Chicago & Illinois Construction Bids Guide: Public Works Contracts 2025
Win construction contracts in Chicago and Illinois. Learn CDB procurement, City of Chicago MBE/WBE requirements, CTA projects, and strategies for Illinois public works bidding.
Illinois Construction Market Overview
Illinois Construction Market
Annual Public Works:
$15B+
State and local
MBE/WBE Goals:
26%/6%
City of Chicago
Prevailing Wage:
Required
All public works
Illinois offers contractors substantial public construction opportunities across state agencies, the City of Chicago, transit authorities, and hundreds of local governments. Understanding the unique requirements of each jurisdiction is key to success in this market.
State Level
- • Capital Development Board (CDB)
- • IDOT (Transportation)
- • DCEO (Commerce)
- • Universities (U of I system)
Chicago Area
- • City of Chicago
- • Chicago Transit Authority
- • Chicago Public Schools
- • Metropolitan Water Reclamation
Capital Development Board (CDB)
The Capital Development Board manages construction for state agencies, universities, and institutions. CDB projects include state buildings, prisons, mental health facilities, and university construction.
Prequalification Required
All contractors must prequalify before bidding. Based on financial capacity, experience, and business practices.
BEP Goals
Business Enterprise Program goals apply. Includes MBE, WBE, VBE, and PBE participation requirements.
Separate Prime Contracts
Most CDB projects use multiple prime contracts (general, plumbing, HVAC, electrical) rather than single GC.
- Online application through CDB portal
- Financial statements (CPA-prepared)
- Experience and references
- Safety and insurance verification
- Annual renewal required
- General construction
- Plumbing
- Heating/ventilation/AC
- Electrical
- Fire protection
City of Chicago
The City of Chicago has extensive construction programs across departments including Aviation (O'Hare/Midway), Water Management, Transportation, and Buildings. Chicago's MBE/WBE requirements are among the most stringent in the nation.
Major Departments
- • Department of Aviation
- • Department of Water Management
- • Department of Transportation
- • Department of Buildings
Procurement Portal
- • eProcurement system
- • Vendor registration required
- • Online bid submission
- • Compliance certification
26%
MBE Goal
6%
WBE Goal
3%
BEPD Goal
- Certification through City of Chicago required
- Goals apply at bid submission
- Compliance Plans required for each contract
- Monthly utilization reporting
The O'Hare 21 program represents one of the nation's largest airport construction programs:
Major Projects
- • Terminal area redevelopment
- • Global Terminal expansion
- • Satellite concourse
- • Airfield improvements
Requirements
- • Airport security badging
- • TSA background checks
- • PLA requirements (some)
- • Local hiring goals
Transit & Tollway Construction
CTA manages one of the nation's largest public transit systems. Capital projects include rail station modernization, track work, and facility construction.
DBE Program
Federal transit funding requires DBE participation. Goals vary by project, typically 20-25%.
Procurement Portal
CTA Vendor Café portal for bid opportunities. Registration required before bidding.
The Illinois Tollway operates 294 miles of roadway with ongoing expansion and modernization projects.
Major Programs
- • Central Tri-State reconstruction
- • I-294/I-57 interchange
- • Elgin O'Hare Western Access
- • System-wide maintenance
D/M/WBE Goals
- • Overall goal: 25%
- • Construction: 22%
- • Professional services: 28%
- • Goods & services: 28%
Local Government Bidding
Cook County
County buildings, Forest Preserve District, Health facilities. MBE/WBE requirements apply.
DuPage County
County facilities, stormwater management, transportation projects. BidNet posting platform.
Lake County
Division of Transportation, Public Works. Project postings on county website.
Illinois school districts represent significant construction opportunity:
Chicago Public Schools
- • Vendor registration required
- • MBE/WBE participation goals
- • Background check requirements
- • Summer construction windows
Suburban Districts
- • Individual district procurement
- • Bond-funded construction
- • Prevailing wage required
- • Local preference possible
Winning Strategies for Illinois
Build MBE/WBE Partnerships
Chicago's stringent requirements make certified partner relationships essential for winning work.
Maintain Multiple Prequalifications
CDB, IDOT, CTA, and Tollway each have separate prequalification requirements.
Understand Union Requirements
Chicago area is heavily union. Many public projects require union labor or PLAs.
Track Multiple Platforms
No single portal covers all Illinois opportunities. Monitor agency-specific and aggregator sites.
- Failing to meet MBE/WBE commitment at bid submission
- Not maintaining current prequalification status
- Missing Illinois prevailing wage requirements
- Underestimating winter construction costs
- Not understanding separate prime contract structure (CDB)
Ready to Find Your Next Contract?
Get instant access to thousands of government construction bids with our AI-powered platform.
Get Started