RFP Oases Food Service Re-Development & Operations

The Illinois Tollway is requesting proposals for redevelopment, operation, and maintenance of food service and related amenities at four Oasis locations (Lincoln on I-294, Lake Forest on I-94, Belvidere on I-90, and DeKalb on I-88) under RFP 24-0168R, with proposals due October 23, 2026 and questions due September 25, 2026 by 10:00 a.m. A Business Enterprise Program (BEP) utilization goal of 27 percent and a Veteran Small Business (VET) utilization goal of 3 percent apply; failure to submit utilization plans renders offers non-responsive.

The selected Offeror will enter into a single 25-year Lease Agreement covering all four locations, effective May 1, 2027. Scope includes complete facility redevelopment and modernization; full restroom renovation within two years; state-of-the-art technology infrastructure; installation of a minimum of two Level 3 EV charging stations per location within one year; 24/7/365 operational availability; routine maintenance; winter weather snow and ice removal; refuse management with screened areas; and mechanical and electrical room integration. Prevailing wage requirements under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act apply to all construction and maintenance work, with certified payroll reporting required through the LCPtracker system. The selected Offeror must submit a $1 million performance bond within 10 calendar days of offer acceptance.

Historical annual gross sales data (2019–2025): Lincoln $5.7 million, Lake Forest $12.2 million, Belvidere $8.6 million, DeKalb $4.0 million. Pricing shall be submitted as a percentage of gross sales plus proposed annual rent. Evaluation comprises 625 technical points, 147 commitment to diversity points, 110 oral presentation points, and 235 pricing points (awarded to the lowest total cost); a minimum of 618 combined technical and diversity points is required for oral presentation eligibility. Equal Employment Opportunity goals, value pricing policies limiting product markups to no more than 10 percent above benchmark store averages, and prohibition of alcohol and cannabis sales apply. Transition and quality management plans must be submitted within 90 days of lease agreement execution. All proposals must be submitted electronically through BidBuy; proposals remain firm for 180 days following opening. Contract award is anticipated in Q4 2026; contract execution in Q1 2027.