I-25-2027- Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Landscape Planting Improvements I-55 To Cermak Road Mile Post 2

The solicitation numbered 26-557THA-ENGCO-B-50095 issued by the Illinois Toll Highway Authority concerns contract I-25-2027, which involves landscape planting improvements along the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) corridor from I-55 to Cermak Road, covering Mile Post 23.1 to Mile Post 29.5 in Illinois. This project includes work such as landscape planting, berm installation, grading, fencing, erosion control, tree removal and pruning, and maintaining traffic throughout the construction period. The contract specifies extensive quantities of trees, shrubs, excavation, topsoil placement, and fencing materials detailed by itemized pay items. The contract performance period begins upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed and extends through June 27, 2029, with the contract formally ending one year later, allowing time for warranty closeout activities. Bid submissions must be completed electronically via the State of Illinois BidBuy portal by January 9, 2026, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for December 3, 2025; paper submissions are expressly prohibited as per CPO Notice 2023.12. Vendors responding to this solicitation must comply with rigorous State of Illinois procurement standards, including full completion of vendor disclosure requirements via either the Illinois Procurement Gateway registration or the Illinois Vendor Disclosure Form, depending on registration status. The contract employs a lowest evaluated price award criterion, where the award is determined by the base bid amount minus any applicable bid credits, emphasizing cost as the primary deciding factor. Special contract requirements stipulate adherence to background checks, strict certified payroll reporting via LCPTracker, subcontractor disclosures, prevailing wage laws, and equal employment opportunity goals specific to minority and female workforce utilization. The contract also demands rigorous documentation and financial transparency, including compliance with Illinois Human Rights Act provisions, submission of certified payroll reports, and maintenance of thorough records available for audit. Inspections and final acceptance are managed by the Illinois Toll Highway Authority at their facilities in Downers Grove, Illinois, with the government responsible for enforcement of contract compliance. The solicitation package includes detailed bid instructions, terms and conditions, and specifies performance standards referencing Illinois Department of Transportation standard specifications and Tollway supplemental provisions, ensuring quality and regulatory alignment throughout contract execution.