AML Professional Services Southern Region

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking professional engineering design services to reclaim safety hazards on abandoned mine sites in Southern Illinois counties, including Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Perry, Saline, and Williamson. The procurement is a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) contract with an initial term of 36 months and a maximum total contract term of 10 years. Successful firms must be prequalified with IDOT and will be responsible for comprehensive site reclamation services, including site investigation, topographic mapping, engineering design, and plan and specification preparation. The project aims to address dangerous mining-related hazards such as highwalls, vertical openings, mine spoil, and subsidence areas. Key personnel requirements include a Liaison Engineer, Design Engineer, Geotechnical Lead, Survey Chief, and Drainage Engineer. The evaluation will use a weighted point system: 20% for past performance, 30% for proposed staffing, 10% for firm proximity, 30% for project experience, and 10% for Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal achievement. The solicitation was posted on March 25, 2025, with proposals due by April 14, 2025, through the BidBuy electronic submission platform.

The contract includes a 9% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal, emphasizing opportunities for minority, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Firms must submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating compliance with the State of Illinois' diversity contracting objectives, which include an aspirational goal of awarding 30% of contract dollars to certified minority, women, and disability-owned businesses. Vendors must complete several mandatory disclosure forms, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure and a detailed Vendor Disclosure form covering business operations, ownership, and potential conflicts of interest. While specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the multi-year, multi-site nature of the project suggests significant potential funding, likely sourced from state resources with possible federal funding involvement. The solicitation indicates work will be executed through a blanket agreement with individual work orders negotiated and authorized by IDNR on an as-needed basis, providing flexibility in project implementation across the Southern Illinois region.