Masonry Tuckpointing, Repair, and Chimney Restoration at Brookfield Zoo

The Chicago Zoological Society (operating Brookfield Zoo Chicago) is requesting proposals for masonry tuckpointing, repair, and chimney restoration services at multiple facilities across the Zoo campus, with proposals due September 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM CST and a mandatory onsite pre-bid meeting on September 2 at 10:00 AM at the South Gate Entrance (3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513).

This procurement carries hard set-asides: minimum 24% MBE and 10% WBE participation are required; failure to meet these thresholds renders the proposal non-responsive. The project is classified as a public work under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, requiring compliance with prevailing wage requirements and submission of certified payrolls.

The scope spans multiple facilities including the South Administration Building Chimney, Public Safety Building, Reptiles and Birds Building, Feathers and Scales Building, Hamill Family Play Zoo Facade, Swamp Roof, and Seven Seas Life Support Building. Work includes field assessment of masonry conditions, removal and repointing of deteriorated mortar joints, brick replacement as directed, repair of cracks and localized deficiencies, and mortar color and joint-profile matching to existing conditions. Contractors must provide all temporary access, protection measures, scaffolding, and debris removal.

Bidders must submit itemized lump-sum pricing per facility and unit prices for brick replacement, tuckpointing and chimney repair by square foot, crack repair by square foot, and daily rates for scaffolding, lift rental, and dumpster rental. All pricing must include labor, materials, equipment, permits, insurance, and incidentals. Minimum insurance includes Worker's Compensation, $1 million Commercial General Liability per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, $1 million Commercial Automobile Liability, and $10 million Umbrella/Excess Liability. A minimum one-year warranty on workmanship and materials is required following final acceptance. Intent to Bid deadline is August 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM; written inquiries are due September 7 by 4:00 PM CST with responses by September 10. The Zoo reserves the right to award by individual facility, multiple facilities, or the project as a whole. The selected contractor must execute the CZS Standard Construction Contract and comply with the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act requirement of 90% Illinois laborers during periods of excessive unemployment.