Related Entities

According to the Illinois Blue Book, "The Office of the Auditor General was established to provide useful, timely information to the General Assembly for legislative oversight of the obligation, receipt, expenditure and use of public funds and the operations of Illinois Government. This function is performed through comprehensive audit and evaluation of the operations and performance of state agencies and programs to determine conformity with fiscal requirements, legislative intent, and statutory mandates and prohibitions."

Each university employs one or more university purchasing directors and professional staff to manage and implement within the university setting the procurement process in accordance with direction from the Chief Procurement Officer and State Purchasing Officer.

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) was created through the passage of 30 ILCS 574/40-10. CEI was created to expand access to state contracts for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans and assist the State in enhancing the equity and inclusion throughout its workforce. CEI’s reach into state hiring and contracting is expansive and encompasses the involvement of several state agencies and commissions.

The CEI has several functions that impact procurement.

Rules and Policies: The CEI has the authority and responsibility to review, comment upon, and recommend, consistent with the Procurement Code, rules and practices governing the procurement, management, control, and disposal of supplies, services, professional and artistic services, construction and real property and capital improvement leases procured by the State for the purpose of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Proposed Contract Review: Pursuant to Section 5-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code, no contract procured above the small purchase limit may be executed until 30 days after notice of its award or letting appears in the Procurement Bulletin without the CEI having the opportunity to review the proposed contract. The contracting agency may request, and the CEI may agree to waive the 30-day period as necessary.

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

The Executive Ethics Commission (EEC) is a nine-member commission that promotes ethics in public service. Its purpose is to help ensure that State business is conducted with fairness and integrity.

The Commission's duties include: appointing and providing administrative support services to the State’s Chief Procurement Officers, conducting administrative hearings on alleged violations of the Ethics Act, preparing public information materials to facilitate compliance with ethics laws, providing guidance to ethics officers, receiving reports of activity from Executive Inspectors General and reports of ex parte communications from ethics officers. The Commission also oversees annual ethics training for all employees of the executive branch of State Government. Under certain circumstances, the Commission may appoint a Special Executive Inspector General to investigate alleged misconduct.

The Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG) for Agencies of the Illinois Governor is an independent State agency dedicated to ensuring accountability in State government. The OEIG receives and fairly investigates complaints of fraud, waste, abuse and misconduct, and recommends corrective action. In addition, the OEIG promotes and coordinates the State's ethics trainings for universities and Governor's agencies.

The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) is a legislative body made up of members of the General Assembly. The Committee reviews and comments on new and existing rulemaking and alerts agencies to legislation that requires new rulemaking.

The Procurement Policy Board (PPB) has several functions that impact procurement.

Rules and Policies: The Board has the authority and responsibility to review, comment upon, and recommend, consistent with the Procurement Code, rules and practices governing the procurement, management, control, and disposal of supplies, services, professional and artistic services, construction and real property and capital improvement leases procured by the State.

Proposed Contract Review: Pursuant to Section 5-30 of the Illinois Procurement Code, no contract procured above the small purchase limit may be executed until 30 days after notice of its award or letting appears in the Procurement Bulletin without the Procurement Policy Board having the opportunity to review the proposed contract. The contracting agency may request, and the Board may agree to waive the 30-day period as necessary.

Clearinghouse: The Procurement Policy Board operates a searchable Clearinghouse on proposed contracts. The database contains the names of persons or businesses contracted with, the estimated contract price, the service or good being supplied, the purchasing agency or university, and the date first offered or announced. A reference number will guide the user to the full transaction posted on the appropriate Procurement Bulletin.

Procurement Communications Reporting: The Procurement Policy Board operates a searchable database of procurement communications pursuant to 30 ILCS 500/50-39 and the Rules promulgated by the Executive Ethics Commission.

The Comptroller reviews certain contracts to ensure they meet the requirements of applicable law before making payments associated with that contract.

By law (30 ILCS 500/20-80 (d)), Vendors shall not be paid for any goods received or services rendered before the contract was reduced to writing and signed by all necessary parties. A Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) may request an exception to this provision by submitting a request to the Comptroller and Treasurer. The waiver must be approved by both the Comptroller and the Treasurer before payment will be made.

By law (30 ILCS 500/20-80 (d)), Vendors shall not be paid for any goods received or services rendered before the contract was reduced to writing and signed by all necessary parties. A CPO may request an exception to this provision by submitting a request to the Comptroller and Treasurer. The waiver must be approved by both the Comptroller and the Treasurer before payment will be made.