CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the award of Bid 26-079, Fire Station #4 Improvements, to Kandu Construction, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,898,000 plus a 3% contingency
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DEPARTMENT: Fire Department
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Puknaitis, Chief
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The current Fire Academy facilities, including the Fire Station #4 basement, are inadequate to meet the needs of both candidates and instructors. Currently, candidates use the basement for classroom work, which can only accommodate 15 people.
The basement is also used as a locker room and changing area.
Female cadets use an electrical closet. Male recruits use a corner of the classroom. Additionally, there are no shower facilities.
As part of Capital Improvement Project (CIP) MB228, facility renovations at Station #4 have been identified as a priority. The project includes necessary upgrades to restroom and shower facilities to better support current operational needs and address gender equality considerations consistent with recommendations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Accreditation Team.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers a grant program designed for capital improvements as defined within the annual appropriation bill (Public Act 100-0586). The City was awarded two grants totaling $475,000 to contract with a qualified vendor for the demolition, renovation, and construction of Fire Station #4.
In March 2026, the Department of Public Works - Public Building Operations issued Bid 26-079, Fire Station #4 Improvements, to solicit bids for the upgrade of the fire academy personnel restrooms, showers, and locker facilities. Work also includes the construction of a new academy training center at the rear of the station.
DISCUSSION:
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Advertisement Date: |
03/13/26 |
Notices Sent: |
903 |
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Opening Date: |
04/08/26 |
Planholders: |
14 |
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Proposals Received: |
8 |
Bids were received from the following vendors:
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Vendor Name |
Proposed Cost |
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Kandu Construction, Inc. |
$2,898,000 |
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Engineers Estimate |
$2,945,801 |
|
Construction Inc. |
$2,968,000 |
|
Tyler Lane Construction, Inc. |
$2,977,574 |
|
Osman Construction Corporations |
$3,072,418 |
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R.L. Sohol General Contractor, Inc. |
$3,248,000 |
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F.H. Paschen S.N. Nielsen & Assoc. |
$3,326,000 |
|
Lite Construction, Inc. |
$3,379,900 |
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Manusos General Contracting, Inc. |
$3,637,707 |
Staff recommends awarding the contract to Kandu Construction, Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the procurement of construction services, as defined by Section 1-9B-7 of the Procurement Code (RBO-qualified).
The substantial completion date of this project is December 1, 2026, with a final contract closeout date of March 31, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
CIP #: MB228
Fire Station #4 Improvements will be charged to the Building Improvements account listed below. The 2026 Budget includes $2,736,037 for the completion of the project. The requested award of $2,898,000, plus contingency, is higher than the budget for this expense. It is anticipated that this overage can be accommodated in the 2026 Budget.
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Account Number |
Fund Description |
Total Budget Amount |
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22252200-551500 |
Capital Projects |
$2,736,037 |
*Per Council directive, contingency on construction projects is set at 3% on projects over $500,000 and 5% on projects under $500,000.