D1 Boat Operator and Bucket Boat Rental Rebid FY26

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for District 1 is seeking a boat operator and bucket boat rental service for fiscal year 2026, with a specific focus on bridge inspections in the Joliet area. The contract requires a vendor to provide a 65-foot straight boom man lift bucket boat with an operator to perform yearly inspections on multiple movable bridges, including Cass St, Jefferson St, Jackson St, Ruby Street, Brandon Road, and McDonough St Bridges. The primary work will be conducted in Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, and Will Counties, with daily work hours from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST on a five-day work week basis, with potential overtime and Saturday work options. Key qualifications include the vendor providing a boat operator with necessary licenses, permits, and personal flotation devices, as well as coordinating with the United States Coast Guard for bridge inspection activities. The contract has an initial term of 36 months, with a maximum total term not exceeding 10 years. Bid submissions are due by November 10, 2025, through the BidBuy Purchase Order system, with bids required to remain firm for 180 days from the opening date.

The procurement includes a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) with an aspirational goal of awarding 30% of the total contract value to businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, with an additional 3% goal for service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses. Vendors must be registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway and complete comprehensive disclosure forms, including certifications regarding legal and ethical standards. Subcontracting is limited, with vendors prohibited from subcontracting more than 49% of the contract value to businesses not meeting small business criteria. The vendor must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance with a $1,000,000 policy value, naming IDOT as additionally insured. No federal funds will be used for this project, and subcontractors are not allowed under the contract terms. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract will be awarded to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible bidder, with the state reserving the right to reject any or all bids based on the best interests of the state.