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Bidding HVAC and Building Controls on The New Concourse E at O’Hare: A Sub-Tier Guide

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Bidding HVAC and Building Controls on The New Concourse E at O’Hare: A Sub-Tier Guide

O’Hare is building The New Concourse E, and the City’s builder team is taking bids from trade firms. The HVAC trade package includes a new building automation system, so controls work sits inside a mechanical package. This page explains who buys what, where the controls scope sits, which rules touch a sub-tier controls bid, and what you still need to confirm in the bid documents. Facts are as of October 15, 2026, with a source for each.

As of Oct 15, 2026Sources linkedBid Package #02
O'HARE E HVAC CONTROLS GUIDE
The Auditor, a fictional character from The Infrastructure Guard
The Auditor

I’m The Auditor. I check every claim. Anything I could confirm from an official page has a source number. Anything I could not confirm is tagged verify with the bid documents. Read those tags before you price anything.

The big picture

Big Picture: The City of Chicago does not pick the HVAC or controls subcontractor itself. Its aviation department hired a builder team, called a construction manager at risk (CMAR), and that team buys the trade packages from local firms.[6] For The New Concourse E that team is AHCB, a joint venture of AECOM/Hunt, Clayco and Bowa.[1][6] The first phase is a 14-gate concourse of about 323,000 square feet.[1][8] Trade package 14, 23A HVAC, covers furnishing, installation and commissioning of the HVAC system, and the alert says that scope includes the installation of a new building automation system.[1]

In plain words: A CMAR is like a team captain. The City picks the captain first. Then the captain asks local firms to bid on each piece of the building. The building automation system, the controls that run fans, pumps and valves, is bundled inside the HVAC piece in this package, so a controls firm will usually deal with whoever wins HVAC. Confirm that in the bid documents.

Companion guide: if you make or sell steel and architectural metals, see Bidding Airport Steel and Architectural Metals at O’Hare.

14gates in the first phase, scheduled to open in 2030[3]
TP 1423A HVAC, which includes a new building automation system[1]
TP 1526A Electrical, Fire Alarm and Low Voltage, including a power monitoring and control system[1]
Oct 21pre-bid conference date, per the CDA alert (time and place not stated)[1]
26% / 6%City program-wide MBE / WBE aspirational goals (each bid sets its own)[10]
Noneretention held on O’Hare 21, per ORD21[6]

1Who is who: the buying chain

Follow the money from the City down to a controls shop. The CMAR holds the trade-package contracts, so the CMAR is the bid desk for the HVAC package.[6]

City and CDAThe City owns and operates O’Hare. The Dept. of Aviation (CDA) runs the program and advertises bid packages.[1][6]
Program managerConnect Chicago Alliance is the CDA’s owner’s representative over the CMARs.[6]
CMAR: AHCBDevelops trade packages, takes bids, holds the trade contracts.[1][6]
23A HVAC winnerThe prime sub for HVAC, with the building automation system in its scope. Prequalified with AHCB.[1]
Controls firm and suppliersInstall, program and supply the controls under the HVAC winner. Sub-tier subs and suppliers need not prequalify.[1]

In plain words: Think of a relay. The City and CDA set the race. AHCB hands out the batons. Whoever wins HVAC carries the mechanical baton, and the controls firm and its suppliers run the leg that makes the building think. The CDA alert says sub-tier subcontractors and suppliers do not have to prequalify with AHCB.

Verify with the bid documents: whether the building automation work is bid inside 23A only, or whether the bid documents name a required manufacturer, a controls subcontractor list or an approved-vendor list. The alert does not say.[1]

2Where the HVAC and controls work sits

Bid Package #02 has 17 trade packages from concrete to site utilities.[1] The one that carries the building automation system is 23A. Three neighbors matter for interfaces.

