(FY26) Cass St Bridge Brake Replacements

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is seeking to procure brake replacement components for the Cass Street Bridge located in Joliet, Will County. The procurement involves acquiring four electro-hydraulic motor brakes, four electro-hydraulic machinery brakes, four split pillow block spherical roller bearings, and four split pillow block self-aligning ball bearings to replace aging bridge mechanism components. Specific technical requirements mandate new Association of Iron and Steel Engineers (AISE) mill duty drum brakes with sealed electro-hydraulic thrusters, capable of operating in temperatures from -35 to 50 degrees Celsius. The brakes must meet precise performance specifications, including motor brakes with 660 lb-ft torque and machinery brakes with 1800 lb-ft torque, and include features like external torque adjustment springs, hand release mechanisms, limit switches, and NEMA 3R enclosures. The contract period runs from execution through December 31, 2025, with a bid due date of November 3, 2025, and all components required to be delivered by year-end. Vendors must submit bids electronically through the BidBuy platform and maintain bid pricing firm for 180 days from opening.

The solicitation has no specified Business Enterprise Program (BEP) or Veteran Small Business Program (VBP) goals, with both set at 0%. Vendors must be active and registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway and complete comprehensive vendor disclosure forms, including documentation of business ownership, potential conflicts of interest, and compliance with state regulations. No incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, and vendors are permitted to propose alternative components meeting or exceeding specified requirements, subject to IDOT approval. While the exact contract value is not disclosed, the procurement involves precise technical components critical to maintaining the operational efficiency of a vital transportation infrastructure. Vendors should note potential tax credits for hiring qualified veterans and certain ex-offenders, and the State reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive minor defects in the bidding process. Delivery of components will be to the Cass Street Moveable Bridge at 200 West Cass Street in Joliet, with specific delivery requirements including advance notification and weekday business hours delivery.