Illinois to discuss improving contracting program

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois officials are scheduling a series of public hearings to discuss making it easier for all private businesses to bid on state contracts.

The meetings will focus on the Business Enterprise Program.

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services is conducting a study to collect information about contracting processes that might be unfair to under-served business communities.

Central Management Services is encouraging everyone with an interest in state contracting to attend one of the meetings.

They’re scheduled for Oct. 2 at the Illinois Department of Transportation regional headquarters in Collinsville; the Department of Agriculture building in Springfield on Oct. 3, and at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago on Oct. 4.