TP 14 · 23A

HVAC (includes the building automation system)

In Bid Package #02Controls spec: verify
  • Air handlers
  • Dedicated outside air units
  • Exhaust fans
  • Ductwork
  • Hot and chilled water pumps
  • New building automation system
  • Commissioning

Furnishing, installation and commissioning of the HVAC system for The New Concourse E. The system has (i) dry mechanical systems, including air handlers, dedicated outside air units, exhaust fans and ductwork, and (ii) a wet mechanical system using distributed hot and chilled water through pumps. The alert states: “This scope of work includes the installation of a new building automation system in the New Concourse E building.”[1]

TP 15 · 26A

Electrical, Fire Alarm & Low Voltage Communications

In Bid Package #02Interface split: verify
  • Switchgear and motor control centers
  • Power monitoring and control system
  • Fire alarm
  • Communication systems
  • Lighting
  • Commissioning

Furnishing, installation and commissioning of the electrical distribution system, which includes a power monitoring and control system, plus commissioning of certain low-voltage systems, including fire alarm and communication systems.[1] This is the neighboring package a controls firm should read, because building systems often share data and wiring routes. How the two packages split the interface is set by the bid documents.

Commissioned neighbors

Fire protection, plumbing, elevators

Interface packagesPoints and handoffs: verify
  • 21A fire protection
  • 22A plumbing
  • 14A elevators and escalators

21A Fire Protection includes furnishing, installation, testing and commissioning, with wet and dry systems and clean agent systems in IT/MDF rooms.[1] 22A Plumbing includes furnishing, installation, testing and commissioning.[1] 14A Elevators and Escalators includes the low voltage and electrical work needed for installation and completion.[1] Controls teams often need monitoring points from systems like these.

Verify with the bid documents: AHCB’s Concourse E page lists 18 trade-package rows, including 05A Structural Steel and Metal Deck, while the CDA alert for Bid Package #02 lists 17 (TP 2 to 18). On the AHCB page every row, including 23A, shows “Step 2”, and the meaning of the steps is not explained publicly.[1][8]

What earlier AHCB mechanical packages looked like

AHCB’s projects page lists awarded subcontractors on earlier O’Hare work orders. These listings show who held the mechanical prime contracts. They do not say who supplied the controls.[8]

Terminal 5 Landside Parking: MechanicalAwarded to Ochoa Mechanical Group, LLC, as listed.[8]
Satellite 1 work order: MCP MechanicalAwarded to Hill Mechanical, as listed.[8]
Concourse D HVACAwarded to Mechanical, Inc. dba Helm Mechanical, as listed. A “Satellite 1 HVAC” row is listed as cancelled.[8]

AHCB also posts a subcontractor directory that lists each prime trade partner and its 2nd-tier subs by package. The edition on its site is dated January 18, 2024, and its Terminal 5 mechanical entry lists no 2nd-tier subs. A newer edition may exist; ask AHCB.[24]

3Pick your door

There is no single way in. A controls shop usually uses door 2, a controls manufacturer or distributor uses door 3, and some firms use more than one.

1

Prime sub: bid 23A HVAC yourself

You bid straight to AHCB for the whole HVAC package, building automation included. You must prequalify with AHCB before you submit a bid, and the alert says prequalification documents are due before bid submission.[1][4]

  • Register on the AHCB bid registration form first.[7]
  • AHCB builds its bid lists from the self-performed scope and NAICS codes you enter, so choose them with care.[9] Examples a mechanical or controls firm may consider: 238220 (plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors), 238210 (electrical contractors) and 334512 (automatic environmental control manufacturing). Confirm in the Census tool.[31]
  • On an older AHCB package the prime-sub path was registration, an emailed invitation to a prequalification platform, then a questionnaire, then bid submission through a project-management platform.[23]

Verify with the bid documents: the 2026 prequalification steps, platform and document list. The AHCB page currently shows only a company information form, and the CDA alert says the questionnaire is available only there.[1][7]

2

Sub-tier: controls contractor under the HVAC winner

You install, program and commission the controls for the firm that wins 23A. The CDA alert says sub-tier subcontractors and suppliers need not prequalify.[1]

  • Your buyer is a mechanical prime. Expect them to ask for insurance, safety records, references and certifications. Sell to them like any prime sub would expect.
  • ORD21 says not every CMAR requires prequalification before bidding, but successful bidders must complete it. Sub-tier status helps you avoid that step, but not the buyer’s own requirements.[4]
  • Sub-tier firms still show up in the paperwork: payroll, M/WBE reports and subcontractor directories run through every tier.[6][23]

Verify with the bid documents: whether AHCB or the HVAC prime must list or approve a controls subcontractor, and what flows down to second tier.

3

Supplier or manufacturer: sell the hardware and software

You supply controllers, sensors, valves, actuators, front-end software or training to the controls and mechanical firms. Suppliers need not prequalify.[1]

  • Say whether you are a manufacturer, a regular dealer or a broker. The City counts each differently toward M/WBE goals.[10]
  • Bidders may ask for product data, lead times and origin documents early.
  • Register with AHCB as a manufacturer or supplier on the registration form.[7]

Verify with the bid documents: approved manufacturers, equipment lead times and any Buy American paperwork.[18]

4

Certified teammate: count toward goals

If you hold MBE or WBE certification in the right area of specialty, you are a strong teammate for a bidder who needs to meet participation goals.[10]

  • Certification can come from the City of Chicago or Cook County.[10]
  • Credit depends on what you are: a manufacturer counts 100%, a regular dealer 60%, a broker 0%.[10]
  • A firm without certification can still win on price, schedule and quality.

Verify with the bid documents: the MBE/WBE goals for 23A. They are not in the public alert.[1]

Questions go only to the designated inbox, with the subject line the alert requires: ConcourseE@AHCJV.com, subject “The New Concourse E Project at O’Hare International Airport – Bid Package 02”.[1]

4The rules that touch a controls bid

Not every rule below applies to every firm. Several are written for prime bidders and flow down to the people they buy from. Each card ends with what you still need to confirm.

Commissioning

The alert says 23A includes commissioning of the HVAC system, and 26A, 21A and 22A carry commissioning or testing language too.[1] For permits, the City’s Energy Transformation Code page lists commissioning and functional testing as a during-and-after-construction requirement, and it points to Section C408 of the code and to ASHRAE 90.1.[15] A controls firm is usually on the hook for point-to-point checks, sequence verification and trend logs.

In plain words: Commissioning is the test drive. Someone proves each fan, valve and sensor does what the sequence says before the building is handed over. The controls firm is often in the room for most of it.

Verify with the bid documents: who the commissioning agent is, the testing and training requirements in the HVAC specification, and what the controls firm must deliver at turnover.[1]

Open protocols such as BACnet

The public bid alert does not name a communications protocol.[1] BACnet is ASHRAE’s open building automation and control networking protocol, defined in Standard 135.[20] CDA says its Design Criteria Manual (version 2025-10-02) and Standard Specifications govern CDA projects, and both are shared with project teams on request, not posted publicly.[13] So whether Concourse E calls for BACnet, a gateway, a named front end or something else is not publicly confirmed.

Verify with the bid documents: the controls specification: protocol and version, native or gateway integration, head-end and graphics, points naming, and whether the system must tie into existing O’Hare building systems.[13]

Cybersecurity

No public Concourse E document states a cybersecurity requirement for the building automation system.[1][13] NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 3 treats building automation systems as operational technology and gives security guidance for them.[21] That is a general industry reference, not a stated project requirement. Many owners ask for network segmentation, controlled remote access, account management and patch procedures.

Verify with the bid documents: who owns the network, how remote access works, any CDA or City IT security rules, and who holds credentials and data after turnover.

