C26FT103350367 Request for Proposals (RFP) Design-Build - Forest Park Track Improvements - Kedzie to Pulaski

The Chicago Transit Authority is soliciting proposals for the design-build services to improve the Forest Park track between Kedzie and Pulaski under solicitation number C26FT103350367. The contract has a base value of $4,200,000 with optional track access days that could increase the total value by up to approximately $4,680,000 if all options are exercised. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Bonfire portal by July 20, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Central Time, and hard copies are not accepted. The scope includes full design and construction services in alignment with CTA’s Infrastructure Design Criteria Manual and applicable federal, state, and industry standards including NFPA, OSHA, AREMA, and ISO 9001. Key deliverables include final design documentation, staged design submittals, a comprehensive Quality Management System, code compliance matrices, and all required permits. Performance will occur at the project site in Illinois, with final acceptance contingent upon successful testing and issuance of a Certificate of Final Completion. The contract mandates strict compliance with DBE participation goals of 25% during the design phase and 20% during construction, with these goals applying to all options and change orders. Offerors must demonstrate good faith efforts to meet these targets, and failure to do so constitutes a material default. Key personnel named in the proposal cannot be replaced without prior written approval from CTA, except in cases of death, incapacity, or legal leave. Organizational conflicts of interest are strictly prohibited, preventing the prime contractor or any subcontractor from performing any design, supervision, audit, or management work on other CTA contracts for this project. Security screening, including criminal history and terrorist database checks, may be required for all personnel prior to site access, at the contractor’s expense. Change orders must be formally executed to authorize any scope, price, or schedule modifications, with field memos for changes up to $10,000 and formal directives for larger changes. Invoicing is required monthly through CTA’s web-based project portal with supporting documentation, and prompt payment to subcontractors within 14 days of receipt is mandatory. Traceability of all materials and equipment is required from manufacture through final installation using part numbers, serial numbers, and labeling, though no specific barcoding or military standards are mandated. All proposals must include a Technical Proposal and a separate Price Proposal with