Section 950.160  Sources for Determining Responsibility

To determine a contractor's responsibility, CDB may utilize information obtained from one or more of the following sources.  In evaluating the information, greater consideration shall be given to the contractor's most recent projects and projects with CDB.

a)         Contractor bidder responsibility and renewal application forms

1)         New bidders applications shall at a minimum require of the contractor:

A)        Completed application form.

B)        Evidence of bonding capacity meeting CDB criteria.

C)        Adherence to statutory requirements.

D)        Satisfactory work history - reference checks. References obtained may be verified and documented by the following methods:

i)          Telephone reference checks.

ii)         Reference questionnaire.

2)         Renewal applications shall at a minimum require of the contractor:

A)        The information set out in subsection (a)(1) above.

B)        Adherence to CDB rules and resolutions.

C)        Satisfactory CDB work and performance history, which may be documented through evaluations prepared on both current and past CDB projects by the following:

i)          CDB staff.

ii)         Architects/engineers and consultants.

iii)        Using agencies.

iv)        Other contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.

3)         Application updates

The contractor shall have an affirmative duty to update significant information as it occurs, including but not limited to changes in ownership, change of name, change of address, change in minority/female owned firm status, loss of SOS "good standing" status, suspension or debarment by another governmental agency, decrease by more than 25% in bonding capacity, filing of bankruptcy, contract terminations, and filing of formal criminal charges against the firm or its officers, owners, or employees.  Failure to disclose as required may lead to action on prequalification.  (See Section 950.210(c).)

b)         Other government entities

CDB may conduct history reference checks by contacting federal, State or local governmental entities.

c)         Other sources

CDB may conduct reference checks or gather relevant information from any other source in order to determine responsibility. Acceptable sources may include, but are not limited to:

1)         Surety/bonding companies

2)         Financial institutions

3)         Periodicals

4)         Newspapers

5)         Court records

6)         Dun and Bradstreet reports

7)         Audited financial statements

8)         Any type of public record

d)         Previous employment history

For any newly organized firm or a firm with a limited work history, CDB may conduct individual performance reference checks on any or all personnel.

e)         Additional information

CDB may request additional information from the contractor at any time.

(Source:  Amended at 25 Ill. Reg. 10741, effective August 10, 2001)