Invitation to bid - IW240199

This procurement opportunity from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) represents a design services contract for the Illiana Corridor Project, a significant infrastructure initiative spanning approximately 23 miles of new expressway that will connect I-80/94 in Illinois to I-65 in Indiana. The scope of work encompasses comprehensive engineering and design services including preliminary engineering, environmental documentation, right-of-way acquisition support, final design, roadway design, bridge design, traffic analysis, utility coordination, and construction document preparation. TDCJ is seeking qualified design consultants with demonstrated technical expertise, relevant experience with large-scale corridor projects, and strong staff qualifications to deliver these complex services. Evaluation criteria prioritize technical qualifications, experience with comparable infrastructure projects, staff expertise, and cost efficiency. The solicitation was posted on March 31, 2026, with a proposal due date of April 15, 2026. Bidders must submit their contact information (name, address, fax number, and email address) to the designated TDCJ contact person to ensure receipt of any solicitation amendments or updates posted on the Electronic State Business Daily, and each bidder bears sole responsibility for confirming receipt of all amendments prior to the closing date.

This public infrastructure project is subject to prevailing wage requirements and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals in accordance with federal and state procurement regulations, which may restrict or incentivize responses from certain organization types. The contract structure allows for consortium or joint venture arrangements given the project's scale and complexity, and pricing will be negotiated based on the scope of work and consultant qualifications using either TDCJ's standard cost-plus-fee or lump-sum contract arrangements. All bidding vendors must comply with mandatory certifications regarding suspension and debarment status, antitrust law compliance, child support obligations, Israel and energy company boycott compliance, firearm entity discrimination prohibitions, and foreign ownership restrictions related to critical infrastructure. Contract terms extend through completion of design phases with potential renewal or extension options contingent upon project progression and funding availability, which will be supported through state and federal transportation funds including potential toll revenue allocation. The state is exempt from sales and excise taxes, and all vendors must establish direct deposit accounts and comply with E-Verify requirements for employees and subcontractors. Specific award values or budget ranges were not disclosed in the available solicitation documents.