Title
Eddy Fire Hydrant Replacement Project - RFP 25-070
History
In the 1960’s, the Village specifications for hydrants called for the installation of Eddy fire hydrants manufactured by the Clow Valve Company of Chicago, Illinois. As time went on and the Village grew, the spec was switched to East Jordan Iron Works fire hydrants, and remains in place today.
The Village has over four thousand (4,000) East Jordan fire hydrants in its system. The Utilities Department and Fire Department have had various complaints and issues with the legacy Eddy fire hydrants since they were installed. They open and close too fast, causing water main breaks in the areas where the hydrants are used for firefighting. The stems that operate the hydrants have a design flaw which causes the stem to break when trying to open. However, the biggest issue with the remaining Eddy hydrants is that it is very hard to get parts to repair them. If the Utilities Department needs to make a repair on an Eddy hydrant, they are dug up and replaced with an East Jordan hydrant.
The Utility department has budgeted for the remaining sixteen (16) Eddy fire hydrants remaining in the water distribution system to be replaced in 2026 with new East Jordan hydrants.
On December 4, 2025, RFP 25-070 was published on BidNet Direct, and closed on January 5, 2026. Courtesy emails were sent to six (6) vendors, twenty-six (26) vendors viewed and downloaded at least one of the documents, and five (5) proposals were received. The sealed proposals were opened by the Village Clerk’s Office on January 5, 2026.
Aleck Plumbing, of Homewood, IL - $207,707.00
Steve Spiess Construction, of Frankfort, IL - $232,900.00
Bisping Construction, of New Lenox, IL - $249,000.00
Airy’s Inc., of Joliet, IL - $252,228.00
IHC Construction Companies, LLC, of Elgin, IL - $348,704.00
The proposals and contractors were reviewed by Public Works Staff, and Aleck Plumbing was found to be capable of performing the work. While the lowest, their price is almost double what the Village budgeted for this project during budget planning, as time and material costs have increased significantly since the Village had scoped out this project. However, the 2026 Utilities budget can absorb the additional cost.
Therefore, it is recommended that the proposal of $207,707.00 from Aleck Plumbing, of Homewood, Illinois, be accepted along with a contingency of $25,000.00 for a total contract price not to exceed $232,707.00.
Financial Impact
Funds are available in account 5008150-443800 in the 2026 budget and is over the budgeted amount, but the Utility Department can offset the difference with lower pricing of other projects being awarded.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve and authorize the execution of a Contractor Agreement between the Village of Orland Park and Aleck Plumbing, of Homewood, Illinois, as the lowest cost qualified responsive proposal for RFP #25-070- Eddy Fire Hydrant Replacement Project for a cost of $207,707 plus a contingency of $25,000.00 for a total not-to-exceed contract price of $232,707.00;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts, subject to Village Attorney review;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to approve change orders related to this contract within the authorized amount.