Cook County Contract Compliance Committee Meeting Summary

On May 13, 2026, the Cook County Contract Compliance Committee convened at 10:15 AM. The meeting focused on reviewing the FY2025 Annual Diversity Report from the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, hearing public comments, and discussing contract compliance, small business participation, and vendor payment issues. The committee voted on meeting minutes and received and filed the diversity report.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The committee approved the minutes from the April 9, 2026 meeting (Item 26-1356) by voice vote, with all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Flakemore questioned the percentage of contracts awarded to Black-owned businesses, stating that only 2% of city contracts go to Black people. He also criticized the recycling of individuals like Carla Robinson between positions. He demanded a digital clock for speaker time.
• Jessica Jackson criticized contract oversight, specifically mentioning private law firm contracts (e.g., DeMonte and Robbins, Leon Weber, Baroni, and Defada) that she believes waste money. She urged the auditor to track those contracts and accused officials of refusing to do their jobs.
• Zoe Lee requested an audit comparing demolitions on Chicago’s South Side vs. North Side, asking how many property owners were compensated after demolitions and whether vacant lots were later transferred to investors receiving city funding. She cited the 2017 demolition of Sam Piper's Lounge (7954/7958 South Halsted), stating her godfather's business was demolished without compensation despite being fully paid off. She praised Commissioner Lowry for past help.

Discussion Items

• FY2025 Annual Diversity Report Presentation (Item 26-0815): Rafi and Nicole from the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) presented the report. Key points:
  • The MBE/WBE program is authorized by county ordinance, administered by OCPO, and designed for measurable, legally defensible outcomes.
  • In FY2025, approximately $1 billion in total contract awards were made, with $231 million (21.4%) awarded to certified MW/DSBE firms (primes and subs).
  • Outreach efforts engaged over 2,900 vendors; over 800 firms received contract readiness training; the certified vendor pool grew 9% to surpass 700 firms across 23 industry sectors.
  • The program is locally funded and independent of federal regulations.
  • Goal-setting methodology is data-driven, based on market availability and historical utilization, not quotas or set-asides.
  • 706 certified firms: 58% women-owned, 42% male-owned; 333 MBEs, 24% WBEs, remainder combination certifications.
  • Total payments to MWBEs: $138 million to minority-owned firms; 19 prime awards to MBE/WBE firms (16 MBE, 3 WBE).
  • 120 contract goals were set; only 12 full or partial waivers issued.
  • Cook County Health: $1.6 billion total spend, $100 million to MWBEs (28% utilization, $209 million awarded to primes and subs).
  • The team monitored over 2,400 contracts, closed 1,500; certification files completed in average 49 days (well under 90-day requirement).
  • Introduced B2G system for compliance monitoring and field audits to validate commercially useful function.
  • Expanded reciprocity with City of Chicago to accept VBE and SDVBE certifications.
  • FY2026 pillars: analytical integrity, procurement design alignment, vendor capacity/readiness, governance/compliance integrity.
• Commissioner Questions:
  • Commissioner Naya asked about the universal SBE certification status. Response: Not yet implemented; discussions with City of Chicago and CTA ongoing; requires ordinance changes; hoped for by end of fiscal year. Commissioner Naya expressed support.
  • Commissioner Naya also asked about contracts without goals (105 total). Explained that team evaluates subcontracting opportunities; sole source and grant-funded contracts are validated.
  • Commissioner Moore asked about supportive services for MBEs. Referred to Bureau of Economic Development and BSO network; also webinars and training.
  • Commissioner Moore questioned certification reciprocity: County accepts City of Chicago certification and vice versa; state of Illinois accepts county certification but not reverse due to size/net worth differences.
  • Commissioner Lowry raised concerns about disparity between award percentages and spend percentages. For county: 21.4% awards vs. ~10% payments to MWBEs; for Cook County Health: 28% awards vs. ~9% payments. Response attributed to large contracts (e.g., Avalant Health, CBS). Commissioner Lowry also asked about subcontractor payment issues; B2G system tracks prime payments and subcontractor validation. He requested breakdown of prime vs. sub percentages, graduation rates (only two firms graduated in tenure), and ethnic breakdown of MBEs—to be provided later.
  • Commissioner Dagnan inquired about contract administration responsibilities: departments manage contracts; OCPO monitors MBE/WBE utilization and conducts site visits.
  • Commissioner Stamps supported sharing ethnic breakdown data with all commissioners.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Receive and File Item 26-0815: The committee voted to receive and file the FY2025 Annual Diversity Report. Roll call vote: 10 ayes, 1 excused (Commissioner Scott). Motion carried.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Naya, seconded by Commissioner Moore, approved by voice vote.