Rebuild Illinois Roadwork Phase 2

The City of Aurora, Illinois, acting through its Information Technology Department, is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the East Side Fiber Expansion project, with responses due June 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. This is Step 1 of a two-step procurement; qualification here advances vendors to Step 2 (RFP) but does not result in a contract award. The City has established a Business Enterprise Program utilization goal of 11 percent, consisting of 7 percent Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and 4 percent Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation, counted through State of Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion certified vendors.

The scope includes furnishing and installing approximately 119,584 feet of 864-count ribbon outside plant (OSP) fiber optic cable utilizing the third duct of the City's existing fiber optic ring network. Work encompasses core fiber ring expansion into existing ducts and lateral connections to key municipal facilities—City Hall, Water Treatment Plant, Aurora Police Department, Public Works Facility, and four Fire Stations. The project requires installation of approximately 40 new 3-by-5-foot handholes with CommScope 600D fiber enclosures, fiber cable preparation and splicing, and replacement of existing handholes where necessary.

The prime consultant must be prequalified with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in "Special Services - Construction Inspection." Respondents submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) not exceeding 10 pages. Selection is based on four equally weighted or stated criteria: Consultant Experience (30 points), Staff Capabilities (30 points), Technical Approach (30 points), and Adherence to RFQ (10 points). Questions are due June 10, 2026. Selected respondents must execute a Nondisclosure Agreement prior to receiving Phase 2 project details. Submission requirements include SOQ, Proposer's Certification, Tax Certification, executed Standard City of Aurora Contract, and completed NDA. All submissions are electronic through the City's OpenGov procurement portal.