Opportunity for Minority-Owned Businesses to become State Vendors

The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) will be providing an opportunity for traditionally underrepresented minority-owned businesses in the IT/Telecom industry to become vendors for the state.
The department will issue a Project/Resource Sheltered Market (PRSM) solicitation in the coming weeks. The PRSM program offers business owners who are minoritiesty, women and or persons with disabilities owned businesses in the IT/Telecom industry the opportunity to bid on State projects, with the goal of increasing supplier diversity in Illinois. Businesses interested in responding to the solicitation must be Business Enterprise Program (BEP) certified in order to participate.

Minority IT/Telecom suppliers wanting to work with the State of Illinois through PRSM, who are not currently BEP certified, should contact CMS’ BEP office at 312-814-4190 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain information on certification.

DoIT anticipates PRSM will be published in the coming weeks. DoIT is encouraging vendors who intend to submit offers for the upcoming solicitation to register now in the Illinois Procurement Gateway (https://ipg.vendorreg.com/) and the Illinois Procurement Bulletin (BidBuy) (https://www.bidbuy.illinois.gov/bso/login.sdo). To submit bids, vendors must also have a current Department of Human Rights Employer Eligibility Number. Taking these steps will help to ensure that vendors are ready and have completed some of the required paperwork in advance of the solicitation posting.

Sims: Budget proposal great start to support Illinois students

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement following the governor’s budget address on Wednesday:

“I am pleased the governor is renewing his commitment to provide a quality education for our young people.

“I support his pledge to increase investments in P-12 schools and MAP Grants for college students. These resources are crucial to set students on a path toward success.

“The proposed budget is a great foundation to pass a responsible, realistic and balanced budget.”

Honoring Diane Nash and student activists this Black History Month

This Black History Month, one person I want to highlight is Diane Nash.

Nash was born in Chicago. She participated in a variety of civil rights campaigns as a student activist, including lunch counter protests in Nashville, Freedom Rides and organizing voting drives with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Her efforts remind me of the work I see in the 17th District every day, including that of students of the Thornton Fractional High School District 215 who helped me pass Senate Bill 1970. This new law gives students two hours to vote during the school day.

I want to thank Diane Nash and anyone who has ever fought for equal voting rights.

Black History Month Celebration

Join us for the Black History Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 20, 5-9 p.m. at South Shore Cultural Center. It will be a fun-filled night, including comedy and a fashion show.

I hope to see you there!