NITA-VETERAN CONTRACT GOAL

Amends the Regional Transportation Authority Act. Requires the Northern Illinois Transit Authority to establish a goal to award not less than 3% of the total dollar amount of all contracts with the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, the Suburban Bus Division, and the Commuter Rail Division to qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and qualified veteran-owned small businesses. Provides that, by each March 1, the Board shall report to the Governor and General Assembly (1) the total number of qualified veteran-owned small businesses that submitted bids for contracts with the Authority and the total number of qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses in the immediately preceding fiscal year; (2) the total number of qualified veteran-owned small businesses, and qualified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, that entered into contracts with the Authority in the immediately preceding fiscal year; (3) a year-by-year comparison of awarded contracts to certified veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses; and (4) any other information that the Board deems necessary to assist veteran-owned small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to become certified with the State. Provides that, each year, the Board shall review the progress of the Authority and the Service Boards in meeting the goal, with input from statewide veterans' service organizations and from the business community, including businesses owned by qualified veterans, and shall make recommendations to the General Assembly regarding continuation, increases, or decreases of the percentage goal. Provides that the Board shall suspend any person who commits a violation of specified offenses under the Criminal Code of 2012 from bidding on, or participating as a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier in, any Authority contract or project for a period of not less than 3 years, and, if the person is certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned small business or a veteran-owned small business, then the Commission shall revoke the business's certification for a period of not less than 3 years. Makes conforming changes in the Commission on Equity and Inclusion Act.

• Craig WilcoxR