It is the policy of MTD to actively encourage and assist Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) to participate competitively in all procurement actions. See below for information specific to MTD's DBE program as well as technical and business assistance offered throughout Illinois.

MTD's DBE Liaison Officer may be contacted for any DBE-related communications: Ashlee McLaughlin, amclaughlin@mtd.org, 217.384.8188.

Vendor Report

Public Act 102-0265

In compliance with state law, MTD collects and publishes demographic information provided by vendors and subcontractors doing business with MTD, including whether the company is owned by a minority, woman, veteran, or person with a disability.

FY 2022 - FY 2024 DBE Goal and Methodology

MTD's DEB Program

MTD's current triennial DBE goal is 4.00%. This is a 100% race neutral goal. The details on this goal are provided here. This goal and methodology represent all FTA funds that MTD expects to expend on all FTA assisted contracting opportunities during this period, excluding the purchase of transit vehicles.

December 10, 2021 DBE Outreach

MTD's DBE Program

MTD hosted an outreach event on December 10, 2021 for discussion and feedback on the FY 2022 - FY 2024 DBE goal and methodology. The presentation is provided here.

DBE Goal

Public Comment Period & Consultation

MTD has established a proposed overall goal of 4.00% for DBE participation. The public may view the goal and the DBE program for 30 days from this publication date by requesting a copy via email or by visiting the MTD office. The District will accept public comments on the goal for a period of 45 days from this publication date.

MTD will hold direct and interactive consultation with minority, women’s and general contractor groups, and community groups on December 10, 2021, on a virtual platform.

DBE Policy Statement

MTD's DBE Program

MTD has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. MTD has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, MTD has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

Illinois Unified Certification Program DBE Directory

DBE Directory for MTD Projects

MTD utilizes the DBE certification program established by IDOT, City of Chicago, CTA, Metra, and Pace. Firms must be listed in the IL UCP DBE Directory to be counted towards DBE participation for MTD's projects.

Illinois Department of Transportation DBE Supportive Services

DBE Supportive Services

Free support is provided to Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) DBE firms seeking IDOT DBE certification, to IL UCP DBE certified firms who have an IDOT contract, and to prime contractors doing business with IDOT.

Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Procurement Technical Assistance

​Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) are a portal for small businesses looking to enter the world of government contracting. The centers provide one-on-one counseling, technical information, marketing assistance and training to existing businesses. Champaign-Urbana's nearest PTAC is at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

Illinois State Highway and Toll Authority Diversity Programs

Diversity Program

The Illinois Tollway Technical Assistance Program is designed to prepare emerging and established transportation-related construction firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprise firms, service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses as well as small businesses to participate on highway and vertical construction contracts.

Small Business Administration

Small Business Assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers free counseling, financial assistance, special loan programs, special assistance to women and veterans, and more. The Illinois Branch Office is located in Springfield, serving 73 counties in central and southern Illinois (including Champaign County). The Illinois District Office is located in Chicago, serving 29 counties in northern Illinois.

Illinois Small Business Development Center

Small Business Assistance

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is part of America’s Small Business Development Center Network, the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States. The goal of the network is to help new entrepreneurs achieve their goals, and assist existing businesses in staying successful in the complex marketplace locally, regionally, and globally.

Women’s Business Development Center

Women's Business Resources

The Women’s Business Development Center's (WBDC) mission is to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving all diverse business owners, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy. WBDC's headquarters is located in Chicago, with satellite offices in Aurora, IL, Richton Park, IL, and St. Louis, MO.

Veteran Business Assistance Services

Veteran Business Assistance

Veteran Business Assistance Services (VBAS) are offered by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC). WBDC is committed to the success of veteran-owned businesses and works to ensure that veterans have technical assistance and resources to achieve their business goals. The WBDC VBAS offers various levels of training and assistance for start-up, emerging, and established veteran business owners in Illinois to support and accelerate their business development and growth.

FY 2019 - FY 2021 DBE Goal and Methodology

MTD's DBE Progam

MTD's current triennial DBE goal is .91%. This is a 100% race neutral goal. The details on this goal are provided here. This goal and methodology represent all FTA funds that MTD will expend on all FTA assisted contracting opportunities from October 2018 through September 2021, excluding the purchase of transit vehicles.

2019 DBE Program Update

MTD's DBE Program

MTD's DBE Program seeks to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of contracts and to create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for contracts.

April 30, 2019 DBE Outreach

MTD's DBE Program

MTD hosted an outreach event on April 30, 2019 for discussion and feedback on the DBE goal and methodology utilized for the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses and Infrastructure Project. The presentation, vendor list, and questions and answers are provided here.