Plumbing Upgrades at Five Schools

Rockford Public School District 205 is seeking qualified contractors for a comprehensive plumbing upgrade project across five school facilities: Conklin Elementary School, Fairview Early Childhood Center, Nashold Early Childhood Center, Summerdale Early Childhood Center, and Welsh Elementary School. The project, identified as Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 26-10, involves extensive plumbing infrastructure improvements including pipe replacements, new fixture installations, and associated mechanical and structural modifications. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM (CST), beginning at Conklin IB and continuing to the other school sites. Bid submissions are due on November 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM (CST), with the final request for information (RFI) accepted by October 28, 2025, and the last addendum to be issued on October 30, 2025. Contractors must provide a 5% bid security and will be evaluated based on being the lowest responsible bidder, with the project designed by KEDbluestone and engineered to meet local building codes and accessibility requirements.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified contractors without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must submit both physical and electronic copies of their bid, including all required forms, and provide comprehensive insurance coverage with specific limits depending on the contract amount. The project is expected to commence immediately after the 2024-2025 school year, with substantial completion targeted for August 2, 2025, and final completion by August 16, 2025. Contractors will be required to comply with prevailing wage requirements and various certifications, including those related to debarment, lobbying, and conflict of interest. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the project involves significant infrastructure upgrades across five school locations, suggesting a substantial investment in the district's plumbing systems. The anticipated Board meeting for award is scheduled for November 18, 2025, with a Notice to Proceed expected on November 19, 2025. Bid documents can be obtained through Bonfire, digital printing services, or downloaded from the District's website.