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REPORT
Department: Department of Finance and Administration
Request: Refer to Contract Compliance Committee
Report Title: Forest Preserves of Cook County Annual Business Diversity Report FY 2022
Report Period: 1/1/2022 - 12/31/2022
Summary: In July 2012, state legislation authorized the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to establish provisions to address the underuse of minority and women-owned businesses with respect to procurement contracts. An ordinance establishing the program’s parameters and guidelines was passed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners in September 2012. This initiative is significantly benefiting the residents of Cook County by increasing the pool of qualified minority and women-owned businesses that have the opportunity to be selected for contracts awarded by the Forest Preserves each year.
To remedy historic inequity and to facilitate greater inclusion, the Forest Preserves established aspirational contract goals for the participation of minority and women-owned businesses as set forth under the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Code of Ordinances.
The Minority and Women-Owned Businesses program accomplishments in FY 2022 include 60% of awarded contracts; and 51% of contract payments were made to minority and women-owned businesses either as prime contractors or sub-contractors.
The Forest Preserves participated in eleven (11) outreach and workshop conferences, many in collaboration with various government entities.
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