SHPO Economic Impact Reports CY26 and CY28

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is soliciting bids for the development of economic impact reports for the Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit and River Edge Historic Tax Credit programs covering calendar years 2026 and 2028, with bids due October 19, 2026.

A 7% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal applies; failure to submit a completed BEP Utilization Plan renders the bid non-responsive. Vendors must be certified as minority-, women-, or disability-owned businesses at the time of bid submission to participate under this goal. A BEP Waiver Request may be pursued if good faith efforts to engage certified vendors are documented and approved by the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

The vendor will produce two comprehensive economic impact reports analyzing Illinois Federal Historic Tax Credit projects with National Park Service-approved Part 2s, supplemented by formatted databases and Google Earth map layers. The first report analyzes data from 2000 through 2026, due in 2027; the second analyzes 2000 through 2028, due in 2029. Deliverables follow a structured milestone schedule: team kickoff within twenty working days of execution, preliminary data within two months, analysis components within three months, draft maps and summaries within four to five months, draft report within six months, and final report within nine months.

Required qualifications include at least one team member meeting federal professional standards (36 CFR Part 61) in history, architectural history, or historic architecture; a minimum of three prior economic impact reports for state or federal historic tax credit programs; a master's degree in an economics-related discipline; expertise in surveys and evaluation methods; proficiency with IMPLAN or equivalent software; and graphic design capability. General Commercial Liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence ($2 million aggregate) and Auto Liability of $1 million per occurrence are required.

The initial contract term extends through June 30, 2029, with a maximum total term not to exceed ten years. Contract price is firm and determined by the State prior to execution. All work products constitute work for hire owned exclusively by the State. Questions must be submitted in writing within seven days of bid opening. Bids must remain firm for 90 days. The State will award to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. Prevailing wage requirements and Illinois Business Preference rules apply.