Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting Applauds Updates to Elgin Responsible Bidder Ordinance
The City of Elgin Enhances Local Ordinance with Stronger Apprenticeship Graduation Requirements
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ELGIN, IL – The City of Elgin recently updated its local Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO) to emphasize apprenticeship graduation requirements, marking a significant step forward in promoting workforce development and ensuring high standards in public projects.
An RBO is a resolution incorporated into a public body’s procurement codes that outlines specific criteria contractors must meet to be eligible for public contracts. These ordinances ensure that public projects are awarded to contractors who are not only responsive but also responsible, employing skilled tradespeople, delivering superior work quality, and providing greater value to taxpayers by prioritizing training, labor, and safety.
Elgin has had an RBO in place since 2011. However, recognizing the need for more specific guidelines, the city has now updated the ordinance to include detailed requirements for apprenticeship graduation rates. The revised ordinance mandates that contractors and subcontractors bidding on Elgin public works projects must participate in U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship training programs and have graduated at least two apprentices in each of the past three years for each construction craft the bidder will perform on the project.
“Updating Elgin’s Responsible Bidder Ordinance to include specific apprenticeship graduation requirements underscores the city’s dedication to workforce development and safeguarding taxpayer dollars,” said Michael Lingl, Special Projects Manager for the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting (III FFC). “These requirements help cultivate a highly skilled workforce ready to collaborate with local businesses to meet current and future construction needs. On behalf of the III FFC, we celebrate these enhancements to Elgin’s RBO and thank the city for its commitment to elevating standards in the local construction industry.”
III FFC raises standards in the construction industry by advocating for responsible public policies that reward work, ensure business growth, and create broad-based prosperity. You can find out more about responsible bidder ordinances and the III FFC on our website at www.iiiffc.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2024
CONTACT: Jill Gigstad, III FFC, (815) 254-3332 EXT 6, [email protected]