The Illinois Tollway is hosting a Contracting with Government event June 3 at Governors State University in University Park to connect small, diverse and veteran-owned firms with resources, training and networking opportunities, with an emphasis on helping information technology firms pursue contract opportunities with the Tollway and other public agencies.
Launched in 2024, this will be the fourth Contracting with Government hosted by the Illinois Tollway, following previous events in Chicago, Elgin and Naperville.
“Small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses are the backbone of communities across Illinois, creating jobs, strengthening local economies and bringing new ideas, technologies and expertise to every region of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with state agencies and procurement resources, we’re creating opportunities for firms to compete, grow and contribute their expertise to vital projects across the public sector.”
Contracting with Government connects businesses with agencies, resources and information designed to increase access to public-sector contract opportunities while helping firms better understand procurement processes and certification requirements to bid on goods and services contracts, including IT opportunities.
The June 3 event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway in University Park. On-site registration and check-in begin at 9 a.m. Interested businesses can register in advance through the Tollway’s website www.illinoistollway.com/contractingwithgovernment.
“The Illinois Tollway is focused on expanding access to contracting opportunities and building stronger relationships with small, diverse and veteran-owned businesses,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “This event creates direct connections between firms – particularly those in IT and related industries – and the agencies, resources and industry partners that support long-term growth and success.”
Participating state agencies including the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion and the Illinois Chief Procurement Office for General Services will join the Tollway to offer workshops and presentations on contracting procedures and anticipated procurements related to information technology and other goods and services. The Illinois Tollway will also provide information on expected procurements across the agency, including opportunities with IT, business systems, roadway and facilities departments.
Among the featured sessions are a government procurement panel and a Learning Lab designed to give businesses hands on assistance for state certifications and help to identify upcoming contracting opportunities.
In addition, an IT Quick Connect workshop will enable entrepreneurs to speak individually with firms already doing business with state agencies, ask questions and receive guidance about pursuing state contracts.
“Strong local businesses create stronger communities. Providing firms with access to public-sector opportunities can generate lasting benefits,” said University Park Mayor Joseph E. Roudez III. “Events like Contracting with Government with support from the state provide a real boost for local economic vitality.”
Additional agencies scheduled to participate include Illinois APEX Accelerator, Forest Preserves of Cook County, Cook County, City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services and the Chicago Transit Authority. More than a dozen IT firms will participate in the event including CDW, Cisco, Dell, ServiceNow and SAP.
Participants can attend a series of workshops offered by the Tollway and other state agencies outlining procurement and contracting practices, as well as information on how businesses can register to participate in the state’s Business Enterprise Program or the Small Business Set-Aside Program. Firms can also receive training in using the state’s BidBuy system, which allows agencies to advertise and receive bids for the goods and services they require.
Workshops offered include:
Government Procurement Panel
How to do Business with the Tollway: Goods and Services – Illinois Tollway
Navigating BidBuy and Small Business Registration in the Illinois Procurement Gateway – Chief Procurement Office for General Services
How to Get Business Enterprise Program and Veteran Certified – Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion
Grants for Small Businesses – Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment
IT Quick Connect
Learning Lab
Additionally, the Illinois Tollway will provide access to its Technical Assistance Program providers to offer business development assistance.
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