23-0107 BEP U Plan v.25.1-ITS Parts Replacement.pdf

This document is the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Utilization Plan, Version 25.1, issued by the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. The plan is designed to support businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, specifically targeting vendor participation in state contracts. It applies to all state agencies, boards, and commissions under the jurisdiction of the Governor of Illinois, with the goal of establishing aspirational procurement targets for diverse businesses.

The Utilization Plan outlines a comprehensive framework for achieving contract participation goals, with a specific focus on awarding at least 30% of the total dollar amount of state contracts to businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The plan requires bidders and offerors to demonstrate good faith efforts in utilizing certified Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Veterans Business Program (VBP) vendors, with detailed requirements for vendor selection, subcontracting, and reporting. Vendors must provide documentation of their efforts to engage certified businesses, including outreach, solicitation of quotes, and direct participation in contract work. The plan also establishes guidelines for calculating vendor participation, defining commercially useful functions, and ensuring compliance with equity and inclusion objectives.