chicago rockford intl airport 26-19BoardingWalkway_073026.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) #26-19

Page 1 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

Request Description: Passenger Boarding Walkway

Issue Date: Friday, August 7, 2026

Questions Due By: Friday, August 14, 2026

Proposals Due: Friday, August 28 , 2026, 10:30AM CDT

RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN THE PUBLIC OPENING DATE AND TIME (LOCAL TIME) SPECIFIED ABOVE. RESPONSES WILL BE OPENED AND PUBLISHED AT THAT TIME. LATE RESPONSES WILL

NOT BE CONSIDERED.

TO ALL PROSPECTIVE CONTRACTORS:

You are hereby invited to submit your qualifications to be furnished and delivered to the address specified herein.

All RFP submissions must be received by the due date, either in hard copy delivered to Chip Geiger, 60 Airport Drive, Rockford IL 61109, or electronically via BidNetDirect.com.

All submissions are subject to staff analysis and Board approval. The Greater Rockford Airport Authority (Authority) reserves the right to accept or reject any and all submissions received and waive any and all technicalities.

Direct any and all inquiries about this bid to rfp@flyrfd.com .

Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting N

Performance Bond Required N

Prevailing Wage Required N

Page 2 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Passenger Boarding Walkway

RFP Number: 26-13

1. Notice of Request for Proposals

The Greater Rockford Airport Authority (Authority) seeks to procure one (1) mobile passenger boarding ramp capable of providing accessible boarding and deplaning for passengers using regional and narrow-body aircraft parked on remote stands.

The boarding ramp shall provide an ADA-compliant, step-free means of access for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), wheelchair users, elderly passengers, families with strollers, and all other passengers.

Equipment shall be new, current production, and supported within North America.

2. General Terms and Conditions

2.1 Non-Discrimination

Contractor shall comply with the Illinois Human Rights Act, 775, ILCS 5/1-101 et seq., as amended and any rules and regulations promulgated in accordance therewith, including, but not limited to the Equal Opportunity Clause, Illinois Administrative Code, Title 44, Part 750 (Appendix A), which is incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, the Contractor shall comply with the Public Works Employment Discrimination Act, 775 ILCS 10/0.01 et seq., as amended.

During the performance of this Contract, the Contractor agrees that it shall not discriminate against any worker, employee or applicant, or any member of the public, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, or sexual orientation. Upon request of the Authority, the Contractor also agrees to submit in writing an affirmative action plan demonstrating compliance with equal employment opportunity laws and policies. Contractor further agrees that this clause will be incorporated by the Contractor in all contracts entered into with suppliers or materials or services, sub-Contractors and all labor organizations furnishing skilled, unskilled, and craft union skilled labor, or any other person or organization performing services in connection with this Contract.

2.2 Executive Order dated March 26, 2026

In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the contractor agrees as follows:

1. The contractor will not engage in any racially discriminatory DEI activities, as defined in section 2 of the Executive Order of March 26, 2026 (Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors);

2. The contractor will furnish all information and reports, including providing access to books, records, and accounts, as required by the contracting agency pursuant to the Executive Order of March 26, 2026 (Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors), for purposes of ascertaining compliance with this clause;

3. In the event of the contractor’s or a subcontractor’s noncompliance with this clause, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part, and the contractor or subcontractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts;

Page 3 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

4. The contractor will report any subcontractor’s known or reasonably knowable conduct that may violate this clause to the contracting department or agency and take any appropriate remedial actions directed by the contracting department or agency;

5. The contractor will inform the contracting department or agency if a subcontractor sues the contractor and the suit puts at issue, in any way, the validity of this clause; and

6. The contractor recognizes that compliance with the requirements of this clause are material to the Government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code (False Claims Act).”

2.3 Drug-Free Workplace

The Contractor agrees to provide a drug free workplace as provided for in the Drug Free Workplace Act, 30 ILCS 580/1, et seq.

2.4 Tax Exemption

The Greater Rockford Airport Authority is not subject to Federal Excise Tax. Per Illinois Compiled Statuses, 35 ILCS 120/2-5, the Greater Rockford Airport Authority is exempt from state and local taxes. Our exempt number is E9992-3521-05.

2.5 Warranties

Minimum:

• 2-year bumper-to-bumper warranty

• 10-year structural warranty preferred

2.6 Indemnification

Contractor agrees to indemnify, save harmless and defend the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, its agents, servants, Commissioners, and employees, and each of them against and hold it and them harmless from any and all lawsuits, claims, demands, liabilities, losses or expenses, including court costs and attorneys’ fees, for or on account of any injury to any person, or any death at any time resulting from such injury, or any damage to any property, which may arise or which may be alleged to have arisen, in whole or in part, out of or in connection with the work covered by this contract. The foregoing indemnity shall apply except if such injury, death or damage is caused directly and solely by the negligence or other fault of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority, its agents, servants, Commissioners, or employees or any other person indemnified hereunder. This indemnification obligation is not limited by, but is in addition to the insurance obligations, which may be contained in this contract. The provision of this paragraph shall not be waived.

2.7 Termination and Default

If delivery of acceptable items or rendering of services is not completed by the time promised, the Authority reserves the right, without liability, in addition to its other rights and remedies, to terminate the contract by notice effective when received by Contractor, as to stated items not yet shipped or services not yet rendered and to purchase substitute items or services elsewhere and charge the Contractor with any or all losses incurred. The Authority shall be entitled to recover its attorney’s fees and expenses in any successful action by the Authority to enforce this contract. No Fault Termination of services is granted to either party with a 90-day written notice.

Page 4 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

2.8 Royalties and Patents

Contractor shall pay all royalties and license fees. Contractor shall defend all suits or claims for infringement of any patent, copyright or trademark rights and shall hold the Authority harmless from loss on account thereof.

2.9 Regulatory Compliance

Contractor represents and warrants that the goods or services furnished hereunder (including all labels, packages and containers for said goods) comply with all applicable standards, rules and regulations in effect under the requirements of all Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations as applicable, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act as amended, with respect to design, construction, manufacture or use for their intended purpose of said goods or services.

Pursuant to Illinois Municipal Code 65 ILCS 5/11-42.1-1, by signing this bid the Contractor certifies that it is not delinquent in the payment of any tax administered by the Department of Revenue.

All Contractor and subcontractors, by signing this bid, agree that all individuals assigned to the project(s) concerning this bid are in compliance with: (a) providing health and welfare and retirement benefits, (b) correctly classifying employees, and (c) meeting the minimum workers’ compensation requirements.

The Contractor certifies that they are not barred from bidding on this contract as a result of engaging in or being convicted of: (a) bid-rigging in violation of Section 3; or (b) bid-rotating in violation of Section 4, of the Illinois Criminal Code of 1961, as amended [720 ILCS 5/33E-3 and 4].

2.10 Discounts

Prices quoted must be net after deducting all trade and quantity discounts. Where cash discounts for prompt payment are offered, the discount period shall begin with the date of receipt of a correct invoice or receipt or final acceptance of goods, whichever is later. The Authority is a member of Sourcewell and OMNIA buying groups and welcomes any independent contract pricing.

2.11 Inspections

The Authority shall have the right to inspect any materials, components, equipment, supplies, services, or completed work specified herein. Any of said items not complying with these specifications are subject to rejection at the option of the Authority. Any items rejected shall be removed from the premises of the Authority and/or replaced at the entire expense of the Contractor.

2.12 References

To allow the Authority to evaluate the experience of the Contractor, as it relates to this purchase, the Contractor must submit a minimum of three (3) references of organizations that have purchased similar services. Failure to include references may result in bid disqualification. See Exhibit 1.

2.13 Law Governing

This contract shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Illinois.

3. Scope of Work

3.1 Equipment shall comply, where applicable, with:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Architectural Barriers Act (ABA)

• IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) applicable provisions

Page 5 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

• OSHA safety requirements

• FAA Advisory Circulars applicable to ground support equipment

• SAE and ANSI standards where applicable

Equipment shall comply with all applicable U.S. federal, state, and local safety requirements.

3.2 Aircraft Compatibility

The ramp shall service, at minimum:

• Boeing 737-700/800/MAX

• Embraer E170/E175/E190/E195

• CRJ700/900/1000

• Airbus A319, A320

Additional compatibility is desirable.

3.3 Functional Requirements

The boarding ramp shall:

• Be completely mobile

• Require no fixed infrastructure

• Operate by one trained operator

• Allow passenger boarding without aircraft stairs whenever practical

• Permit wheelchair access without use of an ambulift when aircraft configuration allows

• Provide continuous handrails

• Include non-slip walking surfaces

• Provide edge protection

• Provide emergency stop controls

• Provide parking brake and stabilizing devices

• Provide covered egress from aircraft to the ground

• Provide lighted walkways for night time operations

Page 6 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

3.4 Operational Height

Minimum operational range:

• Lowest deck height: 63 inches (160 cm) or lower

• Maximum deck height: 104 inches (265 cm) or higher

Greater adjustment range is acceptable.

3.5 Accessibility

The system shall provide:

• Continuous accessible path

• Maximum operating ramp slope not exceeding 8 degrees during normal operation

• Wheelchair turning area at aircraft interface

• Slip-resistant surface suitable for snow, rain, and ice

• Handrails on both sides

3.6 Capacity

Minimum live load:

• 650 lb. concentrated wheelchair load

Minimum distributed load:

• 65 pounds per square foot

Manufacturer shall provide certified structural calculations.

3.7 Power System

Bidder may provide either:

• Electric

• Solar-assisted electric

3.8 Environmental Requirements

Equipment shall operate in:

• -20°F to 110°F

Page 7 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

Equipment shall withstand:

• Snow

• Ice

• Rain

• High winds consistent with manufacturer operating limits

Boarding bridge will be used in a northern climate airport with annual snowfall. Enclosed ramps or those which can be enclosed using flaps or roll-down type canvas are preferred. Any barriers must allow for outside visibility.

3.9 Mobility

Maximum travel speed:

• 3 mph minimum

Maximum towing speed:

• 5 mph minimum

Turning radius shall permit operation around regional aircraft parked on typical commercial aprons.

3.10 Safety Features

Equipment shall include:

• Wheel chocks or stabilizers

• Parking brake

• Emergency stop

• Flashing beacon

• Audible warning during movement

• Operator dead-man control

• Anti-slip walking surface

• Reflective markings

• Lights above walkways during night operations

Page 8 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

3.11 Construction

Preferred materials:

• Aluminum walking surfaces

• Corrosion-resistant steel frame

• Galvanized or equivalent corrosion protection

• UV-resistant coatings

• Waterproof and mold-resistant material on flaps or walkway covers

3.12 Optional Features

The Authority may award additional points for:

• Covered passenger walkway

• Aircraft door weather canopy

• LED lighting

• Remote-control operation

• Collision avoidance system

• Automatic height positioning

• Electric drive system

• Solar charging

• Reduced maintenance requirements

3.13 Training

Vendor shall provide:

• Operator training

• Maintenance training

• Parts manuals

• Electronic service manuals

• Recommended preventive maintenance schedule

Page 9 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

3.14 Parts Support

Vendor shall certify:

• North American parts inventory

• Technical support

• Parts availability for a minimum of ten (10) years

3.15 Evaluation Criteria

Criteria Weight Technical Compliance 30% Safety Features 20% Accessibility 15% Reliability/Maintenance 10% Warranty & Service 10% Delivery Schedule 5% Price 10%

Why this specification is competitive

This specification focuses on functional outcomes—such as aircraft compatibility, accessibility, safety, operating range, and durability—rather than proprietary design features. For example, it avoids requiring a patented "switchback" ramp geometry or any manufacturer-specific mechanism, while still requiring equivalent performance, such as a continuous step-free accessible path and safe operating slope. This approach is consistent with public procurement best practices and helps maximize competition while ensuring the Authority receives equipment that meets its operational needs.

4. FAA Airport Grant Assurances

This contract is subject to the following FAA Airport Grant Assurances, including but not limited to:

4.1 Nondiscrimination (Grant Assurance 22)

The Contractor shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and shall comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 49 CFR Part 21, and related regulations.

4.2 Use of U.S.-Produced Goods (Buy American Preference) (Grant Assurance 5)

The Contractor shall comply with 49 U.S.C. § 50101 and applicable Buy American requirements for AIP-funded projects.

Page 10 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

4.3 Civil Rights and Federal Compliance

Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable federal laws, executive orders, and regulations, including but not limited to:

• Equal Employment Opportunity requirements

• Davis-Bacon Act

• Debarment and Suspension (2 CFR Part 180)

5. References

To allow the Authority to evaluate the experience of the Contractor, as it relates to this RFP, the Contractor must submit a minimum of three (3) references of organizations that have provided similar services. Failure to include references may result in bid disqualification. See Exhibit 1.

6. Reservation of Rights

The Airport reserves the right to:

• Reject any or all proposals

• Waive informalities or irregularities

• Request additional information

• Cancel or modify this solicitation

• Negotiate with selected respondents

Page 11 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

Exhibit 1 Required References

Company Name:

Address:

Contact Person:

Telephone #:

Email:

Contact Person:

Contact Person:

Page 12 of 12 U:\cgeiger\Bids\26-19BoardingWalkway,073026.docx

Exhibit 2

Company Name: ___________________________________________________

26-19 Passenger Boarding Walkway

Boarding Ramp, self propelled $ ________________

Boarding Ramp, towed $ ________________

Shipping and Handling $ ________________

Any additional charges (specify hourly, fixed, etc. $ ________________

Description of any additional charges _____________________________________________

By signing this bid document, the bidder hereby certifies that they are not barred from bidding on this contract as a result of a violation of either Section 33E-3 or 33E-4 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 1961, as amended.

The Contractor hereby certifies that pursuant to Illinois Compiled Statutes, 65 ILCS 5/11-42-1, the Contractor is not delinquent in the payment of any tax administered by the Department of Revenue.

Our State of Illinois Certification Number under the Fair Employment Practices Law is _____________.

(check if applicable) We do not have a State Pre-Qualification Statement. In lieu thereof, we will make an application at https://dhr.illinois.gov/compliance/public-contracts.html within thirty (30) days from the date of this bid opening.

Further, the Contractor agrees to provide a drug free workplace as provided for in the Drug Free Workplace Act, 30 ILCS 580.1 et seq.

Authorized Signature: __________________________________________________

Typed/Printed Name: __________________________________________________

Title: __________________________________________________

Date: _________________________________