Morgan station under construction

Diversity Programs

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

  • Oct
    10
    Thursday

    Citywide Career Fair

    October 10, 2024
    10:00am–2:00pm
    Completed

    Olive-Harvey College
    Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Building
    10001 S. Woodland Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60628

    Free parking available, adjacent to TDL Building.

    • Employers will be available to share employment opportunities. View the employer list.
    • Open registration
    • Doors open at 10:00am
    • Dress professionally and bring plenty of copies of your most updated resume

    For assistance with resumes and interviewing skills, visit your neighborhood American Job Center, levelupajc.org.

  • Oct
    10
    Thursday

    Building Small Businesses Program Orientation

    October 10, 2024
    6:00pm–8:00pm
    Completed

    Malcolm X College
    1900 W Jackson Blvd, Rm 1103
    Chicago, IL 60612

    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.

  • Oct
    23
    Wednesday

    CTA Compliance Do’s, Don’ts and Musts

    October 23, 2024
    10am
    Completed

    Zoom

  • Nov
    20
    Wednesday

    Market Research

    November 20, 2024
    10am

    Zoom

    Register 

  • Dec
    11
    Wednesday

    Diversity Programs Q4 Outreach Event

    December 11, 2024
    1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
    Doors open at 12:45 pm

    Richard J. Daley College
    7500 S Pulaski Rd
    Chicago, IL 60652

    Please join Diversity Programs department as we share information about projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority’s infrastructure. Learn how your firm can partner on these projects to keep Chicago moving as you meet with potential prime contractors.

    Register 

  • Dec
    18
    Wednesday

    Insurance & Bonding

    December 18, 2024
    10am

    Zoom

    Register 

CTA Small Business Educational Series for Professional Services

Elevate your business status by joining CTA Diversity Programs Small Business Educational Series for Professional Services.

Industry professionals will teach participants how to procure CTA business opportunities, understand CTA's procurement & contracting processes, capability statement assistance, how to obtain bonding insurance and conflict management in professional service contracts.

Secure your attendance by completing our registration application. Once application is approved further details will be provided.

CTA Headquarters
567 W. Lake St.
Chicago, IL 60661 2nd FL
Conference rooms A, B, C

Every Tuesday
October 1, 2024–
October 22, 2024

5:00pm–6:30pm

Application deadline: September 6, 2024

Registration Application 

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)