Des Plaines River Tunnel Water Main Improvements

The City of Joliet, Illinois is soliciting sealed bids for Des Plaines River Tunnel Water Main Improvements (Contract No. 2997-0826), with bids due July 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. through the Euna Procurement (Bonfire) portal. Attendance at a mandatory virtual pre-bid conference on July 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams is required for bid eligibility. Bidders must hold current prequalification from either the Illinois Department of Transportation (012 - Drainage) or the State of Illinois Capital Development Board.

The project encompasses approximately 920 lineal feet of water main improvements across 12-inch to 24-inch diameter pipe, including new hydrants, valves, site work, tunnel chamber and shaft demolition and cleaning, tunnel rehabilitation, and miscellaneous work. Work spans 56 line items submitted on a unit-price basis. The project is subject to Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements, the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, and the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act. American Iron and Steel product requirements apply under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014. DBE participation goals are 5% for Minority Business Enterprises and 12% for Women Business Enterprises; bidders must document affirmative efforts to solicit disadvantaged business participation, with subcontracting opportunities published at least 16 days before the bid deadline in a daily newspaper or approved online clearinghouse. The City of Joliet has adopted a Responsible Bidder Ordinance requiring compliance certifications spanning Illinois Prevailing Wage Act compliance for the past five years, workers' compensation insurance, drug-free workplace certification, equal opportunity employer status, proper employee classification, apprenticeship program participation, health care and retirement plan contributions, and OSHA compliance.

Bid security of 10% of the base bid is required in the form of a certified check, cashier's check, or bid bond from an Illinois-licensed surety, payable to the City of Joliet. Bids remain subject to acceptance for 60 days after opening. The estimated Notice to Proceed is September 8, 2026. Funding includes a loan from the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Successful bidders must execute all required contract documents, including performance and payment bonds, and furnish insurance documentation within 15 days of the Notice of Award.