Diversity Programs

Vendor registration & Certification applicationRegister to receive emails when opportunities match your selected business expertise, and certify as a DBE or SBE to qualify for opportunities set aside for those categories. Contract opportunitiesSee all current opportunities and register to respond.

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 [email protected] or a manager directly.

Events

Driving Small Businesses the Distance

Are you interested in Doing Business with CTA?

Becoming Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certified?
Learning about upcoming CTA contracting opportunities?
Navigating CTA’s invoice, payments, and compliance requirements?

Learn with us in 2025!

January 29, 2025 at 10:00 am
CTA DBE Certification Process
Register

February 26, 2025 at 10:00 am
CTA Compliance Do’s Don’ts and Must
Register

March 26, 2025 at 10:00 am
Submitting A Bid
Register

Feb

5

Wednesday
CTA Workforce Outreach Event

February 5, 2025
10am – 12pm
Presentation to begin at 10:30 am

Kennedy-King College
740 W. 63rd Street
Chicago, IL 60621

Meet CTA Staff, Contractors and CTA’s Workforce Partners

CTA invites you to join us at Kennedy King College to learn more about employment opportunities with CTA contractors on upcoming projects. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with CTA Workforce Partners, representatives from various building trades, workforce agencies, and construction contractors.

Current & Upcoming CTA Projects
- All Stations Accessibility Plan (ASAP)
- Forest Park Blue Line Racine Station ADA & Traction Power Improvements
- Forest Park Blue Line Track Improvement
- Kedzie Bus Garage
- Red Line Extension
- Skokie Shops
- Substation Roof Replacement Program
- Substation Upgrades
Register
Feb

13

Thursday

Building Small Businesses Program Orientation

February 13, 2025
6 – 8pm

Olive Harvey College
10001 S Woodlawn Ave
Chicago, IL 60628

Access Capital Sourcing and Bonding for Your Small Business!

Be a part of the 5.6-mile rail expansion—join the conversation on the Red Line Extension Project, featuring four new stations, and unlock new opportunities for small businesses and DBEs.

Register
Feb

19

Wednesday

CTA Diversity Q1 Outreach Event

February 19, 2025
10am – 12pm
(Doors open at 9:45am, Presentation starts at 10:15am)

Build, Inc
5100 W Harrison St
Chicago, IL 60644

Exciting opportunities await! Join us for an exclusive session where we’ll be sharing details about upcoming projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority’s infrastructure.

This is your chance to learn how your firm can partner with us to help keep Chicago moving. Whether you're in construction, professional services, or other related industries, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Register

Save the date

More information is coming soon about the following events:

Small Business Development

May 21, 2025, North Side
July 23, 2025, RLE Footprint
November 19, 2025, South Side

Workforce Initiatives

May 7, 2025, West Side
September 10, 2025, RLE Footprint
November 5, 2025, North Side

Small Business Educational Series

Does your firm provide a construction related service?
Have you worked on a construction project in the past?
Are you looking to take your business to the next level?

A 9 week in-person program!

Learn how your small business could effectively and successfully participate on CTA contracts.

Key industry leaders will teach participants how to procure business opportunities, manage projects, protect against risk, run payroll correctly, create accurate estimates, and close out projects.

Upon successful completion of the training series, participants will qualify for OSHA 30 and First Aid CPR trainings. All trainings will be hosted and provided free of charge by the Chicago Transit Authority.

Applications are now closed

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)