RR-18-4442, landscape planting improvements

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is procuring a construction contract for landscape planting improvements along the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) between Milepost 76.50 and 91.62 in Ogle and DeKalb Counties. The work includes installing trees, shrubs, perennial plants, and mulch; maintaining and monitoring the plantings during the establishment period; seeding; mowing; erosion and sediment control; and maintenance of traffic operations. Sealed bids are due by 10:30 AM on March 29, 2019, with an optional pre-bid meeting scheduled for February 1, 2019. The contract requires substantial completion of the initial planting and restoration work by June 1, 2020, and final completion by June 1, 2023.

This contract is set aside for small businesses registered through the Illinois Procurement Gateway, with no DBE or Veteran-Owned Business goals but workforce participation goals of 14.3% minority and 6.9% female. The contract includes a $100,000 allowance for reimbursing the Contractor $15 per hour worked by ConstructionWorks Eligible Apprentices in certain skilled trades. The contract was awarded to Semper Fi Yard Service, Inc. for $1,324,035.56, with the other bidders being Native Landscape Contractors, LLC ($2,133,497.94) and Natural Creations Landscaping, Inc. ($1,348,866.40).