Powered Stock Straightening Machine

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is procuring a Powered Stock Straightening Machine for its Central Sign Shop, seeking a new, first-run quality machine designed to straighten aluminum sign blanks. The machine must process aluminum blanks between 0.080" and 0.125" thick, with a maximum width of 50", and operate at speeds ranging from 10 to 65 feet per minute. Key deliverables include the machine itself, complete installation at an IDOT facility, a manufacturer's standard one-year warranty covering defective parts and workmanship, and operational instructions. The solicitation requires an electronic bid submission through BidBuy for solicitation number 25-494DOT-FINAD-B-47359, with bids due by July 11, 2025, and a requirement that bids remain firm for 180 days from opening. Bidders must submit authorized dealer documentation, warranty details, and descriptive literature, with the state awarding to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. Technical specifications include a central control panel, compatibility with 208-volt, 3-phase power, and a specific roller configuration of 8 upper and 9 lower rollers.

The procurement includes a 4% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal, mandating participation of minority, women, and persons with disabilities-owned businesses. Vendors must be registered with the Illinois Small Business Set-Aside Program and submit comprehensive documentation, including a Vendor Disclosure and Business Enterprise Program Utilization Plan. The state has an aspirational goal of awarding at least 30% of contract dollars to certified diverse businesses, with additional emphasis on service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the procurement is expected to be funded through state appropriations. Potential bidders must comply with domestic product procurement policies and may be eligible for employment tax credits for hiring qualified veterans and ex-offenders. The contract has an initial term of 12 months, with a maximum potential term not exceeding 10 years, and requires the successful vendor to replace an existing outdated unit at the IDOT facility.