TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
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Award of Contract No. 2939-0426 for the JOL-08-05 Water Storage Tanks Project to Fisher Tank Company in the Amount of $41,025,400.00
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BACKGROUND:
The Alternative Water Source Program (AWSP) Water Storage Tanks Project (JOL-08-05) includes the construction of four water storage tanks of various sizes at three different locations within the City. Included with the tank construction is site development for future construction projects. Additional water storage tanks are required to meet the minimum water storage requirements in the Water Supply Agreement with the Grand Prairie Water Commission as well as to allow for distribution of Lake Michigan water after the water source transfer is complete.
Strand Associates, Inc. is the Engineer of Record for this Work. Design drawings and bidding documents were prepared and the invitation to bid for the project was advertised in the Joliet Herald-News on June 2, 2026.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
On Thursday, August 20th, at 10:30 a.m., two sealed bids were received for the JOL-08-05 Water Storage Tanks Project. The bid summary is as follows:
CONTRACTOR BID AMOUNT
Fisher Tank Company $41,025,400.00
Chicago Bridge & Iron $41,811,023.00
Engineer’s Estimate $20,269,842.00
The low bid from Fisher Tank Company, in the amount of $41,025,400.00, varies considerably from the engineer’s estimate. The engineer’s estimate relied on quotes from a tank manufacturer due to the specialized nature of the work and limited availability of recent comparable bid results. A quote totaling $12,785,000.00 was provided by a tank manufacturer in January 2026. The cost of the tanks at the three sites accounted for approximately 60% to 70% of the total engineer’s estimate. Upon review of the quote with the tank manufacturer after the bid, it was determined that the pre-bid quote was inconsistent with the project design criteria and that there has been a nearly 25% increase in steel prices in 2026. The project team thoroughly researched the bid prices and concluded both bids were complete and within 1.85% of one another. Both companies are very experienced in the construction of these types of tanks and since both bids are so close, the team recommends awarding the project as a rebid would not likely result in different pricing. Furthermore, this project is on the critical path and needs to begin construction based on current schedule in order to be completed in time to receive Lake Michigan water in 2030.
Funds will be charged to the Alternative Water Supply Fund - Joliet Improvements / Construction (Org 54080000, Object 557200, $41,025,400.00).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council award the Contract for the JOL-08-05 Water Storage Tanks Project, in the amount of $41,025,400.00, on behalf of Fisher Tank Company.
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