of Chicago certification, or are of equivalent effectiveness in determining eligibility for certification; and Has at least five years of experience in certifying firms; and Provides certification which is accepted by one or more public agencies in the State of Illinois, other than the City of Chicago.

To download all forms and documents related to the expedited and outside certification process, please follow the link below

Expedited/Outside Certification forms and documents

If you have questions regarding the certification process, please contact our Certification and Compliance Division at:

Department of Procurement Services

 Certification and Compliance Division

121 North LaSalle Street   Room 806

Chicago, IL 60602

312.744.4900

dps.certification@cityofchicago.org