Frequently Asked Questions
Where to begin
The Illinois Tollway's buyers in the procurement unit do most small purchases (under $34,000) on a multiple quote basis. A letter of introduction, a line card and/or a personal meeting can get you started. Contact Procurement.
Most purchases over $34,000 and term contracts are publicly bid either by the Illinois Tollway or by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS).
Purchases for the Illinois Tollway done by CMS can be viewed on the State of Illinois Procurement Bulletin. You may register to receive email notifications of bid opportunities for state agencies for the commodities that you select. Registration is free.
How are bids awarded?
Each Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP) will state how the bid will be awarded. IFBs are generally awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bid. RFPs are evaluated and scored as outlined in the document. The proposal that scores the highest is the firm that the Illinois Tollway enters into negotiations for award with.
Where and when do I submit my bid?
Each bid document will identify the location, date and time that the bid is due. The bid must be delivered prior to the start of the bid opening. The Illinois Tollway is not responsible for bids that are delivered to the wrong location or that are late due to weather, third-party deliveries, etc.
What if my bid arrives late?
Because of the potential perception of impropriety, bids that do not arrive at the bid opening location prior to the start of the bid opening will not be considered. If the bid was in the Illinois Tollway's possession but not at the bid opening due to fault of Illinois Tollway personnel, the bid will be considered. There must be substantive proof that the bid was in Illinois Tollway possession prior to the start of the bid opening.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Participation
The Illinois Tollway has instituted an affirmative action program to ensure increased participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) on Tollway projects. The Illinois Tollway's goal in this regard is that 20 percent of the work to be performed under the contract be sub-contracted to an eligible DBE.
To qualify as an eligible DBE, for purposes of this procurement, the standards established by The Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS 575/1) must be met. The Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act helps state government promote the economic development of businesses certified as owned and controlled by minorities, females and persons with disabilities.
This certification program is administered by the CMS Business Enterprise Program. There are also certification reciprocity agreements between CMS, the Chicago Minority Business Development Council, the Women's Business Development Center and the Illinois Department of Transportation. A certification application can be obtained by contacting:
Business Enterprise Program
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph St.
Suite 4-400
Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 814-4190 (Voice or TTY)
(800) 356-9206 (Toll-Free)
(312) 814-6664 (Fax)
www.state.il.us/cms/purchase/BEP
How do I find out who was awarded a bid?
The Illinois Tollway will notify successful and unsuccessful bidders in writing after the Board of Directors makes an award. In addition, you may download the awarded contract at General Contracts and Awards. Any additional information can be obtained through a Freedom of Information Act Request.
This information is provided to the public as a guideline. If any of the information contained herein is in conflict with the bid documents, state rules or state statute, then the documents, rules or statute will take precedence.
