Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-Fit) Machines

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is conducting a procurement for Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-Fit) Machines through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation number 25-494DOT-FINAD-B-48407, specifically targeting St. Clair County. The procurement seeks to acquire specialized scientific testing equipment for evaluating the fracture potential and performance of asphalt mixtures, with a focus on obtaining a sophisticated testing system capable of precise load and displacement measurements. The required equipment must include an axial loading device with 5000 pounds force capacity, a bend test fixture compliant with Illinois modified AASHTO T 393 standards, displacement measuring devices, and an advanced software and data acquisition system. Bidders must be authorized manufacturers or dealers, with no third-party vendors permitted, and must submit a complete electronic response through the BidBuy platform by August 1, 2025. The bid must remain firm for 180 days from opening, and vendors are required to bid on all line items to be considered for award. Evaluation will be based on responsiveness, responsibility, and lowest overall total price, with a strong preference for domestic products manufactured in the United States.

The solicitation includes specific set-aside considerations and vendor requirements, including potential eligibility for employment tax credits for hiring qualified veterans and a mandatory $15 administrative fee for contracts over $1,000. Vendors must complete comprehensive disclosure forms, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, which is mandatory for solicitations with an annual value over $100,000. The procurement requires vendors to certify compliance with state and federal regulations, disclose potential conflicts of interest, and meet various ethical and legal standards. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract specifies a desire to replace existing equipment with newly manufactured machines, explicitly excluding remanufactured or reconditioned items. The contract has an initial term of 12 months, with a potential total duration not to exceed 10 years. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves sophisticated scientific testing equipment, suggesting a significant investment. Vendors must provide a one-year warranty and include a new laptop with pre-installed software as part of the equipment package.