RFP Oases Fueling Stations Re-Development & Operations

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (Illinois Tollway) is requesting proposals for the redevelopment, operation, and maintenance of fueling stations across five oasis locations on Illinois toll highways under Contract 24-0243R (rebid), with proposals due by October 23, 2026 and a non-mandatory pre-submission conference scheduled prior to bid opening. The procurement carries a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal of 18 percent and a Veterans Small Business Program goal of 1 percent, with good-faith-effort waivers permitted; prevailing wage requirements apply under Illinois law.

The scope encompasses nine fueling stations across Lincoln, O'Hare, Lake Forest, Belvidere, and DeKalb oases, with the operator leasing facilities for an initial 25-year term commencing May 1, 2027 and no renewal options. Key deliverables include replacement of all underground storage tank systems and fuel dispensers within two years, modernization of convenience store structures with full restroom remodeling, installation of minimum two Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations per location within one year, and continuous 24/7/365 operations with routine maintenance and winter weather management. Compensation is structured as minimum guaranteed monthly rent, a percentage of convenience store and car wash gross sales, and a per-gallon fueling rate, with a renewal and replacement account funded at minimum $0.01 per gallon plus 1.00 percent of total gross sales. Value pricing guidelines require fuel and electric vehicle charging prices to match average prices at five comparable non-tollway facilities within each surrounding market, while convenience store merchandise pricing cannot exceed 2.5 percent above uniform pricing guidelines. Historical annual gross sales data spanning fiscal years 2019 through 2025 are provided in supporting exhibits; total fuel gallonage delivered across all locations over the seven-year period was 141.9 million gallons with convenience store sales totaling $99.7 million. A performance bond of $1 million is required within ten calendar days of offer acceptance. Equal employment opportunity goals vary by county, ranging from 3.4 to 19.6 percent for minority participation. Certified weekly payroll reporting is required through the Tollway's LCPtracker system. Illinois Tollway reserves the right to award to one vendor or reject all offers. Pricing must be submitted separately in a required locked Excel worksheet. Contract award is anticipated in Q4 2026 with contract execution in Q1 2027.