Aurora City Contracts Affirmative Action FAQ

Civil Rights and Equity Illinois 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Illinois

Aurora, Illinois requires contractors doing business with the city to accept nondiscrimination and affirmative action clauses included in procurement and contract documents. This article explains where those requirements appear in city procurement processes, which city offices handle compliance and complaints, what enforcement and remedies are available, and practical steps bidders and contractors should take to demonstrate compliance when pursuing Aurora contracts.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Aurora incorporates nondiscrimination and equal opportunity language into solicitations and contract templates. Specific fine amounts and per-day penalties for violations are not specified on the cited procurement page City of Aurora Purchasing[1]. When monetary penalties or statutory remedies exist they will appear in the controlling ordinance or the contract terms; if the municipal code or procurement rules set a civil penalty the procurement page is the primary source for any fee schedules.

  • Enforcer: Purchasing Department and Human Resources coordinate contract compliance and contractor screening.
  • Inspections & monitoring: compliance typically reviewed during contract performance and at invoice/payment processing.
  • Fines and civil penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: written corrective orders, suspension or termination of contract, debarment from future contracts, and referral to legal action or courts.
  • Appeals and review: appeal rights and time limits depend on the contract language or specific ordinance; time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Check the specific solicitation and contract for the exact enforcement provisions.

Applications & Forms

The City does not publish a stand-alone municipal affirmative-action permit on the purchasing page; required compliance statements and certified forms are typically part of bid documents or contract attachments and vary by solicitation. The purchasing site does not list a universal EEO/affirmative-action form for all contractors.[1]

  • If a solicitation requires a specific compliance form, that form will be attached to the bid documents for that solicitation.
  • If no form is attached, contractors should include an affirmative statement of compliance in their submittal and request guidance from Purchasing.
Always download and read the full bid packet for required compliance attachments.

Common Violations

  • Failure to include required nondiscrimination language or required certifications in the bid.
  • Discriminatory hiring or subcontractor selection practices while performing the contract.
  • Failure to maintain required records or to submit compliance reports when requested.
Document hiring and subcontracting decisions to reduce risk of compliance disputes.

FAQ

Who must follow Aurora affirmative action provisions?
Any bidder or contractor entering into a city contract that contains nondiscrimination or affirmative action clauses must comply with those provisions; applicability is determined by the solicitation and contract language.
How do I file a compliance complaint?
File a complaint with the City of Aurora Purchasing Department or Human Resources; procurement contact details and complaint procedures are available on the city purchasing page and departmental contacts.
Are there monetary fines for violations?
The purchasing page does not list specific fine amounts; if fines apply they will be in the controlling contract language or ordinance.

How-To

  1. Review the solicitation documents for affirmative action or EEO attachments and required certifications.
  2. Include any requested forms or a written statement of compliance with nondiscrimination clauses in your bid package.
  3. Keep employment and subcontracting records demonstrating nondiscriminatory practices during contract performance.
  4. If you have questions, contact Purchasing before submitting your proposal to request clarification.
  5. If you need to report suspected violations, submit a complaint to Purchasing or Human Resources with supporting documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • Affirmative action language is usually part of solicitations and contracts rather than a separate city permit.
  • Specific fines and time limits are set in contract terms or ordinances; the purchasing page does not specify amounts.
  • Contact Purchasing or Human Resources early for guidance and to reduce compliance risk.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Aurora Purchasing - procurement, bid documents, and purchasing contacts

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