RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the recently issued Disparity Study for Construction Contracts ("study") showed the importance of certifying M/WBE firms; and
WHEREAS, the study stated a number of M/WBE firms reported experiencing lengthy delays in processing initial certification applications; and
WHEREAS, the study also stated a number of M/WBE firms reported experiencing lengthy delays in reviewing applications for recertification; and
WHEREAS, M/WBE firms, particularly in construction, incur substantial costs to get their business started; and
WHERAS, any delay in certification causes these M/WBE firms to unnecessarily incur even more and costs; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Procurement Services is charged with the responsibility of certifying M/WBE firms; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recently approved the creation of the new Office of Contracting Equity as part of the 2022 budget; and
WHEREAS, the City Council appropriated monies for additional personnel in the Office of Contracting & Equity; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also recently approved the appointment of a new Chief Procurement Officer; and
WHEREAS, raising the number of M/WBE certified firms in Chicago is of paramount interest to the Chicago City Council;
RTHER RESOLVED that we the members of the City Council also invite representatives of Agencies and M/WBE firms to appear before the Committee on Contract Oversight & Equity me hearing to share their experiences with the City's M/WBE certification process.
Leslie A. Hairston Alderman 5th Ward
6J 30
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we the members ofthe City Council do hereby invite the Chief Procurement Officer and the head of the Office of Contracting Equity to appear before the Committee on Contract Oversight & Equity to discuss their plans to eliminate the delays in M/WBE certification; and
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the recently issued Disparity Study for Construction Contracts ("study") showed the importance of certifying M/WBE firms; and
WHEREAS, the study stated a number of M/WBE firms reported experiencing lengthy delays in processing initial certification applications; and
WHEREAS, the study also stated a number of M/WBE firms reported experiencing lengthy delays in reviewing applications for recertification; and
WHEREAS, M/WBE firms, particularly in construction, incur substantial costs to get their business started; and
WHERAS, any delay in certification causes these M/WBE firms to unnecessarily incur even more and costs; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Procurement Services is charged with the responsibility of certifying M/WBE firms; and
WHEREAS, the City Council recently approved the creation of the new Office of Contracting Equity as part of the 2022 budget; and
WH EREAS, the City Council appropriated monies for additional personnel in the Office of Contracting & Equity; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also recently approved the appointment of a new Chief Procurement Officer; and
WHEREAS, raising the number of M/WBE certified firms in Chicago is of paramount interest to the Chicago City Council;
FURTHER RESOLVED that we the members of the City Council also invite representatives of sist Agencies and M/WBE firms to appear before the Committee on Contract Oversight & Equity same hearing to share their experiences with the City's M/WBE certification process^
eslie A. Hairston Alderman 5,h Ward
2-
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we the members ofthe City Council do hereby invite the Chief Procurement Officer and the head of the Office of Contracting Equity to appear before the Committee on Contract Oversight & Equity to discuss their plans to eliminate the delays in M/WBE certification; and