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Prequalification
In order to work for IDOT in this capacity, contractors must first seek prequalification in specialized categories. Once prequalified, a firm is eligible to submit a bid on state and locally advertised projects. If awarded the contract, the firm follows department rules and regulations until fulfillment of the contractual obligation.
Any firm interested in bidding on construction projects for IDOT, local entities, and/or Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a prime contractor must first be prequalified. The prequalification process is governed by Title 44 Illinois Administrative Code Section 650. There are approximately 750 firms currently prequalified to bid on state highway and locally advertised projects in Illinois. Updated every Monday, the List of Prequalified Firms (Text File | Excel File) provides the name, address, phone, fax numbers and the numerical work categories for which each firm is prequalified.
Outlined below is information on prequalification, human rights, renewal, and revising or adding prequalification categories:
Prequalification
Prequalification grants a firm permission to bid on construction contracts, including local agency projects. Moreover, a prequalified prime is automatically classified as a registered subcontractor. The steps to gain prequalification status are outlined below:
- Understand Requirements: The Rules for Prequalification of Contractors, Authorization to Bid, and Subcontractor Registrations outlines the procedures and requirements for application, calculation, expiration, revision, renewal, and revocation of prequalification ratings.
- Determine Categories: IDOT prequalifies firms in 42 Prequalification Categories ranging from Highway Structures to Hydraulic Dredging.
- Submit Application: The Application for Prequalification: Statement of Experience, Equipment and Financial Condition (BC 8) is required to be submitted by an applicant in support of its request for a determination of responsibility, a prequalification rating. Please submit an original signed copy to:
Illinois Department of Transportation
Bureau of Construction, Prequalification Section
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 322
Springfield, Illinois 62764
Once IDOT determines the applicant is responsible and prequalification ratings are calculated, a "Certificate of Eligibility” will be issued and the firm name will be added to the List of Prequalified Firms. If the department is unable to establish prequalification ratings, the applicant will be notified in writing.
(Not Required for Small Business Initiative (SBI) projects and Target Market Program (TMP) projects)
Obtain an Illinois Department of Human Rights' Number
Each prospective bidder on contracts let by IDOT shall furnish evidence to IDOT that it has complied with the public contracting requirements of the Illinois Department of Human Rights prior to receiving authorization to bid.
Renewal
Prequalification ratings are valid for 16 months from the date of the Financial Statement (balance sheet) of the Statement of Experience, Equipment and Financial Condition (BC 8). A new application is required to be submitted in order to renew a firm's expired prequalification. Please submit an original signed copy to:
Illinois Department of Transportation
Bureau of Construction, Prequalification Section
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 322
Springfield, Illinois 62764
Revising/Adding Prequalification Categories
To request revisions or status expansion, a detailed letter on company letter head must be submitted indicating the proposed changes.
Illinois Department of Transportation
Bureau of Construction, Prequalification Section
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 322
Springfield, Illinois 62764
Need Help?
Tara W. Elston
Email: Tara.Elston@illinois.gov
(217) 782-3413
Unit Chief of Prequalification Services
Bureau of Construction