IL HB1579

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) must create and administer a bid credit program for small and medium-sized manufacturers beginning in fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025)

Small manufacturers are defined as businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing with fewer than 50 employees; medium-sized manufacturers have between 50 and 200 employees

Bid credits allow qualifying manufacturers to apply earned credits toward future State contract bids to increase their chances of being selected

Credit rates will be determined by DCEO based on business size, whether the business had a State contract relationship within the previous 5 years, and whether the bid will positively impact business growth

Amends the Illinois Procurement Code to require disclosure of earned and applied bid credits from this program during bid openings for State contracts