BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

The objective of the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District (hereinafter referred to as CityLink) is to source and utilize vendors that offer high quality products and services at competitive costs. It is CityLink's intent to earnestly maintain an open, fair and competitive environment while developing mutually beneficial relationships. CityLink's public bidding procedures are designed to help achieve that goal.

HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH

 

BIDDING PROCEDURES

CityLink procures a variety of goods and equipment from all types of business. In most cases, the preferred method of buying is by competitive sealed bids. This process is managed by CityLink's Procurement & Grants Department and involves the following steps:

STEPS IN RECEIVEING A PROCUREMENT CONTRACT FROM CITYLINK

Notice of Contracting Opportunities

Vendors who wish to do business with CityLink must first take steps to become aware of the materials, supplies, equipment or services sought. Vendors can register with CityLink by writing a letter to:

Mr. John S. Stokowski
Director of Procurements & Grants
CityLink
2105 NE Jefferson Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61603-3587
Phone: 309 679-8140 Fax: 309 676-8373
E-mail: jss@ridecitylink.org

The letter should describe the product or service that the vendor provides. CityLink will send copies of the bid/proposal to vendors' registered for the specific product or service being sought.

Bid Preparation
Vendors should give the utmost care to read and follow all instructions and requirements contained in the bid. Failure to strictly follow all instructions and requirements may result in a vendor's bid being rejected by CityLink.

One (1) original and four (4) copies of all bid proposals must be returned in a sealed envelope to CityLink. Each returned envelope must indicate the vendor's name and address, the proposal name and number and the bid opening date. A person authorized to legally bind the bidder must sign each bid in ink. All bids must be received prior to the date and time indicated in the IFB/RFP. If sending bids by U. S. mail or other express mail services it is the vendor's responsibility to ensure that the bid is received on time and has sufficient postage. No oral, facsimile, telegraphic or telephonic proposals will be accepted. Late bids will be returned to the vendor unopened.

Vendors must include with their bids any samples or descriptive literature as requested in the specifications. These items must be supplied free of charge to CityLink. Samples will be returned to a vendor at their request.

The following is a list of common mistakes that can result in disqualification of a vendor's bid:

Pricing
Vendors are to quote firm or fixed prices for the duration of the contract period unless otherwise stated in the bid package. Vendors should not include federal or state tax in their price. CityLink is exempt from these taxes. CityLink will supply a tax exemption certificate upon request. Delivery and or installation cost should be included in the bid price.

Bid Bond
When deemed necessary by CityLink a bid bond shall accompany the bid in order to guarantee that the bidder, if selected, signs the contract. A successful bidder who does not sign the contract forfeits the amount of the bond. Unsuccessful bidders who submitted a certified check shall have their check returned to them. Bids that do not include a bid bond, as required, will not be considered.

Performance Bond
As deemed necessary, CityLink shall require the successful bidder to furnish a performance bond equal to a certain percentage or the full amount of the contract. The sureties on the bond are subject to the approval of CityLink's Legal Counsel.

No Bid Response
If a vendor receives an IFB or RFP and does not wish to submit a response, the vendor should mark the cover letter of the proposal "No Bid" and return the letter before the opening date. A vendor's failure to either bid or submit a "No Bid" response may result in removal from the vendor list.


Withdrawal of Bids
The bidder may withdraw a bid submission at any time prior to the bid closing time by fax or written request. The individual withdrawing the bid must provide evidence that he/she is an authorized representative of the bidder. No bid will be allow to be withdrawn after CityLink has opened it.

Bid Opening/Evaluation
All bids are to be opened at a public meeting at the time, date and location noted in the bid documents. CityLink will not open or evaluate vendor's bids that are received after the bid opening date and time. Late bids will be returned unopened.

Bid Evaluation
CityLink will evaluate all bids responses. Additional information to clarify a bid may be sought from bidders. A contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The successful bidder's response must meet or exceed the specifications and the terms and conditions of the bid. CityLink reserves the right to reject all bids received, waive any minor technically in a bid, or disregard any vendor terms and conditions which conflict with CityLink's standard terms and conditions and federal or state procurement regulations.

Unacceptable Bids
No bid will be accepted from or a contract awarded to any bidder that is in default to CityLink or has failed to perform faithfully any previous contract.

Contract Awards

CityLink is restricted from entering into contracts exceeding ten (10) years.

Responsive and Responsible Bid
A responsive bid is one that complies with the terms, conditions and specifications of the IFB. A responsible bid is one submitted by a vendor possessing the capabilities to perform as required by the IFB.

Award to Other Than Lowest Bidder
When the award is not given to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, a memo outlining the reasons for awarding the contract elsewhere shall be prepared and filed with all papers relating to the transaction.

Tie Bids
If the lowest bids received are for the same total amount and unit price, quality and service being equal, drawing lots publicly will award the contract.

Rules and Regulations Governing CityLink's Purchasing
The Department of Procurement & Grants is the interface between CityLink requirements and suppliers, equipment and services, and conducts its operation in accordance with CityLink's Procurement Policy and Procedures Manual, and adopted by CityLink Board of Trustees. Additionally, CityLink must conduct its procurements under the rules and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration, Circular 4220.1D and the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Public Transportation applicable regulations.


DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE) PROGRAM

CityLink's Department of Procurements & Grants is responsible for administering the federally mandated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The DBE program is intended to provide contracting opportunities to small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

CityLink is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in the conduct of its business, including the procurement of goods and services. CityLink recognizes its responsibilities to the communities in which it operates and to the society it serves and reaffirms that commitment through the operation of its DBE program and CityLink's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Policy Statement.

For more information on CityLink's DBE program, contract the Office of Procurements and Grants at (309) 679-8140.

Who is an Eligible Disadvantaged Business Enterprise?
Applicant firms must be found eligible to be certified as a DBE under the federal regulations contained in 49 CFR Part 26. The eligibility standards include that the firm must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Also, the firm must be controlled and managed on a daily basis by the disadvantaged owner(s)

A firm must also be a small business concern as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations in 13 CFR Part 121. In addition, 49 CFR part 26 provides a cap of $17.42 million average gross receipts over a three year period. Size standards will differ for different types of firms.

CITYLINK'S DBE POLICY STATEMENT

CityLink is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in the conduct of its business, in procurement of goods and services. CityLink recognizes its responsibilities to the community in which it operates and to the society it serves and reaffirms that commitment through this Disadvantage Business Enterprise ("DBE") Policy Statement. CityLink has established a Program in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation CFR Part 26. The DBE Program applies to all DOT-assisted projects.

CityLink's policy is to encourage disadvantaged business enterprise, including both minority and women-owned business, to fully participate in CityLink's procurement process. CityLink's program goals are as follows:

1. To create a level playing field on which DBE's can compete fairly and participate fully in the performance of all DOT-assisted contracts and subcontracts;

2. To help remove barriers in the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts and subcontracts;

3. To ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin or sex in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts and subcontracts;

4. To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable laws;

5. To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Program; and

6. To ensure that only firms that meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs.

The responsibility for carrying out CityLink's commitment to this program is delegated by the Board of Trustees to the General Manager and Assistant General Manager. The General Manager and Assistant General Manager relies upon the assistance of the DBE Officer and staff in the day-to-day implementation of this Program. However, all Department Directors and Managers, and other employees share in the responsibility for making CityLink DBE Program a success. Implementation of the DBE Program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other obligations incurred by CityLink in its financial assistance agreements.

Copies of this policy statement shall be circulated to the CityLink Board of Trustees and CityLink employees, posted in locations visible to the general public visiting CityLink, and distributed to the non-DBE communities that perform work for CityLink.

ILLINOIS UNIFIED CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (IL UCP)

Pursuant to the requirements of the federal regulations, 49 CFR Part 26, all recipients of federal-aid must implement a "one-stop" certification process for Disadvantage Business Enterprises. As a result of this requirement, the Illinois Department of Transportation, City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, METRA and PACE have established the IL UCP.

The IL UCP is based on the concept of certification reciprocity among the agencies. The IL UCP provides "one stop shopping" to applicants for Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) certification, such that an applicant needs only to apply once for DBE certification with one the five afore-referenced agencies. This DBE certification will be honored by all participating IL UPC agencies including CityLink in the State of Illinois.

Illinois Unified Certification Program (DBE) Application

The Illinois Department of Transportation, City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, METRA and PACE are the five designated agencies that certifies all minority and women owned firms within the State of Illinois. This includes all minority and women owned businesses located in the Greater Peoria Area, that intends to bid on contracts with CityLink as a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Women Owned Business (WBE). The certification process is pursuant to eligibility standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Regulation 49 CFR Part 26 and the procedures established under the IL UPC.

The IL UPC application has been developed to determine whether your firm is eligible for CityLink's DBE program and to provide information regarding the certification of your firm in your designated area of expertise. In order to become certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with CityLink, your firm will need to go to any one of the following agencies' websites, the Illinois Department of Transportation www.dot.state.il.us, City of Chicago www.egov.cityofchicago.org, Chicago Transit Authority www.transitchicago.com, METRA www.Metrarail.com or PACE www.pacebus.com and download the application. When your firm has completed the application return it to that agency. Your firm must also meet the eligibility standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Regulation 49 CFR part 26. The IL UPC application documents are available for download in PDF format. Please be advised the certification process takes 90 days to complete.


 

RECENTLY AWARDED BIDS

All bids results will be posted on this for a period on 30 days.


Awards

(Category) Construction (Type) IFB (Description) Assembly & Installation (Awarded to) Hein Construction
(Project) Passenger Shelter


CURRENT ACTIVE/INPROCESS BIDS

To obtain a copy

Professional Services - RFP - Legal Services - August 23, 2004

Equipment - RFP - Security Cameras - October 18, 2004


HOW TO CONTACT PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

To Obtain an IFB, RFP, or RFQ Package Contact:

Mr. John S. Stokowski
Director of Procurements & Grants
CityLink
2105 NE Jefferson Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61603-3587
Phone (309) 679-8040
Fax (309) 676-8373
E-mail: jss@ridecitylink.org

For General Correspondence About Business Opportunities or CityLink's Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Contract:

Mr. John S. Stokowski
Director of Procurements & Grants
CityLink
2105 NE Jefferson Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61603-3587
Phone (309) 679-8040
Fax (309) 676-8373
E-mail: jss@ridecitylink.org