Questions and Answers D1 Metal Round Sign Posts.docx

This Questions and Answers document addresses vendor inquiries regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation's procurement of metal round yellow sign posts for District 1 under IFB Solicitation 27-494DOT-FINAD-B-54223. The solicitation requires newly manufactured, United States-made metal round yellow sign posts with a 17-hole punch pattern, hi-visibility yellow powdercoat finish, and poz loc or equivalent post pocket shims. Clarification was provided that all posts—9-foot, 10-foot, and 12-foot—must be constructed of 14-gauge metal, despite a specification sheet discrepancy. The estimated quantities listed in the solicitation will be ordered as a single purchase order, with delivery required within thirty business days after receipt of an order to IDOT District 1 facilities between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, excluding State Holidays. The apparent low bidder may be required to submit product samples to the IDOT District 1 Materials Lab in Schaumburg, Illinois within ten business days of request at no cost to the State. The contract term is twelve months from the last dated signature, with a maximum total term not to exceed ten years.

Regarding vendor structure, the procurement allows resellers to purchase conforming posts and shims from manufacturers or distributors with direct delivery arranged by the supplier or carrier, provided the reseller remains responsible for conformity, delivery, warranty, replacement, and invoicing; such arrangements are not classified as subcontracting and require no financial disclosures. No subcontracting is permitted under the contract. The contract is not a small business set-aside; however, bidders may claim Illinois Business Preference and Domestic Product Preference where applicable. A $15 fee to cover Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative expenses will be deducted from the first check issued to the awarded vendor for contracts of $1,000 or more. No Federal funding is anticipated for this procurement. Bid prices must remain firm for 180 days from opening, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder.