Construction Services for Downtown Station Identifier Signs & Installation

The contract for Construction Services for Downtown Station Identifier Signs & Installation, issued as IFB No. 203524 by Metra, requires the provision of labor, materials, and equipment to install new digital train tracking displays, backlit station identification signs, and associated static signage at three key downtown Chicago transit hubs: LaSalle Street Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, and Millennium Station. A pre-bid meeting and site visit is scheduled for July 27, 2026, at Ogilvie Transportation Center, with attendees required to sign a liability waiver to enter Metra property; attendance is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. Proposals are due by August 19, 2026, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on price, financial responsibility, compliance with specifications, experience, and equipment suitability. The bid must include a 5% bid bond, completed representations and certifications—many requiring notarization—including affidavits regarding conflicts of interest, legal history, and lobbying restrictions under federal law. The contract is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act and prevailing wage requirements, and compliance with Title VI, DOL Equal Opportunity, and Buy America provisions is mandatory. The work must be performed in strict accordance with Volume 2 Specifications and Volume 3 Contract Drawings, adhering to standards such as AISC Chapter N for steelwork, NECA/NEMA/UL/NFPA 70 for electrical systems, and Metra’s Third Party Contracts Quality Management Plan. Contractors are responsible for inspection and testing, including submission of Nonconformance Reports, Inspection Logs, and Equipment Calibration Records, with Metra retaining the right to inspect and reject non-compliant work at the contractor’s expense. Materials must be stored in original packaging, indoors, under uniform temperature conditions, and protected from damage, with all fabricated components clearly marked for traceability. Substantial completion of all work must be achieved within 365 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, and time is of the essence. The contract includes a $30,000 allowance for permitting fees, and the Grand Total Base Bid must incorporate all costs including mobilization, insurance, bonds, overhead, profit, and incidental expenses, with general conditions capped at 10% of the contract price less bonds and insurance. Final payment is subject to a retainage mechanism, invoice submission via PDF to MetraVendorinvoice@metrarr.com with lien waivers and supporting documentation, and ACH