"IFB" Rock, Salt 2026-2027

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (Illinois Tollway) is requesting bids for bulk rock salt supply for the 2026-2027 contract year under IFB 26-1382, with bids due October 6, 2026 and questions due by 2:00 p.m. on September 28, 2026. Electronic submission through BidBuy is mandatory per CPO Notice 2023.12. A 5% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Utilization goal applies to NIGP Code 775-45 — vendors must either meet this goal through certified MBE, WBE, PBE, or VOSB participation or submit documented good faith efforts requesting a waiver or reduction.

Rock salt must comply with AASHTO Specification M143 for Sodium Chloride Type 1, Grade 1, and must be free-flowing fresh stock with no reclaimed or re-crushed material. The Illinois Tollway operates seven distribution sites across its system, with estimated quantities of 3,400 to 6,200 tons per site, totaling approximately 31,500 tons for the contract year. Vendors may serve one or multiple sites and must choose between 80% or 100% minimum purchase commitments with a maximum allowable commitment of 120%. Orders are placed incrementally throughout the year via telephone with written email confirmation; full truckload deliveries of 22–25 tons must arrive within seven working days for orders up to 20% of contracted tonnage. Deliveries are required Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., FOB destination, with trucks covered by weatherproof tarps.

Pricing is submitted as fixed unit pricing in BidBuy for each line item. The Illinois Tollway reserves the right to assess deductions for moisture content exceeding 2.0% and sodium chloride content below 95.0%; loads with less than 90.0% sodium chloride are rejected entirely. During the December 1 through May 1 peak season, liquidated damages of 5% per working day apply to undelivered portions, not to exceed 50% of order value. Vendors must carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence, automobile liability of $1 million combined single limit, and workers' compensation coverage, with the Illinois Tollway named as additional insured. The contract has an initial one-year term with no renewal options, is subject to termination for convenience with 30 days' notice, and may be funded partially or wholly with Federal funds. Bid prices must remain firm for 180 days from opening. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest overall price. A $15 administrative fee for the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative applies to any awarded contract of $1,000 or more and will be deducted from the vendor's first payment.