STATEMENTS DUE: November 20, 2026
The Village of Peoria Heights (Village) and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) are seeking qualified engineers to submit their Statements of Interest and Qualifications for design engineering and construction services for re-surfacing Glen Avenue from Prospect Road to Knoxville Avenue (IL 40) in the Village of Peoria Heights. Qualified firms shall provide services based on the project scope and submission requirements provided below.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Glen Avenue in Peoria Heights, Illinois, is an arterial street that serves as a major east-west connection from the City of Peoria into the Village of Peoria Heights and the Illinois River bluff area. Glen Avenue provides direct access to the Village's Central Business District along Prospect Road while also linking to north-south connections into the greater Peoria area via both Prospect Road and Knoxville Avenue. Meanwhile, Glen provides a westward path into Peoria and its major shopping areas, U.S. Route 150 and Interstate 74. With connections to the Rock Island Greenway, Peoria Heights public schools and the Peoria Heights Library, Glen Avenue is due for an extensive restoration that will include pedestrian safety improvements, accommodation for bikes, better signage and crosswalks.
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project will include re-surfacing the existing HMA pavement, raising the intersection at Longview Place to increase pedestrian safety, integrating emergency vehicle pre-emption at the Longview intersection, adding a refuge island at the Rock Island Greenway crossing and re-striping for bike access.
Please note that one of the focal points of this project will be incorporating pedestrian and bicycle safety for schoolchildren accessing the school complex. This work will include Preliminary Engineering (Phase I), Design Engineering (Phase II), Bidding services and Construction Engineering (Phase III). The work also will include any necessary Survey and Land Acquisition work. All required coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation and other agencies will be included to ensure that all approvals necessary for completion of design and construction are secured. There is an existing ongoing project to replace the ADA ramps at all intersections except North Longview Place (entrance to Peoria Heights school complex). All ADA ramp work except for this intersection is excluded from the project. The ADA ramp project work will be completed prior to the construction phase for the re-surfacing project.
2.1 PROJECT NEED, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
Glen Avenue connects the Village of Peoria Heights to the region's central city, Peoria, and its major shopping areas, as well as state highways and federal interstates. It provides a direct link to the Illinois River bluffs and the Heights' downtown. Multiple key community institutions - schools, library, parks - sit along its length. To enhance the transportation along Glen Avenue, it is necessary to upgrade the pedestrian facilities to include ADA ramps and other access to the trail and bikeway system. The road itself is due for an extensive restoration from Prospect Road to east of Knoxville Avenue that will include pavement rehabilitation, safety improvements, accommodation for bikes, upgraded signage, and crosswalks. This first phase of the project will complete the ADA ramps, which are required for any complete restoration of Glen Avenue. In conformance with the approved Comprehensive Plan, the roadway will comply with state and federal Complete Streets policies. Those ensure that the roadway is designed with an eye toward safety, convenience, comfort and accessibility for all members of the community, regardless of their mode of transportation. This project will be designed and constructed to promote a healthy environment and sustainable transportation alternatives while promoting commerce. ADA accessibility will be provided in conformance with the Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG).
This project will be guided by the recommendations of the Village of Peoria Heights Active Transportation Plan (ATP) as well as the Comprehensive Plan, the Prospect Road Streetscape Master Plan, the Heart of Illinois Regional Sustainability Plans and the Statewide Active Transportation Plan. The project also will consider the public transportation system provided by the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District (CityLink), which runs along Glen Avenue (Route #12, the "Heights" route). The current roadway lacks the facilities to support public transit operations. The addition of bus stops and other amenities will increase convenience, safety and access for all users.
2.2 PROJECT COMPONENTS
2.2.1 GENERAL SCOPE OF SERVICES
The scope of services sought by the Village of Peoria Heights shall include Surveys, Land Acquisition, Phase I Preliminary Engineering, Phase II Design Engineering, Construction Bidding Services and Phase III Construction Engineering. The scope of work also will include any necessary public/stakeholder involvement and state/federal/resource agency coordination to secure all required approvals. All work will be performed in accordance with the IDOT Bureau of Design and Environment Manual and the IDOT Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual. More specifically the work will include:
1. PUBLIC/STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT - This project may require a public involvement process including coordination with various advocacy and stakeholder groups as well as the general public to ensure important and meaningful input is received and incorporated into the project designs.
2. SURVEYS - Topographical and boundary survey work as necessary to determine the layout of the ramps, temporary and permanent easements and land acquisition and location of utilities and other existing features will be required to provide necessary information for design and construction of the project. Land surveys may be required to produce descriptions and plats for right-of-way acquisition or easements.
3. PHASE I ENGINEERING - Work required to complete Preliminary Plans as necessary to secure approvals from the Illinois Department pf Transportation and other agencies.
4. UTILITIES - Coordination with existing and proposed utilities to determine proposed utility locations/relocations, service requirements and utility agreement provisions. Include descriptions of all utility locations and any proposed modifications and estimated adjustment costs.
