IDOT - D1 Boat Operator and Bucket Boat Rental

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) District 1 is soliciting bids for a Bucket Boat rental with Boat Operator services to perform bridge inspections in Will County, specifically in the Joliet area. The contract requires a vendor to provide a 65-foot straight boom man lift, 250 CFP portable air compressor, pneumatic grinder, and associated chisels for inspecting six moveable bridges over the Des Plaines River, including the Cass Street, Jefferson Street, Jackson Street, Ruby Street, Brandon Road, and McDonough Street bridges. The procurement is exclusively for electronic bid submissions through the BidBuy platform, with all required documents to be uploaded electronically by July 31, 2025. Qualified vendors must provide a certified boat operator with appropriate licenses, ensure comprehensive insurance coverage, and comply with state and federal regulations. The contract term is 36 months, with work typically performed Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with potential for overtime and Saturday work. Evaluation will be based on responsiveness, responsibility, and lowest overall total price.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate a small business set-aside, though the solicitation includes provisions for potential federal funding and small business considerations. Vendors must be registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway and complete mandatory disclosure documents, including Vendor Disclosure and Offer to the State of Illinois forms. The contract requires a Certificate of Liability Insurance for $1,000,000 and compliance with various state procurement regulations, including domestic product preferences and potential tax credits for hiring qualified veterans. While no specific budget amount is detailed, the contract is structured as an estimated pricing agreement covering bridge inspections in Will County and potentially extending to Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, and surrounding counties. Subcontracting is not permitted under the terms of the agreement, and vendors must demonstrate comprehensive operational capabilities, including coordination with the United States Coast Guard and monitoring of marine channels during operations.