AML 2419 Amax Coal Culvert

The State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for contract 26-422DNR-MINES-B-51153, designated as AML 2419 Amax Coal Culvert, a construction project involving the remediation of severely deteriorated infrastructure at an abandoned mine land site located approximately 3.5 miles northeast of the Village of Vermont in Fulton County, Illinois. The project scope includes removing two severely deteriorated corrugated metal culverts and replacing them with noncorrosive alternatives, stabilizing stream banks with riprap installation, constructing a temporary cofferdam for flow control, and completing associated grading, erosion control, and site restoration activities to prevent future failures. Bidders must be prequalified with the Illinois Department of Transportation and must complete at least 51 percent of the work with their own organization. The contract award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest price, with bids remaining firm for 90 days from opening. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of March 4, 2026, and a bid submission deadline of March 16, 2026, with all bids submitted electronically through BidBuy. The contract term extends from the date of last signature through December 31, 2026, with work required to commence within 10 calendar days of contract execution and a mandatory preconstruction conference required prior to beginning operations. Prevailing wage requirements apply under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, with contractors required to pay laborers no less than current prevailing wage rates and maintain 90 percent Illinois laborer employment during periods of excessive unemployment.

This procurement includes multiple set-asides and preference programs designed to advance economic and social objectives. The solicitation establishes a 1% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal for businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, with submission of a BEP Utilization Plan required for bid responsiveness; bidders unable to meet stated goals must demonstrate good faith efforts by contacting certified vendors within relevant NIGP codes and allowing minimum 10 business days for responses. Additionally, under Section 40701 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, qualified bidders who employ at least two current or former coal mine employees may receive preference consideration if their bid does not exceed 2 percent above the lowest bid, with acceptable proof including United Mine Workers Union cards, former pay stubs, official letters, or performance evaluations. All contractors and subcontractors must execute a Project Labor Agreement and submit letters of assent confirming compliance with negotiated labor agreement terms. The estimated contract value is $50,000 or greater, with the specific award amount to be disclosed upon notice of award; the contract may be partially or wholly funded with federal funds in accordance with Buy America requirements under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Surety requirements include a 5 percent bid bond at submission and performance/construction bonds before contract execution, with approved sureties licensed in Illinois or irrevocable letters of credit acceptable. Insurance requirements mandate general commercial liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 annual aggregate, auto liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and workers' compensation insurance as required by law.