Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation are throwing open the hanger doors to a huge economic opportunity at O'Hare International Airport. They've announced a call for bids on an expansive concessions overhaul at Terminals 1 and 3, a move which both aims to modernize travel experiences and to dig opportunity trenches for local entrepreneurs and minority business owners in the area. As reported by the City of Chicago, this plan represents one of the most significant airport concession expansions in U.S. history.
In a statement shared by the City of Chicago, Mayor Johnson emphasized the inclusivity of this initiative, saying "O’Hare is a welcoming jewel of Chicago, and together, we continue to prioritize new opportunities for that spirit to shine." The ORDerUp! RFP, as the project is baptized, offers more than 146,000 square feet for prospective businesses, with 10% reserved exclusively for small businesses. Incentives are in place to encourage participation by small and diverse business owners for the remainder of concession spaces.
Interested parties are beckoned to an optional pre-proposal meeting on September 30, with a virtual attendance option available. That same date will feature a networking event designed to foster business partnerships. This all comes after the CDA's efforts earlier in the year to educate local entrepreneurs on the concession bidding process and achieve ACDBE certification. A dedicated page complete with RFP details and submission guidelines can be found at flychicago.com, which lays out the January 15, 2025, proposal submission deadline among other critical information.
Regarding the bid's anticipation of attracting a diverse portfolio of businesses, CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee stated in the announcement, "Airport concessions offer opportunities to build generational wealth and create fantastic employment opportunities for Chicagoans of all ages." The city sets its sights on hitting an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation target of 32%, having surpassed that with a 40% achievement in the previous concession expansion in Terminal 5.
It's clear that the city’s larger plan with O’Hare 21 aims to thread the present into a future where O’Hare is not only a travel hub but a launch pad for economic growth and diversity.
