Through the Veterans Business Program (VBP), state agencies and universities are encouraged to spend at least 3% of their procurement budgets with certified Veteran-owned businesses.
Who qualifies?
Illinois businesses with annual gross sales under $75 million that are 51% owned by one or more qualified service-disabled veterans or qualified veterans living in Illinois.
How do you register?
Step 1: Register to receive procurement opportunities with the State of Illinois
Register to electronically receive email notifications and download postings from the Illinois Procurement Bulletin Supplies and Services (IPB) and the Illinois Public Higher Education Procurement Bulletin (HEPB). Although registration with both bulletins is not necessary to browse the site, registrations is required to download solicitations and to receive e-mail notifications for all solicitations, addendums, and award notices.
Also Illinois Procurement Gateway (IPG) allows prospective vendors to provide disclosures, registrations and other documentation needed to do business with a State agency or university in advance of any particular procurement. The IPG prequalifies vendors in advance of submitting bids and offers for contracts. Upon enrollment, vendors will receive a registration number that may be used in place of paper submission of required forms.
Call the Help Desk at 1-217-299-0634 or e-mail webmaster@purchase.state.il.us
Step 2: Vendor Registration Form
To enroll the Veterans Business Program (VBP) complete the following forms. You can participate in both Business Enterprise Program if you meet each program's requirements.
Send Step 2 forms (Vendor Registration Form & Federal Taxpayer W-9 Form and any required documentation)
Mail to:
State of Illinois
Department of Central Management Services
Veteran Business Program (VBP)
100 W. Randolph, Suite 4-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Need Help?
Call a VBP representative at 1-312-814-4190 or 1-800-356-9206 or e-mail us at BEP.CMS@illinois.gov
Step 3: Apply for the Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) \ Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
NOTE: APPLICANTS MAY APPLY TO BE CERTIFIED IN BOTH THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM AND VETERANS BUSINESS PROGRAM AT THE SAME TIME SUBJECT TO PUBLIC ACT 98-0307 EFFECTIVE AUG. 12, 2013.
Choice One:
Complete the Veterans Business Program (VBP) Certification Application
To continue your current annual VEP Certification, Complete the No Change Affidavit (NCA) Renewal Application 
(Applies ONLY to fully-certified current VBP businesses).
OR
Choice Two:
If you are currently certified with at least one of the entities listed below, complete the Vet Recognition Certification Affidavit :
* Cook County (Veteran / Service Disable Veteran Business Enterprise)
* United States Department of Veteran Affairs - Center for Veteran Enterprise (CVE) VOSD/SDVOSB
Mail to:
State of Illinois
Department of Central Management Services
Veteran Business Program (VBP)
100 W. Randolph, Suite 4-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Need Help?
Call a VBP representative at 1-312-814-4190 or 1-800-356-9206 or e-mail us at
BEP.CMS@illinois.gov