FY26 VSB Goal Memo .docx

This is a Decision Memorandum regarding Veteran-Owned Small Business (VSB) subcontracting participation goals for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Recycling Education program (Bid #26-532EPA-LAND5-B-51688). The project, titled "Recycle Education BB," involves implementing a holistic recycling education program to help Illinois residents understand proper household waste disposal methods. The contract has an estimated value of $6,000,000 with a 10-year contract term. The procurement utilizes NIGP Code 91876, Issue 30.

Under Illinois statute 30 ILCS 500/45-57, a minimum of 3% of state contract dollars must be allocated as a goal for veteran-owned small business subcontracting participation. However, this requirement may be waived if insufficient veteran-owned small businesses are registered in the relevant service or commodity codes to ensure adequate competition and reasonable pricing. In this case, the procuring agency documented that no veteran-owned businesses are registered under the applicable NIGP codes, thereby justifying an exemption from the VSB subcontracting participation goal. The agency recommendation, approved by the Agency Procurement Officer, permits publication of the solicitation on BidBuy without establishing a VSB participation goal. Inquiries regarding this decision should be directed to Andrew Shackelford at (217) 782-1249.