Codes and the energy code timeline

The City adopted the 2026 Chicago Mechanical Code and the 2026 Chicago Energy Transformation Code. Using them is optional from October 1, 2026 and mandatory for permit applications started on or after December 1, 2026. Drawings under the new rules must show equipment and system controls and mechanical system design criteria.[14]

Verify with the bid documents: which code edition governs the Concourse E permits and how Department of Buildings permitting interacts with CDA review for this project.[13][14]

MBE and WBE participation

City construction contracts carry program-wide aspirational goals of 26% MBE and 6% WBE. The special conditions leave each contract’s own goals to the bid book.[10] On four earlier AHCB packages, goals ran from 10% to 29% MBE and 2% to 7% WBE.[23]

Only certified firms count, only for work in their certified area of specialty, and only if they perform a “commercially useful function.” If a firm needs a new area added, it must ask at least 30 calendar days before bid opening.[10]

100%of spend counts when the certified firm is a manufacturer that produces the goods on its own premises
60%counts when the certified firm is a regular dealer or supplier
0%counts when the firm is a broker, a pass-through with no useful function

Verify with the bid documents: the contract-specific MBE/WBE goals for 23A, and whether AHCB uses the City schedules or its own forms for sub-bids.[10]

The paperwork, in plain words

On City construction bids the bidder files a Schedule D compliance plan with the bid, a Schedule C letter of intent for each certified firm it lists, and a Schedule F report of solicitations. A Schedule B covers joint ventures. If the plan falls short, the bidder files Schedule H (good-faith efforts) within three business days after being told it is the apparent low bidder.[10][27] Good-faith outreach must happen at least seven days before bids are due to count.[10]

In plain words: If you are a certified supplier or shop, expect a bidder to ask you early for a priced letter of intent. Be ready with your certification letter, your scope and your price.

Verify with the bid documents: the due date for Schedules C and D and the outreach deadline. This page does not publish a bid date, because none has been confirmed.

Prevailing wage, certified payroll and unions

The Illinois Prevailing Wage Act requires contractors and subcontractors on public works to pay at least the prevailing hourly wage plus fringe benefits, and to post the rates.[16] The state publishes current Cook County rates for work on or after September 21, 2026.[17] ORD21 lists certified payrolls from all tiers among payment documents.[6] On an older AHCB package, subcontractors tracked weekly certified payroll in an online system.[23] A 2019 guidebook says firms doing skilled-trade work need to be union signatory.[22]

Verify with the bid documents: which worker classifications apply to controls installation and programming, the union signatory rules for this package, and who files certified payroll for sub-tier firms and suppliers.

Buy American and federal rules

Buy American. On projects funded through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), steel and manufactured goods must be produced in the United States unless the FAA grants a waiver. The FAA keeps lists of nationwide and project-specific waivers.[18][19] Whether any AIP money is in Concourse E is not confirmed in public sources.

DBE. Federal airport DBE rules apply to federally assisted work and use the Illinois Unified Certification Program.[25][28][29] ORD21 notes DBE goals for the federally funded Terminal 3 project, and does not mention DBE for Concourse E.[6]

Verify with the bid documents: whether any federal funds, Buy American clauses or DBE goals apply to 23A. If they do, ask whether controllers, panels and field devices count as manufactured goods and whether a waiver or conformance list covers them.[18]

Residency, bonds, insurance, airfield access and payment

ORD21 says the Municipal Code requires at least 50% of work hours on O’Hare 21 work valued at $100,000 or more to be performed by City residents, and at least 7.5% by residents of the “project area.”[6] Bidders and their subcontractors must show they can provide required bonds and insurance, and the CMAR may use subcontractor default insurance in place of a bond on some bids.[6] The City may use an owner-controlled insurance program.[6] Retention is not held. CMAR training covers airfield credentials, working inside the fence and deliveries.[6]

Verify with the bid documents: how residency hours apply to sub-tier controls firms, the bond or SDI terms, insurance enrollment, and how field staff get airfield credentials.

Digital deliverables and CDA manuals

CDA’s Standards and Manuals page lists a Digital Governance Manual for ORD21 digital delivery, the Design Criteria Manual, the Standard Specifications, a Sustainable Airport Manual (version 4.0) and a Construction Safety Manual (version 2024-11-00).[13] Access to the first three is for project teams on request.[13] Controls firms often owe graphics, point lists, as-built drawings and O&M data, so ask how these must be delivered.

