Unity Des Plaines

Request for Proposal (RFP): Sanitary Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation

Project Location: Des Plaines, IL

Target Infrastructure: Cast Iron Sewer Pipe underneath the church

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1. Project Overview & Objective

Unity Des Plaines, located at 259 East Central Road in Des Plaines, Illinois, is soliciting competitive proposals from licensed and insured commercial plumbing contractors. The goal is to permanently rehabilitate or replace the failing sanitary cast iron sewer lateral located beneath the church building, enhancing system longevity. This cast iron pipe connects to a clay pipe underneath the church’s parking lot before tying into the Village of Des Plaines (VDP) main sewer line.

In the past six months, the cast iron sewer line has faced recurring clogging and backups, necessitating hydro-jetting to temporarily restore flow.

2. Existing Infrastructure & Site Conditions

Bidders should take into account the following specific layout and material conditions:  

• Internal Pipe: The internal existing piping beneath the building is cast iron and is experiencing severe debris accumulation or structural compromise.

• Exit Pipe: The internal cast iron pipe transitions into a clay pipe lateral. The clay pipe lateral that connects to the cast iron pipe and the Village’s sewer main is clear and should not be part of the bid.

• Location/Obstruction: Identify the exact location of any obstructions within the church, including any necessary demolition of floors or walls, to facilitate efficient project completion.

• Current State: While the pipe is still functional, it may be structurally compromised. This may be leading to frequent backups.

• Innovative: Bidders are encouraged to propose innovative solutions or alternative methodologies that may enhance the project’s efficiency, reduce overall costs, or minimize disruption to church operations. Creative approaches to rehabilitation or replacement methods, as well as any advanced technologies that could improve the integrity and longevity of the sewer system, are welcome.  Proposals that include such innovative measures will be given special consideration during the evaluation process. Please provide a detailed explanation of any alternative solutions proposed, including potential benefits and any associated costs.

3. Scope of Work

The selected contractor must provide all labor, materials, equipment, permitting, and traffic/property control to complete the following:

• Initial Video Inspection & Mapping: Conduct a high-resolution sewer camera inspection to locate the exact transition point from cast iron to clay, pinpoint the structural failures (e.g., sagging, collapsed sections), and verify the exact depth and length of the run.

• Rehabilitation Preference: Given the pipe’s location under the church, bidders are strongly encouraged to submit a primary proposal for lining or replacing the pipe to minimize reconstruction costs related to the building. 

• VDP Municipal Compliance: Secure all necessary permits from the Village of Des Plaines. The VDP has recently assessed the connection of the clay pipe to the sewer main as clear. All work must comply with local engineering, plumbing, and building codes. 

• Restoration: While we anticipate bids that may require demolition inside the church, we prefer proposals that minimize the impact on the building and aim to reduce restoration costs. 

4. Schedule & Operational Constraints

• Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday July 17, 2026 by 11:59 PM CDT. Our decision will take no more than 5 business days. We would like to begin the project as soon as possible and no later than July 31, 2026. We pray the project is completed by August 31, 2026.

• Operational Preservation: The church parking lot and facility must remain fully functional and accessible for Thursday evening, Saturday afternoon and Sunday services.

• Execution Window: Active construction must be compressed to weekdays between 8 AM and 5 PM to minimize disruption to church staff and weekday ministries.

5. Bidder Submission Requirements

Proposals must include:

1. Itemized Pricing: Clearly distinguish between camera inspection, cleaning/descaling, pipe lining (per linear foot), and restoration.

2. Licensing & Bonding: Proof of a valid Illinois plumbing license, Des Plaines contractor registration, workers compensation coverage, a minimum $1,000,000 commercial general liability policy that includes Unity Des Plaines as additional insured for this project, and a minimum $1,000,000 umbrella policy. Insurance carriers must have a minimum AM Best rating of A-.

3. Warranty: Clearly state the warranty terms for both materials (e.g., liner manufacturer warranty) and contractor craftsmanship.

Additional Resources

 

For further insight into the condition of the cast iron sewer pipe beneath the church, please refer to the following YouTube links showcasing the televised inspection (same video):

 

Video 1: Televised Inspection of Cast Iron Sewer Pipe

https://youtu.be/guclzNBd9y8

 

Video 2: Televised Inspection of Cast Iron Sewer Pipe

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=guclzNBd9y8&ra=m

 

Contact Information

 

To request an appointment or for any inquiries regarding this RFP, please contact:

 

Unity Des Plaines

259 East Central Road

Des Plaines, IL 60016

Email: unitydp@yahoo.com

Subject: RFP