All units of area government share a commitment in expanding opportunities for
minority-owned and women-owned businesses. The exact details of these program
commitments and the steps required to qualify as a DBE, MBE, or WBE vendor are
outlined on each agency's web page. Please note that the Chicago Transit Authority
only administers a DBE Program pursuant to U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Regulation 49 C.F.R. Part 26.
Illinois Unified Certification Program - IL UCP
Pursuant to the requirements of the federal regulations, 49 CFR, Part 26, all
recipients of federal-aid must implement a "one-stop" certification process for
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. As a result of this requirement, the Illinois
Department of Transportation, City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra,
and Pace have established the IL UCP.
The IL UCP is based on the concept of certification reciprocity among the agencies.
The IL UCP provides "one stop shopping" to applicants for Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise (DBE) certification, such that an applicant needs only to apply once for
DBE certification. This DBE certification will be honored by all participating IL
UCP agencies in the state of Illinois.
Illinois Unified Certification Program (DBE) Application
The Chicago Transit Authority, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT),
City of Chicago, METRA, and PACE utilize the Illinois Unified Certification
Program Application. Each agency certifies minority and women owned firms
pursuant to eligibility standards set forth by the U.S. Department of
Transportation (USDOT) Regulation 49 C.F.R. Part 26 and the procedures
established under the IL UCP.
The IL UCP application has been developed to determine whether your firm is
eligible for the Authority's DBE program and to provide information regarding
the certification of your firm in your designated area of expertise. In order
to become certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, your firm must meet
the eligibility standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation
(USDOT) Regulation 49 C.F.R., Part 26. Once a firm is certified by CTA as a DBE,
it will be honored by all IL UCP participating agencies. We suggest you contact
each agency in order to receive additional information pertaining to their
respective bidding opportunities.
You may apply for and maintain your DBE certification on-line by accessing www.ctavendor.com.
The following IL UCP directories are available for download in PDF format:
- Illinois Unified Certification Program - List of Certified DBE Vendors (PDF Documents)
Please be advised the certification process takes 90 days. Please return the completed application to:
