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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)
• DBE Program
• Active/Inprocess
Bids
• Awarded Bids
• Contact
Purchasing
BIDDING PROCEDURES
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 the 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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)
must first take steps to become aware of the materials,
supplies, equipment or services sought. Vendors can register
with Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) by writing a letter to:
Mr. John S. Stokowski
Director of Procurements & Grants
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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. Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink).
One (1) original and four (4) copies of
all bid proposals must be returned in a sealed envelope
to Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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:
• Unsigned
Bids;
• Late Bids;
• Failure to
execute federal/state certifications:
• Failure to
acknowledge all Addendums;
• Insufficient
postage; (CityLink does not accept bids with postage due)
• Failure to
provide appropriate samples or descriptive literature when
requested; and
• Failure to
include a bid bond, if required in the bid package
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. Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) is exempt from these taxes.
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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, Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)
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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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. Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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.
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit's (CityLink) 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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) or has failed to perform faithfully any previous contract.
Contract Awards
• IFB
The contract shall be awarded to the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder
who meets the minimum requirements as set forth in the specifications.
• RFP
Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder whose proposal
will be most advantageous to Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink), according to the criteria listed in
the RFP.
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)'s Purchasing
The Department of Procurement & Grants is the interface between Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)
requirements and suppliers, equipment and services, and conducts its operation
in accordance with Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)'s Procurement Policy and Procedures Manual, and
adopted by Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) Board of Trustees. Additionally, Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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.
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination
in the conduct of its business, including the procurement
of goods and services. Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)'s Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise Policy Statement.
• Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)'s
DBE Policy Statement
• Illinois Unified
Certification Program (IL UCP)
For more information on Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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.
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)'S DBE POLICY STATEMENT
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination
in the conduct of its business, in procurement of goods
and services. Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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.
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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.
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)'s policy is to encourage disadvantaged
business enterprise, including both minority and women-owned
business, to fully participate in Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)'s procurement
process. Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) DBE Program
a success. Implementation of the DBE Program is accorded
the same priority as compliance with all other obligations
incurred by Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) in its financial assistance agreements.
Copies of this policy statement shall be circulated to the Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) Board of
Trustees and Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink) employees, posted in locations visible to the general
public visiting Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink), and distributed to the non-DBE communities that perform
work for Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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 Greater Peoria Mass Transit (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.
All bids results will be posted on this
for a period on 30 days.
Awards
CURRENT ACTIVE/INPROCESS BIDS
HOW TO CONTACT PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT
To Obtain an IFB, RFP, or RFQ Package Contact:
Mr. John S. Stokowski
Director of Procurements & Grants
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)
2105 NE Jefferson Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61603-3587
Phone (309) 679-8140
Fax (309) 676-8373
E-mail: jss@ridecitylink.org
For General Correspondence About Business
Opportunities or
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)'s Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Contract:
Mr. John S. Stokowski
Director of Procurements & Grants
Greater Peoria Mass Transit (CityLink)
2105 NE Jefferson Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61603-3587
Phone (309) 679-8140
Fax (309) 676-8373
E-mail: jss@ridecitylink.org |
