Fiber Construction Services - North Region

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology is seeking fiber construction services for the North Region through a multi-award Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation, targeting primary and secondary vendors to provide comprehensive fiber optic infrastructure planning, design, and implementation. The procurement covers 18 counties in northern Illinois, including Jefferson County, and requires vendors to perform turnkey dark fiber infrastructure services such as direct buried cable installations, aerial cable installations, underground pathway and duct placement, and building entrance work. Vendors must hold specific certifications including Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), BICSI Installer 1 or 2, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification, and a valid Illinois contractor's license, with a minimum of two years comparable experience. The bid submission deadline is November 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CST through the BidBuy system, with a non-mandatory pre-submission conference held on October 20, 2025. Evaluation will be based on the lowest overall total price for responsive and responsible bidders, with vendors required to submit comprehensive documentation including reference projects, pricing for all line items, and detailed technical specifications.

The solicitation includes significant set-aside and diversity requirements, specifically a 13 percent Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal and a 1 percent Veteran Business Program (VBP) goal. Vendors must submit a completed BEP Utilization Plan and comply with Illinois procurement laws requiring vendor diversity and inclusion. Subcontractors with annual values exceeding $100,000 must provide vendor disclosures, and all vendors must comply with Illinois Department of Human Rights Public Contracts registration and Secretary of State in-good-standing status. The contract has an initial three-year term with potential renewal options for up to seven additional years, and while no minimum work volume is guaranteed, vendors must be prepared to provide a performance bond equal to 100 percent of installation package costs within ten business days of package acceptance. Funding will be through TRMF capital funds, with projects potentially subject to prevailing wage requirements and the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative for larger projects estimated at $500,000 or more.