University of Illinois Chicago
OP-15: Inclusive and Local Purchasing

The Minority and Female Business Enterprise Program (MAFBE) is a University initiative committed to vendor diversification by ensuring that businesses with ownership meeting the definitions of “minority,” “female,” and “persons with disabilities,” are included in the University procurement process. The MAFBE Program provides access to procurement opportunities by creating an equitable and competitive business environment through encouraging campus departments to proactively consider qualified certified businesses owned by minorities, females and persons with disabilities for their contracting needs. The State of Illinois declares that it is the public policy of the State to promote and encourage the continuing economic development of minority, female and persons with disabilities owned businesses and are provided the opportunity to participate in the State’s procurement process as both prime and subcontractors. Designed to encourage state agencies and universities to purchase needed goods and services from businesses owned and controlled minorities, females and persons with disabilities, the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Person with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS575) became effective 8/28/94. To comply with guidelines established by BEP, the University has set goals of allocating a certain percentage of its purchasing contracts to qualifying businesses.