Beaver Guard Removal FAP 326 (IL-47) in the Morris Wetland Bank East of IL-47 and South of the Illinois River

The Illinois Department of Transportation is soliciting electronic bids through the iCX system until 12:00 p.m. on November 6, 2026, for removal of approximately 7,514 beaver guards placed around trees and shrubs on a 109-acre parcel in Grundy County, on FAP 326 (IL-47) in the Morris Wetland Bank. The solicitation carries no set-aside. Contractors must submit a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Utilization Plan with a 0.00% DBE participation goal, though bidders must demonstrate good faith effort to identify and use certified DBE firms. For contracts valued at $500,000 or more, the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative applies, requiring apprentices to perform 10% of total labor hours in each prevailing wage classification, with at least 50% of apprentice hours performed by program graduates.

The parcel lies between the Illinois River and Pine Bluff Road, just east of FAP 326. Work is paid by unit prices for specific items, including beaver guard removal, under IDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. The contractor must provide 72-hour notice for gate key requests and submit weekly work schedules to the IDNR Site Superintendent. Work commences February 16, 2027, with completion by May 1, 2028. Restricted work periods run from August 1, 2027 through February 15, 2028, and April 10–21, 2028, due to hunting seasons and wildlife management coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The award goes to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The contract is funded through Construction Funds and is subject to federal-aid requirements under 49 CFR Part 26, prevailing wage requirements, EEO compliance provisions, and subcontractor payment reporting requirements.