Diversity & Inclusion

DISADVANTAGED, MINORITY, WOMEN, AND VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

PROTECTED CLASS & DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

PROGRAM POLICY STATEMENT AND GOOD FAITH EFFORTS

IHC is committed to ensuring that Disadvantaged, Minority, Women, and Veteran Business Enterprises (D/M/W/VBE) will have the maximum opportunity to compete for portions of contracts.  IHC will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the selection and retention of subcontractors, including procurement of materials and leases of equipment.

IHC has developed measures to facilitate the participation of Protected Class and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (PCE/DBE) in construction contracts and will continue to take the following steps to provide opportunities and assist the development of disadvantaged firms in the marketplace. 

  • Attend networking sessions sponsored by agencies and local government to solicit interest of all certified PCE companies that have the capability to perform work.
  • Attend pre-bid conferences conducted by the Owners to become acquainted with interested and qualified PCE contractors.
  • Advertise in daily newspapers and trade publications for proposals or bids by PCEs.
  • Written direct solicitations to PCEs identified as providing relevant services for proposals.
  • Provide interested PCE companies with convenient and timely opportunities to review plans and specifications to enable the PCEs to prepare informed responses
  • Select portions of contracts and break out contract items into economically feasible portions of work to increase the likelihood of participation of PCEs, even when it might be preferable to perform these work items with our own forces.
  • Adjust bonding and insurance requirements, assist in obtaining lines of credit and participate in specific payment guarantees to assist PCEs in building financial strength within the construction community.
  • Assist DBE companies in obtaining necessary equipment, supplies, material, or related assistance or services.
  • Provide various forms of assistance, including administrative, technical and/or management assistance.
  • In addition to utilizing the Illinois Unified Certification Program directory established by FOR MIDWEST: IDOT, City of Chicago, CTA, Metra & Pace FOR SOUTHEAST: MARTA, City of Atlanta / Fulton County, Chambers of Commerce, NAMC NATION-WIDE: U.S. Small Business Administration and other individual agency lists available, a company database of DBE companies is maintained to facilitate direct solicitation of appropriate minority contractors.
  • Utilize the services and assistance of the U.S. Small Business Administration to seek out opportunities to work with minority contractors.
  • Establish joint ventures and Mentor/Protégé agreements with PCEs .
  • Actively participate and support appropriate minority/women community organizations and contractors’ groups to effectively recruit PCE company participation.