CHICAGO–April 13, 2012. The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) held an IT/Telecom Symposium on Tues, Apr 10, to inform diverse IT and telecommunications vendors of the equal economic opportunity programs available through the state. The Symposium is designed to inform and engage Illinois’ business and vendor community of the various services the state provides.
CMS Acting Director Malcolm Weems highlighted the state’s effort towards expanding IT opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women and by persons with disabilities. Nearly 200 people – vendors, government assist agencies and legislators – attended the Symposium at Governors State University.
“One of our continuous goals is to promote equal opportunity and inclusion in state business,” said Acting Dir. Weems. “Symposiums give us the opportunity to help diverse IT and telecom professionals better understand the services and support available to minority businesses through the state.”
CMS panelists discussed the processes for vendor certification, procurement, and how to access available services through the state. Panelists also highlighted rules regarding veterans’ preference in state procurement.
The Panel discussions featured representatives from IT/Telecom vendors who contract with the state, including AT&T, Dell, EMC2, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Xerox and EKI. State panelists included Rich Fetter, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Communications and Computer Services (BCCS); Sharla Roberts, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Strategic Sourcing (BOSS); and Paul Cerpa, Deputy Director of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP).