Priority to Projects that Provide Employment for Current and Former Employees of the Coal Industry~15.docx

This is a procurement preference policy document issued by the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Division of Illinois, establishing employment preferences for contractors working on AML reclamation projects funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, P.L. 117-58). The policy applies to AML construction projects with a total contract value exceeding $100,000 and is governed by Illinois Procurement Code 30 ILCS 500/45-110. The AML Division's standard practice is to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidder; however, qualified bidders who can demonstrate employment of current or former coal industry workers may receive preferential consideration.

To qualify for the employment preference, bidders must provide proof at the time of bid that they employ at least two current employees who are former coal mine workers and commit to utilizing these employees on the awarded AML reclamation project. Alternatively, bidders may commit to hiring at least two former coal mine employees if they do not currently employ such workers. A bidder meeting these employment requirements may be selected over a lower bidder if their bid does not exceed the lowest bid by more than two percent. This preference aligns with Section 40701 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which prioritizes reclamation projects that provide employment opportunities for current and former coal industry workers.