O. Kate Tragesser

Kate concentrates on government procurement, government relations, land use and tax increment financing. She assists clients with federal, state and local government procurement compliance and offers strategic counsel on diversity certifications as part of a broad range of procurement issues. Her substantive understanding of government enables her to advocate effectively for the business solutions her clients need.

She focuses on advising bidders and contractors on government regulations, laws and policies; preparing responsive bid proposals, small business subcontracting plans and bid protests; drafting and negotiating contracts; resolving contract disputes; obtaining contract payments; facilitating contract compliance, including assisting clients to meet contract participation goals for small businesses; representing contractors in debarment proceedings; and structuring competitive strategic alliances and relationships between majority- and minority-owned businesses. She assists MBE/WBE/DBE/VBEs with obtaining and maintaining their certification.  For companies looking to be certified for the first time, she provides recommendations on their corporate structure.  Additionally, she has handled transitions of certified companies from one generation to the next and during the sale of the company, ensuring that there is no disruption to the certification.

• Conducts internal investigatory and compliance audits for several companies regarding federal, state and local government contracts.
• Serves as contract compliance counsel by reviewing solicitations and provides counsel on how best to meet those requirements.
• Provides counsel to several companies regarding contract compliance including MBE/WBE/DBE substitution requirements, indirect /direct participation and allocation of credit for MBE/WBE/DBE participation.
• Provides consultation to companies in connection with the formation of strategic relationships to meet contract requirements: subcontracts, joint venture agreements, mentor-protégé agreements and teaming agreements.
• Represented the selected master concessionaire for Chicago’s Midway International Airport, Concession Renovation and Expansion Project in the preparation of their ACDBE compliance plan and the approval of their plan with the city of Chicago
• Serves as MBE/WBE compliance monitor for companies during government mandated monitory.
• Represented large concession companies in the preparation of their proposals and negotiation of their ACDBE relationships for Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
• Represent DBE/ACDBEs during the challenge of the certifications by various Unified Certification Programs (UCPs) and successfully demonstrate that the companies are qualified for the programs.
• Represented one of the nation’s largest Spanish language radio companies in the development of its antennae facility, including land acquisition and all zoning and land use approvals center.
• Represented numerous real estate developers in establishing TIF districts and executing redevelopment agreements for what amounts to nearly $200 million in TIF assistance. These projects include over 2000 homes and commercial space.

• “Structuring Successful Minority, Women & Veteran-Owned Business Partnerships,” Illinois Restaurant Association, Chicago, Ill., May 7, 2018.
• “Top Ten Employment Law Pitfalls,” Government Contracting Series, Chicago, Ill., March 1, 2018.
• “How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Minority, Women and Veteran Business Certifications,” Government Contracting Series, Chicago, Ill., Oct. 4, 2016.
• “The Power of Joint Venturing,” State of Indiana, Northwest Indiana Business Conference, Gary, Ind., Aug. 14, 2015.
• “Reflections Regarding 2014 Utility Section 5-117 Reports,” Illinois Commerce Commission Supplier Diversity Policy Session, Chicago, lll., June 11, 2015.
• “The Basics of MBE/WBE/DBE/ACDBE/VBE Certifications,” Government Contracting Series, Chicago, Ill., April 29, 2015.
• “The Changing MBE/WBE Environment and New Partnership Opportunities,” Government Contracting Series, Chicago, Ill., Oct. 20, 2009.