4. LAND ACQUSITION - Easements are expected to be needed for this project. This work will identify the easements needed and prepare descriptions and plats for acquisition.
5. PHASE II DESIGNS and CONSTRUCTION PLANS - All work necessary for the completion of the designs, construction plans and specifications for bidding.
6. BIDDING SERVICES - All work necessary to prepare Invitation for bids, acceptance of bids, perform bid analysis and recommendations for award.
7. ESTIMATES - Prepare preliminary estimates of cost and time. This information will be used to determine the construction budget and to assist with other funding requests for future stages of the Glen Avenue rehabilitation project.
8. GRANT ADMINISTRATION - The Village may seek assistance with necessary reporting and other grant administration work.
9. CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING - All work necessary to properly document the construction progress, including materials, quantities and daily observations in accordance with IDOT Phase III Construction Engineering standards.
2.2.2 MEETINGS, PRESENTATIONS, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT, AND REPORTS
An initial kickoff meeting and various project meetings and design review meetings may be required with Village staff and other stakeholders. Meetings with agencies, stakeholder groups, individual property owners, utilities and others also are anticipated. Public hearings may be required. The selected firm will be required to prepare meeting invitations, exhibits, feedback surveys, PowerPoint presentation and other presentation materials. Periodic reports to Village staff and the Board of Trustees on the progress of the project will be required.
2.2.3 DELIVERABLE PRODUCTS
The selected firm shall provide all deliverable products to the Village and its designated project manager for approval and dissemination. Hard copies and electronic copies of the deliverables will be required. The number of hard copies will depend on the deliverable. Deliverables will include:
1. Conceptual plans and exhibits
2. Preliminary plans
3. Easement/R.O.W plats
4. Final plans, specifications and estimates (P,S&E)
5. Bidding documents
6. Analysis of bids
7. Construction documentation
8. Other reports and documentation as required
2.2.4 PROVISIONS BY THE VILLAGE OF PEORIA HEIGHTS
The Village will provide the following information to the selected firm:
1. Existing topography from ongoing ADA project in an electronic format;
2. ADA Project design in dwg format (when complete);
3. Current GIS information;
4. A project manager, designated by the Village. Such person shall have the authority to transmit instructions, receive information, interpret and define existing Village policy and make decisions with respect to materials, equipment and systems pertinent to the consultant services.
2.3 PROJECT SCHEDULE
Selection will be made according to the following table: RFQs advertised in newspaper and website - October 26, 2026 Due date for Statement of Interest and Qualifications - November 20, 2026 Committee informs highest ranked firm and begins negotiations - December 14, 2026 Contract recommendation to the Village Board for approval -- January 5, 2027
2.4 PROJECT DURATION
It is anticipated that after a firm is selected, the preliminary engineering process will be completed by Spring 2028. The proposed letting of the contract is June 2028. Specific timelines will be mutually agreed upon between the selected firm and the Village.
2.5 ESTIMATED BUDGET
The estimated budget for the project is $2,152,500. The project will be funded through a grant from the TCRPC of $1,560,000. The local match from the Village is $592,500. The Estimated Summary of Costs is as follows:
PHASE I/II ENGINEERING $300,000
PHASE III ENGINEERING $143,800
CONSTRUCTION $1,708,700
TOTAL PROJECT $2,152,500
3.0 PUBLIC NOTICE
The Village of Peoria Heights will post an advertisement on the Village website at peoriaheights.org continuously during the period of submittal acceptance. The advertisement will also be published in the Peoria Journal Star. The advertisement and RFQ will be posted on the Village website at least 14 days prior to acceptance of proposals.
4.0 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Submit a disclosure statement with the response. The disclosure statement shall be the IDOT BDE DISC 2 modified for the Village of Peoria Heights. (SEE ATTACHED)
5.0 SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT
The Village of Peoria Heights will use SAM Exclusions and IDOT's CPO website to verify suspensions and debarment actions to ensure the eligibility of firms shortlisted and selected for projects.
6.0 SUBMITTAL OF QUALIFICATIONS
Firms are to submit a written Statement of Interest and Qualification that presents the firm's qualifications and understanding of the work to be performed. Selection criteria will include qualifications; comparable recent experience; local presence; knowledge of local requirements, policies and procedures; implementation of EEO requirements; capacity to perform work in the allotted time; knowledge of federally funded project policies and procedures; and overall approach to project management. Firms interested in submitting should have recent specific experience with this type of project.
