Bleacher Inspections

Rockford Public School District No. 205 in Rock Island County, Illinois, has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 26-17 to solicit bids for comprehensive bleacher inspection services across 31 school buildings throughout the district. The procurement requires annual inspections of all existing tiered seating, including bleachers, folding/telescoping seating, and grandstands to ensure compliance with the International Building Code (IBC), ICC 300, NFPA 102, and manufacturer instructions. The initial contract term is three years, effective through June 30, 2028, with options for two additional one-year renewals, and inspections must be completed during the fall of each year or no later than the last day of spring break. Bidders must submit per-building pricing based on the quantity of bleachers at each of the 31 school locations, along with additional hourly rates for supplemental services and night/weekend service options. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST, with sealed bids due on December 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST. Pricing must remain firm through June 30, 2028, with potential annual price adjustments limited to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) or 3%, whichever is less. The district will evaluate bids not only on price but also on adherence to specifications, ordering and delivery, quality of services, contractor past performance, service capabilities, and references; bidders are required to provide three references for similar work completed within the last three years.

All bidders must comply with numerous certification and compliance requirements, including completion of bid-rigging certifications, conflict of interest disclosures, debarment certifications, OFAC compliance certifications, non-collusion affidavits, equal opportunity certifications, and certifications regarding lobbying compliance. Contractors must maintain drug-free workplaces for companies with 25 or more employees and comply with Illinois state statutes related to contracts and services, including background check requirements for all employees accessing school grounds via the Certified Cleared Employee List form. Bidders must also submit current financial statements certified by a CPA, a valid Certificate of Liability Insurance, and an IRS Form W-9 for tax identification purposes. The solicitation includes considerations for minority, women, and disabled-owned business concerns, with bidders required to complete a Minority Firm Certification form and demonstrate their practices in seeking and supporting such businesses. No incumbent vendor or budget range has been identified in the procurement documents, and bidders should anticipate that the district will evaluate qualifications and past performance as significant factors in the award decision alongside pricing competitiveness.