The Illinois Tollway is seeking proposals for bond underwriting services to establish a pool of qualified senior underwriters. Contracts will have an initial term of ten years. Assignments to specific bond issuances will be based on qualifications, agreement to perform at a set rate, and random distribution of work. A non-mandatory preproposal conference is scheduled for August 4, 2026. Electronic submissions are required through BidBuy by August 21, 2026.
Offers must be submitted through BidBuy on or before the bid opening date of August 21, 2026.
The underwriting discount will consist of the applicable takedown per the chart and customary underwriting expenses, with no management fee. Pricing is estimated and expenses are allowed, subject to approval.
Offers will be evaluated based on technical merit, commitment to diversity, and pricing. The award will be made to the responsive and responsible offeror whose offer best meets the specified criteria.
Offerors must meet mandatory qualifications specified in the RFP, including registration as a broker-dealer with the MSRB and providing evidence of relevant transaction experience.
Failure to submit required documents, such as vendor disclosure or utilization plans, may result in disqualification. Failure to agree to bill at the set rate will be deemed nonresponsive.
Protests related to specifications must be physically received by the Protest Review Office no later than 14 days after the solicitation was posted. Protests related to rejection of proposals or awards must be received by close of business no later than 14 days after the protesting party knew or should have known of the facts giving rise to the protest.
Disqualification may occur for late submissions, failure to submit required documents, providing pricing in the alternate description field, or failing to meet mandatory technical requirements.
