Governor Ryan Announces Capital Development Board Groundbreakers Program Selections

SPRINGFIELD ­­ Governor George H. Ryan today announced the names of 27 professional firms selected to design projects included as part of the Capital Development Board's GroundBreakers program. The program is aimed at expanding opportunities for Illinois design firms, especially minority and female owned firms.

"The Illinois FIRST program has spurred construction throughout Illinois. This CDB program is aimed at expanding the pool of architects and engineers available to design that work," Ryan said. "By reaching out to new firms, awarding them a small project and giving them specialized attention, we are giving them an opportunity to establish a proven record of quality performance that is vital to successfully competing for larger state construction projects. My administration is committed to expanding opportunities for minorities and women, and this program addresses that goal as well."

Architect/engineers were selected for 27 projects totaling nearly $4.8 million. Information was sent to roughly 300 Illinois design firms, which were new to state work or which had not held contracts with CDB in the past three years, inviting them to submit their qualifications for projects within their realm of expertise.

"CDB implemented this program last year in an effort to give new firms, especially minority and female owned firms, the opportunity to gain experience on a small CDB project in the hope that that experience would aid them in securing future work," CDB Executive Director Kim Robinson said.

"CDB is always looking to attract firms which have not chosen to compete for state contracts in the past in an effort to expand our partnership base. A larger and stronger pool of architects/engineers eligible to perform state work benefits us all from a quality standpoint and provides opportunities for a more diverse workforce."

Of the 27 firms selected to design projects, four are minority­owned firms and six are female­owned firms. All those selected will receive special training and attention to help ensure success.

The GroundBreakers program is strongly supported by Governor Ryan's Office and the General Assembly's Minority Caucus.

CDB is the state's construction management agency. Its share of the Governor's Fiscal Year 2001 Capital Program is more than $3 billion. The agency works with other governmental bodies and private companies to contract for the design and construction of state­funded improvements throughout Illinois.

A list of GroundBreakers projects and those selected to design the work are are listed below: