JPMC Rock Salt, Bulk FY26

The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services is seeking bids for a Joint Purchase Master Contract (JPMC) for bulk rock salt procurement for fiscal year 2026, covering various counties including Cook County. The solicitation requires vendors to provide bulk rock salt that complies with AASHTO M143 Sodium Chloride Type 1, Grade 1 specifications, with deliveries expected within seven working days of order placement. Governmental units can choose between 80% or 100% purchase commitments, with the ability to order up to 120% of estimated quantities. The rock salt must be free-flowing fresh stock, with vendors required to maintain stockpiles in Illinois or near its boundaries, with specific staging requirements: 100% stockpile availability for Districts 1-4 by December 1st and 50% (increasing to 100% by January 1st) for downstate locations. The pre-bid conference is scheduled for July 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM via Webex, with bids due by July 22, 2025, through the BidBuy electronic system. Vendors must submit comprehensive documentation, including vendor disclosures, utilization plans, and safety data sheets, with pricing to be submitted on a per-ton basis, F.O.B. Destination.

The procurement includes specific Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goals, with a 6% BEP participation requirement and a 0% Veteran Small Business Participation (VSBP) goal. The state has provided a detailed BEP Certified Vendor List that includes over 150 small businesses predominantly located in Illinois, representing diverse ownership backgrounds in transportation and logistics. Certified business enterprise types include minority-owned (MBE), women-owned (WBE), and service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB) businesses. Vendors must complete a Utilization Plan demonstrating their commitment to engaging certified diverse businesses, with the state establishing an aspirational goal of awarding at least 30% of the total contract value to certified diverse businesses. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract covers rock salt procurement for multiple Illinois counties, suggesting a potentially significant contract value. The state reserves the right to award contracts by county group or individual line items, with potential flexibility to offer unawarded locations to the closest bidder, and the bid will remain firm for 180 days from the opening date.