Record #: R2021-1306   
Type: Resolution Status: Failed to Pass
Intro date: 11/17/2021 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity
Final action: 5/24/2023
Title: Call for hearing(s) on plans to eliminate delays in Minority- and Women-owned business enterprises certification process
Sponsors: Hairston, Leslie A., Lopez, Raymond A., Taylor, Jeanette B. , Rodriguez, Michael D., Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos, Maldonado, Roberto, Mitchell, Gregory I., Rodriguez Sanchez, Rossana , King, Sophia D., Hadden, Maria E. , Vasquez, Jr., Andre, Waguespack, Scott, Sawyer, Roderick T.
Topic: CITY DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES - Procurement Services, - COMMITTEE/PUBLIC HEARINGS - Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity
Attachments: 1. R2021-1306.pdf
Related files: R2023-766

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