Verify with the bid documents: the digital delivery format, model and drawing requirements, and the as-built and O&M turnover package.[13]

Bid incentives and small-business programs

For O’Hare 21, bidders may use City bid incentives such as an EEO incentive, a City-based business incentive and a diverse workforce incentive. DPS programs such as the Small Business Initiative, Mid-Sized Business Initiative and Mentor/Protege may also apply.[6] CDA runs Small Business Resource Centers for one-on-one help.[30] Certified firms are searchable in the City directory.[26]

Verify with the bid documents: which incentives and programs apply to 23A.

City MBE/WBE rules come from the City’s current construction special conditions. Package-specific goals and forms control.[10]

5What a mechanical buyer is likely to ask a controls firm

This list is general industry practice, not a stated requirement of any Concourse E package. Your real list is in the specification sections.

  • Manufacturer authorization. Are you an authorized installer or channel partner for the specified system, and can you show it?
  • Submittals. Points lists, riser and architecture diagrams, sequences of operation, graphics and product data, on the schedule the spec sets.
  • Integration experience. Air handlers, dedicated outside air units, pumps, hot and chilled water plants and links to electrical, fire alarm and elevator systems.[1]
  • Protocol documents. If BACnet or another protocol is specified, expect requests for conformance documents and a test plan. ASHRAE BACnet[20]
  • Commissioning support. Staff for functional testing, trending and seasonal checks, plus owner training.[1][15]
  • Cyber hygiene. Account practices, remote access and patching.[21]
  • Airfield access and capacity. Deliveries and crews work inside a secured area. First-phase construction is expected to start in late 2026, with the first 14 gates opening in 2030.[2][3][6]

6Your six-step path

Commons, a fictional character from The Infrastructure Guard
Commons

I’m Commons. Money moves where people show up early, so here is the order I would work in.

1

Register with AHCB

Complete the AHCB registration form so you get bid notifications, with accurate scope and NAICS codes. Tell them if you are a manufacturer, supplier or subcontractor.[7][9]

2

Choose your door

Prime subs for 23A must prequalify before bidding. Sub-tier controls firms and suppliers need not, per the CDA alert.[1][4]

3

Get the bid documents

Read 23A for the controls scope, and 26A, 21A and 14A for interfaces. This is where every verify tag on this page gets answered.

4

Go to the pre-bid conference

Wednesday, October 21, 2026, per the CDA bid alert. The alert does not give a time, place or format.[1]

5

Ask questions the right way

Use only the designated inbox and the required subject line. Watch for addenda after the pre-bid.[1]

6

Line up your mechanical partner

The HVAC bidder sets the date your quote is due. Ask each mechanical bidder how and when they want controls pricing.

7Key dates

  1. Aug 20, 2026
    The City announces it will break ground on the first phase of The New Concourse E later this year, with the first 14 gates opening in 2030 and the final 10 gates in 2034.[3]
  2. Sept 21, 2026
    New Illinois prevailing wage rates take effect for public works in each county.[17]
  3. Oct 1, 2026
    The 2026 Chicago Mechanical and Energy Transformation Codes become optional for permit applications. They become mandatory for applications started on or after Dec. 1, 2026.[14]
  4. Oct 4, 2026
    Bid Package #02 is advertised, with prequalification required for award.[1]
  5. Oct 14, 2026
    Bid Package #02 bid documents are released.[1]
  6. Wed, Oct 21, 2026
    Pre-bid conference for Bid Package #02, per the CDA bid alert. Time, place and format are not stated in the alert. Verify on the bid documents or with AHCB.[1]
  7. Bid due date
    Not stated in the public alert. Verify with the bid documents. Other websites list dates that disagree with each other, so this page does not publish one.
  8. Late 2026 to 2030
    First-phase construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with the first 14 gates scheduled to open in 2030.[2][3]

