The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Business Enterprise Program (BEP) has announced a new disparity study along with a new formula in order to raise the participation of Diverse Business Enterprises (DBEs).

Years prior, CMS used a similar formula to determine BEP availability which is similar to the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program (DBE).

The new program will evaluate the businesses/vendors who are already registered in the States BidBuy e-procurement system, which amounts to around 20,000 total vendors. This will allow for the Department of Central Management Services to set higher participation goals for BEP vendors with  state contracts. 

According to one local outlet: “BEP's mission is to increase opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minorities, women and persons with disabilities and the State aspirational goal of 20% participation on contracts".

Illinois' state government is encouraging all eligible businesses to register themselves through the BidBuy Portal in order to participate and be counted under the new formula.