Illinois Department of Transportation, Ann L. Schneider, Secretary
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 Patrick J. Quinn, Governor
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Introduction to IDOT's Small Business Enterprises

IDOT’s Bureau of Small Business Enterprises (SBE) is responsible for administering the federally-mandated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The DBE program is intended to provide contracting opportunities to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in the United States Department of Transportation’s highway, mass transit and airport financial assistance programs.

Applicant firms must be found eligible to be certified as a DBE under the federal regulations contained in 49 CFR part 26 and part 23. Only those businesses which are involved in highway construction-related services (non-vertical), consultant, and supplier/equipment rental/trucking services are considered for participation in IDOT’s DBE program.

Once certified, the firm’s name is listed in the Illinois Unified Certification Program’s (IL UCP) DBE Directory (Directory). The IL UCP’s five participating agencies maintain the Directory to provide a reference source to assist bidders/proposers in meeting DBE contract goals. The Directory lists the firms in alphabetical order and provides the industry categories/list and the district(s) in which the firms have indicated they are available.
     For clarification purposes, the following definitions are provided:

DBE Certification

All contractors, whether prime or subcontractor, desiring to participate as a DBE must be certified as a DBE. A firm seeking certification has to meet requirements concerning group membership or individual disadvantage, business size, ownership and control.
Call 217.782.5490 for more information.

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Prime Contractor Prequalification

All highway construction prime contractors desiring to provide services to IDOT must be prequalified. Prequalification is a rating process which requires all prospective bidders to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility prior to being considered for issuance of bidding proposal forms and plans for any contract awarded by IDOT, as well as contracts awarded by local agencies requiring approval of award by IDOT.
Call 217.782.3413 for more information.

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Consultant Prequalification

All architectural-engineering consultants desiring to provide services to IDOT, whether as a prime or subconsultant, must be prequalified.
Call 217.785.2940 for more information.

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Subcontractor Registration

IDOT is required to maintain a list of all contractors and subcontractors performing work on IDOT projects.

Subcontractors interested in participating on IDOT contracts are required to register.

Only registered subcontractors included in the list can be approved for IDOT projects.

Prequalified contractors are automatically included in the list and are not required to register. Material suppliers and trucking companies are not included in the definition of subcontractor and are not required to register.

Subcontractors can register electronically by submitting the Subcontractor Registration Form. This form is located under "Doing Business with IDOT," "Highway Construction." The registration form requires minimal information and can be completed in minutes. Confirmation, along with a registration number, will be received by e-mail in 1-2 days. Registration is valid for one year and will then require renewal.
Call 217.782.3413 for more information.

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Contractor’s Market Place

The Contractor's Market Place is a forum for both prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers wishing to do business with IDOT. The objective is to facilitate communications by providing an electronic bulletin board for the contracting community.

Prime contractors have the ability to communicate their desire for quotes on a specific letting item(s) and work category(ies) to subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractors and suppliers have the ability to communicate their interest to prime contractors in providing quotes on a specific letting item and work category.

Information from the forms submitted is organized by letting date and posted in an easy-to-read report format. Reports will be updated each day. Locate the "Contractor’s Market Place" under "Doing Business with IDOT," "Highway Construction."

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