Morgan station under construction

Diversity Programs

About Diversity Programs at the CTA

The mission of Diversity Programs is to create an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion by promoting dialogue with the contracting community and other stakeholders that will improve the CTA’s ability to level the playing field and establish diversity as a critical component of the CTA’s contracting practices.

Diversity Programs will achieve these goals by certifying eligible firms as Disadvantaged and/or Small Business Enterprises (DBE/SBE), assessing attainable DBE & SBE contracting goals, creating opportunities for DBEs & SBEs to network with large contractors, establishing programs for DBEs & SBEs to grow in capacity & capability, connecting interested individuals with job opportunities on CTA contracts, and advocating for policies that reduce barriers for both DBEs/SBEs and job seekers on our contracts.

Schedule a one-on-one consultation with us by emailing diversity@transitchicago.com or a manager directly.

Events

  • Feb
    15
    Wednesday

    Small Business Program: Small Business Panel Discussion

    Hear from successful small business owners who have done business with the CTA.

    Wednesday, February 15, 2023
    10am

    Zoom

    Register 

  • Feb
    22
    Wednesday

    Building Small Businesses Program

    Join us for an immersive financial capacity building program tailored for small business acceleration. BSB will provide programming focused on financial management, access to capital sourcing, technical assistance & back office support, and procurement connections.

    Wednesday, February 22, 2023
    5:30pm–7:30pm

    Virtual meeting (connection details provided at registration)

    Register 

  • Mar
    15
    Wednesday

    Small Business Program: Strategic Planning

    Let's think ahead with Strategic Planning.

    Wednesday, March 15, 2023
    10am

    Virtual meeting (connection details provided at registration)

    Register 

U.S. Department of Transportation Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is advancing its commitment to equity and access to contracting opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). In doing so, U.S. DOT has recently announced the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would strengthen these programs’ regulations. This recent rulemaking allows DBEs and ACDBEs to have the ability to find resources to new program features, in addition to updating standards when certifiers are assessing eligibility. Read the press release 

Mentor-Protégé Program

Through hands-on and classroom training experience, the Mentor-Protégé Program strives to develop working relationships between DBE firms and prime contracting firms that have successfully participated in and/or completed CTA contracts.

Program description and application (PDF)