Ian Wade

Ian Wade serves as Capital Projects Manager for the Illinois Engineering Agency, overseeing the procurement and lifecycle management of critical public infrastructure initiatives. In this primary role, he leads the acquisition of civil engineering services and construction contracts essential to modernizing water and sewer systems, transportation corridors, and utility networks. His procurement portfolio centers on capital improvement projects that align with the agency’s mission of resilient infrastructure development, with a focus on long-term sustainability and regulatory compliance. He manages full-cycle contracting processes—from needs assessment and solicitation to award and performance monitoring—for complex, multi-disciplinary projects requiring coordination across engineering, environmental, and public works disciplines. Ian works primarily with specialized contractors in site preparation, environmental consulting, electrical installation, and heavy civil construction. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for firms with proven expertise in infrastructure rehabilitation, stormwater management, and CSO mitigation. He cultivates collaborative relationships with vendors who demonstrate technical proficiency in civil engineering standards, permitting compliance, and sustainable construction practices. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages firms capable of delivering integrated solutions across multiple trades and regulatory frameworks. Ian’s contracting activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of procurements open to full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on technical capability and performance reliability over socioeconomic classifications, though he remains compliant with all federal and state small business reporting requirements. His approach prioritizes competitive fairness and value-driven outcomes, ensuring that procurement decisions are grounded in technical merit and project-specific needs rather than socioeconomic preferences. His primary NAICS focus areas include Site Preparation Contractors, Environmental Consulting Services, Electrical Contractors, and Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, underscoring his expertise in integrated infrastructure delivery. He frequently procures services related to utility relocation, pavement rehabilitation, lighting system upgrades, and combined sewer overflow control, demonstrating deep domain knowledge in civil engineering systems and public works project execution.