Certification
Certification Overview
The objectives of our programs are to provide opportunities for eligible small businesses to participate and compete fairly for procurement, and contract bid opportunities for goods and services offered by the City of Chicago.
OCE currently offers 6 types of certifications designed to “level the playing field” and promote the inclusion of minorities, women, and other eligible small businesses in contracting opportunities offered by the City of Chicago.
We oversee 6 programs.
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
• 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)
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:
Source: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program | US Department of Transportation
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.
Additional Information
- Certification One-Page Overview (PDF)
- Application Documents and Forms
- North American Industry Classification System
- Maintaining Your Certification
- Hurdles to the Application
- Graduation from the MBE/WBE Program
- Denials, Determinations of Ineligibility, or Decertification
- Sample Documentation in Support of Certification Application
- Assist Agencies are comprised of not-for-profit agencies and/or chamber of commerce agencies that represent the interests of small, minority, and/or women-owned businesses. Amongst other offerings, these agencies work closely with the City to educate and assist interested vendors through the certification process. Applicants needing assistance with their applications may contact the City’s Assist Agencies. The most recent list is available on the DPS website at www.chicago.gov/DPS.
We encourage vendors to take part in DPS’s free How to Become Certified Workshop, review the rules and regulations that guide the program, sign-up for DPS Alerts, and view previously recorded workshops on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certification
Yes. Certification is a tool to be used by small businesses in the participation of contracting opportunities with the City of Chicago. For example, certified firms can partner with prime contractors in bidding on public sector contracts. Also, there are businesses in the private sector that seek out certified firms for products and/or services.
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, women, and disadvantaged business participation goals on City of Chicago projects and sister agencies.
There are businesses in the private sector that seek out certified firms for products and/or services.
Eligible to earn certain bid incentives.
Eligible to participate in City programs designed to promote workforce development and economic growth.
See the benefits of the certification page for more information.
Gather information in the checklist prior to completing the application. Once information is gathered, the online application www.chicago.mwdbe.com
- Gather information in the checklist prior to completing the application.
- Once information is gathered, the online application www.chicago.mwdbe.com
Local Programs – (Governed by City Ordinance)
- Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Veteran-Owned Business (VBE)
- Business Enterprises Owned or Operated by People with Disabilities (BEPD)
Federal Programs – (Governed by Federal Regulations)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
The type of certification required depends on the source of funding on the contract you are bidding on. (i.e., federal programs require DBE/ACDBE certification, and locally funded programs required MBE/WBE/VBE/BEPD certification.)
Businesses may apply for multiple programs; however, you will have to submit a separate application for the federal and local program.
There isn’t a required number of years to be in business. Start-ups are eligible.
MBE/WBE/VBE applications have a $250 application fee, payable online at time of application submission.
DBE/ACDBE or BEPD does not have an application fee.
• Gather information in the checklist prior to completing the application.
• Once information is gathered, the online application www.chicago.mwdbe.com
Approximately 90 days from the receipt of a completed application with all supporting documentation.
The certification does not expire if the firm is compliant with program requirements. Program requirements include filing the annual no-change affidavit, and notify DPS of organization changes, business name changes, and ownership changes within 10 business days of the change.
- Call customer service at 312-744-4900 or email dps.certification@cityofchicago.org
- Call an Assist Agency
- Attend a workshop (i.e., How to Become Certified?)
- View certification videos at https://www.youtube.com/chicagodps
- Read the certification regulations
- No. A consultant or a lawyer is not required; however, some firms may find it helpful to engage their assistance.
- The City of Chicago does not recommend particular firms.
The local program requires the business to be located within the counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, or Will in the State of Illinois. PO Boxes and virtual offices are not eligible. Interstate Certification. The federal program requires firms to be certified by their Home State Unified Certification Program (UCP) prior to applying.
Submit your request in writing online in the portal via the Expansion application. Include the added category NAICS code(s), description, and supporting documentation.
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