8What is confirmed and what is not

Confirmed in official sources

  • The New Concourse E first phase: 14 gates, about 323,000 square feet[1][8]
  • AHCB (AECOM/Hunt, Clayco, Bowa) is the CMAR[1][6]
  • Bid Package #02 advertised Oct. 4 and released Oct. 14, 2026[1]
  • Pre-bid conference date, Oct. 21, 2026[1]
  • Trade package 14, 23A HVAC, includes furnishing, installation and commissioning, and includes installing a new building automation system[1]
  • 26A includes a power monitoring and control system and commissioning of fire alarm and communication systems[1]
  • Prequalification with AHCB is required for award, and documents are due before bid submission[1]
  • Sub-tier subcontractors and suppliers need not prequalify[1]
  • Questions go to ConcourseE@AHCJV.com with the required subject line[1]
  • City MBE/WBE program goals 26% and 6%; manufacturer 100%, regular dealer 60%, broker 0% credit[10]
  • Illinois prevailing wage rates effective Sept. 21, 2026[17]
  • Buy American applies to AIP-funded projects[18]
  • CDA’s Design Criteria Manual and Standard Specifications are shared on request[13]

Verify with the bid documents

  • Bid due date and time (do not rely on third-party listings)
  • Pre-bid time, place and format
  • Contract-specific MBE/WBE goals for 23A
  • Controls specification: protocol (BACnet or other), manufacturers, front end, integration
  • Cybersecurity and network requirements
  • Commissioning agent and testing and training requirements
  • Interface split between 23A, 26A, 21A and 14A
  • Whether AHCB or the HVAC prime must approve a controls subcontractor
  • Whether Buy America, federal DBE goals or other federal terms apply to Concourse E
  • Union signatory and worker classification rules for controls work
  • Which code edition governs the permits
  • 2026 prequalification steps and documents (the older steps on this page come from 2023 materials)[23]
  • Questions deadline and any addenda issued
  • Whether 18 trade-package rows (AHCB page) or 17 (CDA alert) is the current count[1][8]

Related guides

Declan Shea, a fictional character from The Infrastructure GuardAirports

Airport steel and metals bidding

The companion guide to the metal trade packages on The New Concourse E.

Read the explainer →
Commons, a fictional character from The Infrastructure GuardEvents

Events and notices

Outreach events, workshops and public notices we are tracking.

See the events →
Declan Shea, a fictional character from The Infrastructure GuardAirports

O’Hare 21

How Chicago is rebuilding the middle of O’Hare.

Read the explainer →

9Sources

  1. CDA Bid Alert: The New Concourse E Project at O'Hare International Airport, Bid Package #02 (Oct. 14, 2026). Sent by the Chicago Department of Aviation to the City's public bid-alert subscriber list (sign up for City bid notifications)
  2. ORD21: The New Concourse E (project page)
  3. City of Chicago press release: Mayor Johnson and CDA to break ground on first phase of The New Concourse E (Aug. 20, 2026)
  4. ORD21 Bids and Contracts: Upcoming (prequalification)
  5. ORD21 Bids and Contracts: Active
  6. ORD21: Understanding the Business Process (CMAR roles, incentives, residency, bonding, insurance, payment)
  7. AHCB registration form
  8. AHCB projects page (Work Order 12: The New Concourse E trade packages, and awarded subcontractors on earlier work orders)
  9. AHCB home page (how bid lists are built)
  10. City of Chicago DPS: Special Conditions, MBE/WBE/VBE Commitment in Construction Contracts (current) (PDF)
  11. City of Chicago DPS: Current Bid Opportunities (notes that O'Hare 21 CMAR bids are administered by the CMARs, not advertised through DPS)
  12. CDA: Bids and Contracts (links to the CMAR program)
  13. CDA: Standards and Manuals (Design Criteria Manual, Standard Specifications, Digital Governance Manual, Sustainable Airport Manual)
  14. City of Chicago Department of Buildings: Code Memorandum 2026-001, Transition to the 2026 Construction Codes (Oct. 6, 2026) (PDF)
  15. City of Chicago Department of Buildings: Chicago Energy Transformation Code (compliance methods, commissioning and functional testing)
  16. Illinois Department of Labor: Prevailing Wage Act
  17. Illinois Department of Labor: current prevailing rates by county (rates for work on or after Sept. 21, 2026)
  18. FAA: Buy American Preference Requirements (AIP)
  19. 49 U.S.C. 50101: Buying goods produced in the United States (Cornell LII)
  20. ASHRAE: BACnet, the building automation and control networking protocol (Standard 135)
  21. NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 3: Guide to Operational Technology (OT) Security (covers building automation systems)
  22. AHCB / CDA: O'Hare 21, Doing Business with the CMRs Guidebook (version 1, Dec. 2019; older, verify) (PDF)
  23. AHCB pre-bid conference deck, Work Order 09 Bid Package 01 (2023; an older package, shown as an example of how AHCB runs bids, verify for 2026) (PDF)
  24. AHCB Subcontractor Directory (edition dated Jan. 18, 2024; prime trade partners and 2nd-tier subs by package) (PDF)
  25. City of Chicago DPS: M/W/VBE certification (DBE/ACDBE/BEPD) and IL UCP
  26. City of Chicago DPS: directory of certified MBE, WBE, DBE and BEPD firms
  27. City DPS standard forms and agreements (Schedules C and D, special conditions)
  28. FAA: Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
  29. eCFR: 49 CFR Part 26, Participation by DBEs in DOT financial assistance programs
  30. CDA Small Business Resource Centers (one-on-one help)
  31. U.S. Census Bureau: North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

