Rebid IDOT - D1 Boat Operator and Bucket Boat Rental

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), specifically District 1, is seeking bids for a Bucket Boat rental with Boat Operator service to support bridge inspection activities in Will County and surrounding areas. The procurement, identified as solicitation B-48854, requires a vendor to provide a sixty-five (65) foot Straight Boom Man Lift, 250 CFP portable air compressor, pneumatic grinder, and chisels, along with a certified boat operator. The primary objective is to conduct comprehensive moveable bridge inspections across multiple locations including bridges on Cass Street, Jefferson Street, Brandon Road, and McDonough Street in the Joliet area. The contract will have an initial term of 36 months, with a maximum potential duration of 10 years, and will involve daily work from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm, with potential overtime and Saturday work. Bidders must submit their proposals electronically through the BidBuy platform by August 28, 2025, with bids remaining firm for 180 days from the opening date. The state will evaluate and potentially award the contract to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder.

The procurement includes a 3% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal, which aims to promote participation by businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Vendors must submit a detailed Utilization Plan demonstrating either full achievement of participation goals or good faith efforts to meet them. The state has an aspirational goal of awarding at least 30% of the total contract value to certified diverse businesses, with an additional 3% target for service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small businesses. Vendors must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance with a $1,000,000 policy covering commercial general liability, excess liability, watercraft liability, and pollution liability. No federal funds are involved in this procurement, and subcontractors are not permitted. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the bridge inspection services and the multi-year contract duration suggest a significant potential award value. Vendors must also complete extensive vendor disclosure forms, certify compliance with various state regulations, and demonstrate capability to perform maritime operations and bridge inspections in compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines.