To: The PBC”s MBE & WBE Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers From: Erin Lavin Cabonargi, Executive Director Public Building Commission of Chicago Date: February 11, 2009 Re: DBE Certification The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly referred to as President Obama’s economic stimulus program, is expected to provide federal funds for a variety of building, renovation and infrastructure projects, including work that may be performed through contracts with the Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC). Our current understanding of the stimulus legislation is that a number of federal rules and regulations may govern the use of the stimulus funds. One important requirement that would affect the way the PBC currently does business concerns the use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) rather than MBEs and WBEs in stimulus projects. While Federal eligibility guidelines do benefit minority and women owned businesses, DBE certification is not the same as MBE or WBE certification governed by local or state regulation. Therefore, if you are a minority or women owned business that is not currently certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, and you want to improve your opportunity to participate in these stimulus projects, we encourage you to apply for DBE certification as soon as possible. Applications and guidelines for DBE certification are available through participants of the Illinois Unified Certification Program, which includes the City of Chicago, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace. Links to these websites are provided below. We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to become a certified DBE, and then to participate with the PBC in rebuilding infrastructure in Chicago and Cook County. If you have any questions in this regard, please contact Charles Kelly at 312-744-9030. State of Illinois City of Chicago Chicago Transit Authority METRA PACE