This page summarizes public notices, official pages and published rules as of October 15, 2026. It is not an official government publication, not legal advice and not a substitute for the bid documents. Dates, goals and requirements can change by addendum. Confirm each item with the bid documents and the linked source before you rely on it.

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About

Meet Michael E. Brown

President and Managing Partner, GOTB Consulting, LLC · Chicago

Michael E. Brown has 20+ years of governmental and municipal consulting and lobbying experience. He was lead contract negotiator on the $8.5B O’Hare 21 program and the $800M O’Hare rail extension, and lead lobbyist and contract negotiator on the $400M Chicago Department of Water Management lateral redevelopment. (Dollar figures are program sizes, not GOTB fees.)

He has worked with the Illinois legislature and public officials on public-private partnership (P3) policy, and has consulted to the Cook County Commission on reducing duplicative administrative offices. He is a frequent speaker at governmental and municipal functions, focuses on good government and healthier social and economic solutions for safe, successful neighborhoods, lives in Chicago, and serves on the Board of the March of Dimes.

  • M.S., Psychology (1997), University of Iowa
  • B.S., Psychology (1995), University of Iowa
20+ years in municipal consulting$8.5B O’Hare 21 program$800M O’Hare rail extension$400M DWM lateral redevelopment
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Meet Richard Butler

Partner, GOTB Consulting, LLC · Chicago

Richard (Rich) Butler is a partner at GOTB Consulting and a 38-year veteran of Chicago city government. From August 2019 to February 2020 he served as First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), responsible for day-to-day administration and operations of O’Hare and Midway, including finance, contracts, operations, legal, human resources, workforce development, concessions, real estate and vehicle services. CDA manages the two airports with a federally funded budget of $8.5 billion. (Dollar figures are budget and program sizes, not GOTB fees.)

Before that, Rich was First Deputy Procurement Officer at the City’s Department of Procurement Services and Chief Administrative Officer of the Chicago Park District, where he oversaw procurement, audit, finance, warehousing and general administrative services on an estimated annual budget of $385 million and established district-wide policies and procedures. His City career began at the Department of Aviation as Director of Contracts Administration, and he also served as General Superintendent of the Department of Streets and Sanitation.

He completed the Chicago Accounting and Purchasing System Training Program and the City of Chicago Executive Management Program, was a key team member on the design and implementation plan for the City’s new eProcurement system, and is a member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing and the Purchasing Management Association of Chicago. He has served on the board of the Chicago Municipal Employees Credit Union and on the US Communities board, representing the City of Chicago, and traveled to South Korea to represent Chicago in the Kotra Alliance to bridge contracting opportunities. A native of Englewood, he attended De La Salle High School.

  • B.S., Northern Illinois University
38 years in Chicago city governmentFirst Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation$385M Chicago Park District budget$8.5B CDA federally funded budget
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