The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced a new expedited option for certification through the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for small and medium sized minority-owned businesses. FastTrack certification will recognize certifications from both the City of Chicago and Cook County in compliance with Public Act 101-601 in an effort to expand opportunities for prospective State of Illinois (State) vendors.  Through the new FastTrack certification process, the BEP will recognize the certification of businesses owned by minorities, women, or persons with disabilities, who are certified by the City of Chicago or Cook County, with a single affidavit, leading to full certification in seven business days. Through engagement and collaboration with State agencies and institutions of higher education, the BEP vendor community, and other stakeholders, the State of Illinois continues to push for new ways to expand the program’s impact. In 2019 BEP vendors were awarded contracts totaling $649 million in FY19, up from $607 million in FY18. Vendors seeking Fast Track BEP certification can visit www.cms.illinois.gov to apply beginning July 1, 2020.