Illinois Commission on Equity & Inclusion

The meeting included discussions on the Sheltered Market report and the Disparity Study hearings. An update was given regarding emergency procurements, emphasizing the need for better agency planning. A waiver request from Gallagher Asphalt was reviewed and approved concerning a DCEO grant capital project. Healthcare and Family Services were invited to a future meeting to discuss their B.E.S.T. program, and a schedule for meetings with State Legislators was proposed.

The council meeting included discussions on various topics such as the BEP staff's participation in Rapid Results training, the formation of three subcommittees based on tasks from the Governor's Executive Order, and the potential declaration of industries as Sheltered Markets via the Disparity Study. The council also discussed curing deficiencies, with concerns raised about vendors submitting blank bids and using the curing period to seek partners. Additionally, there was a public testimony regarding a contract award and concerns about the utilization of BEP firms, as well as the status of target markets or set-asides for construction.

The council discussed various topics, including the restructuring of subcommittees into groups related to compliance, certification, and outreach. There was a discussion regarding the 10-day cure period for bid deficiencies, including when the clock starts ticking. The council also discussed the 2017 BEP meeting calendar and the need for a student worker for BEP.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including a discussion on waivers being posted on the website and a proposal to allow CMS/BEP program to handle waiver requests. The council also discussed Sheltered Market rules, specifically modifications related to the definition of egregious discrimination and the role of CPOs in implementing sheltered markets. Updates were provided from various committees, including the Procurement Committee, which is working on forecasting to involve more minority, women, and disabled companies, and the Capital Access and Banking Committee, which hosted a presentation on the Small Contractor Bridge program designed to lower financial barriers for these enterprises.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including updates on Senate Bill 177, which involves a reciprocity program for BEP certification, and the Mentor Protégé Program. Subcommittees provided reports on certification, outreach, and compliance, with discussions on attendance policies, new chairs, and subcommittee membership. Ongoing business included updates on the Utilization Plan and Dispute Resolution. New business involved an updated 2020 BEP Council and Subcommittee calendar. The council also discussed the Sheltered Market and heard public and vendor testimonies.