III FFC Applauds Fox River Water Reclamation District’s Responsible Bidder Ordinance
Fox River Water Reclamation District passes local ordinance to boost local workforce and economy.
COUNTRYSIDE, IL – Last week, the Fox River Water Reclamation District Board unanimously approved a new Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO), setting stringent qualifications for bidders and subcontractors on public works construction projects.
The RBO is a key addition to the district’s procurement codes, establishing specific criteria that contractors must meet to be eligible for public contracts. This ordinance ensures that public projects are awarded to contractors who not only meet responsiveness standards but also demonstrate responsibility, including employing skilled tradespeople, delivering high-quality work, and providing exceptional value to taxpayers by prioritizing training, labor, and safety.
Given the complex and often hazardous nature of construction work, ensuring successful project delivery is challenging. Errors in planning or execution can lead to delays and cost overruns, while unqualified contractors and workers pose serious safety risks and can compromise project quality and timelines.
Ordinance No. 966, recently passed by the Fox River Water Reclamation District Board, introduces bid requirements to ensure that only qualified contractors are selected for public works projects. These requirements include proof of registration with the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, compliance with the Illinois State Prevailing Wage Act, and evidence of participation in apprenticeship programs that have graduated at least two apprentices in the relevant construction crafts over the past three years, among other criteria.
“Fox River Water Reclamation District has set a high standard with one of the most robust RBOs in the region,” said Michael Lingl, Special Projects Manager at the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting (III FFC). “This ordinance ensures that public works projects will employ the most qualified and well-trained local workers, thanks to its apprenticeship requirements. It also includes critical provisions for subcontractors, ensuring that all bidders meet the highest standards and deliver the best value for taxpayers.”
III FFC was established to increase market share for responsible contractors, work opportunities for skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, and value for taxpayers. III FFC raises standards in the construction industry by advocating for responsible public policies that reward work, ensure business growth, and create broad-based prosperity. You can find out more about responsible bidder ordinances and the III FFC on our website at www.iiiffc.org. You can also find the Fox River Water Reclamation District’s RBO on our website.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2024
CONTACT: Jill Gigstad, III FFC, (815) 254-3332 EXT 6, [email protected]