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Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, DPS, DWM Announce $1.6M In Contracts For Small And Diverse Firms Engaged In Lead Service Line Replacement

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) and the Department of Water Management (DWM), have recently announced the award of four contracts totaling over $1.6 million to three small local construction companies owned by minorities and women. These contracts are part of the inaugural Lead Service Line Replacement Small Business Initiative (SBI) and are a testament to the city's commitment to creating opportunities for small, diverse businesses.

Mayor Johnson expressed his excitement about these contract awards, stating that "small and diverse businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy" and that their success has a generational impact on communities. He also highlighted the city's efforts to foster an environment for these firms to grow and thrive.

The partnership between the city and these small businesses not only provides them with valuable experience but also increases their capacity to bid on larger projects in the future. This aligns with Mayor Johnson's mission to ensure every Chicagoan has access to safe drinking water.

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The decision to include these contracts in the SBI contracting program was made after a series of listening sessions with minority contractors in 2023. These sessions, which included representatives from DPS, DWM, and various contractor associations, aimed to gather feedback on current water project opportunities and the procurement process as a whole.

Insights gained from these sessions led to updates in key program areas such as insurance requirements, bonding requirements, scope adjustments, and expansion of programs like SBI and MBI. The City also reevaluated its list of eligible North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes to include more specialty areas, allowing for additional firms to be identified as potential subcontractors on future solicitations.

Commissioner Randy Conner of DWM praised this collaboration between different departments, stating that it is a great example of how working together can produce effective results. He also expressed his commitment to expanding inclusive opportunities for businesses from diverse communities.

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Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts emphasized the city's commitment to administering a fair and competitive procurement process. She also expressed her pride in this collaborative effort to enhance services and provide equitable access to economic benefits for businesses working with the city.

The City has identified additional water and sewer-related projects for future solicitation, estimated to be advertised in the first quarter of 2026. Current bid opportunities can be found on the DPS website at Chicago.gov/DPS. For more information on the City's lead service line replacement programs, visit LeadSafeChicago.org/water.

This partnership between the City of Chicago and small, diverse businesses not only benefits these local firms but also contributes to the city's overall economic growth. With a continued focus on creating opportunities for small businesses, Mayor Johnson's administration is committed to ensuring a thriving and inclusive economy for all Chicagoans.

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