The submission should include:
1. A cover letter that includes name, address and phone number of a contact person responsible for and knowledgeable of the submission;
2. Written response addressing each of the evaluation criteria listed in Section 9.0;
3. Form - BDE DISC2 modified for the Village of Peoria Heights attached to this solicitation;
Firms will need to address each of the criteria set forth in section 7.0 carefully and thoroughly, as all submittals will be ranked on a point value system. The evaluation will be based upon a head-to-head comparison with the other firms submitting. An individual authorized by the consultant to bind the offer must sign any submittal. All submittals without a signature will be deemed non-responsive and will not be accepted. The Village of Peoria Heights reserves the right to reject any or all submittals. Fee structures shall not be submitted with this Request for Qualifications but will be subject to negotiation with top-selected firms. All provisions of this Request for Qualifications shall also follow IDOT Bureau of Local Roads and Streets (BLRS) policies and procedures, where applicable.
6.1 SUBMITTAL FORMAT
The submittal should be as concise as possible. Limit submittals to a maximum of 15 pages, including personnel resumes and cover letter. The name of the firm and the location of the office that will have responsibility for the contract is required. Interested firms shall submit qualifications no later than 2 p.m. on November 20, 2026. Responses received after that date and time will not be considered. One (1) electronic version of the submittal must be submitted via e-mail to: Mark Lee mlee@twm-inc.com
7.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA
A. Technical Approach (25%)
A. Approach to planning, organizing and management of the project(s) including tracking of schedules and budgets;
B. Ability to be innovative and self-sufficient in completing tasks;
C. Communication plan.
B. Firm Experience (25%)
1. Name, size and brief description of the firm and office overseeing the project, including the same information for any proposed sub-consultants;
2. Qualification and experience of the firm and subconsultants (if any);
3. If subconsultants are anticipated, a description of the role proposed for each firm or subconsultant involved and the approximate percentage of work assigned;
4. Firm's experience in providing services to municipalities;
5. Experience with IDOT and FHWA guidelines;
6. Experience with grant-funded projects;
7. Name and contact information of three applicable references from previous clients on similar work for the firm and subconsultant (if any).
C. Staff Capabilities (20%)
1. Qualifications and experience of key team members;
2. Qualifications and experience of other team members;
3. Resumes of key personnel anticipated being assigned to the project(s);
4. An organizational chart showing the proposed role of staff on the projects and firm affiliation (if more than one firm is involved).
D. Workload Capacity (10%)
1. Ability to provide resources for the project efficiently and effectively;
2. Present the anticipated future commitments of key staff expected to be assigned to this project.
E. Local Presence (10%)
1. Points under this criterion will be awarded to firms that have a local office and designate local personnel to manage this project.
2. Local is defined as within Peoria or Tazewell County.
F. DBE Goal (10%)
1. Points under this criterion will be awarded starting at a commitment to 10% of the work performed by DBE firms, up to a maximum of 10 points awarded at a commitment of 20% of the work performed by DBE firms.
8.0 SELECTION PROCEDURE
A Selection Committee formed by the Village will evaluate the submissions, conduct interviews (if required) and make recommendations to the Village Board.
Each criterion in the evaluation will be ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 equals the highest ranking of submittals received. A rank of 10 for any criterion indicates the most qualified firm for that criterion. Each numerical ranking will be multiplied by the weighted value below. A total point value for each submittal will be determined by the composite evaluation of the Selection Committee. The team with the highest overall point total will be ranked first.
The selection committee members' scores are averaged for a single score, which is used to establish a short list of three firms. The committee score is adjusted by the committee based on group discussion and consensus. Interviews will be conducted with the short-listed firms if required. The Selection Committee will determine the best qualified team by consensus. The Village reserves the right to waive all technicalities and to reject any or all Statements of Interest and Qualifications.
9.0 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
Following evaluation of submittals, the Village will then enter into negotiations with the highest-ranked firm. The negotiations will be to establish a detailed scope of services and total cost for services. Should the highest-ranked firm and the Village of Peoria Heights not be able to reach an agreement, the Village will terminate negotiations with that team and open negotiations with the second-ranked firm and so on until a successful agreement is reached.
10.0 CONTRACT APPROVAL
Once a firm has been selected, the proposed contract will be submitted to the Peoria Heights Village Board for approval. Upon contract approval by the Village Board, the contract will be executed by all parties and sent to IDOT for final approval (if required by funding type).
This process does not obligate the Village to award a contract or to pay any cost incurred in the preparation of the firms responding to this request. The Village reserves the right to accept or reject any or all statements received as a result of this request. All information submitted in response to this request will become the property of the Village.
11.0 SUBCONSULTANT UTILIZATION
There are no fixed DBE requirements, however, the selected firm will have an obligation to distribute work on a percentage basis in compliance with their proposal in order to be awarded the project.
12.0 OMMISSION OF SCOPE
Please indicate if you believe a major item(s) is (are) missing from scope of services outlined in RFQ.
13.0 QUESTIONS
A site visit to the project area is strongly recommended. All information regarding the project is contained within the contents of this request. Questions or comments should be submitted via email to Mark Lee (mlee@twm-inc.com) by 11/13/2026. Answers will be in the form of an addendum distributed to all parties.
