Wayfinding Signage

8900 US Highway 14 Crystal Lake, IL 60012
(815) 455-3700 | www.mchenry.edu
MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
You are invited to submit a bid for WAYFINDING SIGNAGE FOR COLLEGE
DEPARTMENTS AND LOCATIONS. Please include delivery charges in your price if
applicable. The College is exempt from all sales tax. Bids are due by October 20, 2026, AT
10:30 AM.
McHenry County College reserves the right to award all items to one vendor or to multiple
vendors depending on what is considered to be in the best interest of the College.
Bids must be in accordance with the instructions contained herein. All submittals are to contain
a total of one (1) original, and one (1) copy in a sealed opaque envelope. EMAILS OR FAXES
ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Vendors must submit their bid on the attached pricing sheet by U.S. Mail or dropping
off completed sealed bid in the Business Office, Room A246. After the College has
advertised for bids, no pre-bid vendor shall contact any College officer(s) or employee(s)
involved in the solicitation process, except for interpretation of bid specifications, clarification
of bid submission requirements or any information pertaining to pre-bid conferences. Such
bidder or sub-bidder making such request shall be made in writing at least seven (7) days prior
to the date for receipt of bids. No vendor shall visit or contact any College officers or employees
until after the bids are awarded, except in those instances when site inspection is a prerequisite
for the submission of a bid. Any such visitation, solicitation, or sales call by any representative
of a prospective vendor in violation of this provision may cause the disqualification of such
bidder's response. The sole point of contact is:
Sole Point of Contact: Sandy Schwendeman
Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management
sschwendeman@mchenry.edu
Mail Drop Off Bid to: Maricella Garza
Coordinator of Purchasing
mgarza@mchenry.edu
McHenry County College
Building A, Room 246
8900 US Highway 14
Crystal Lake, IL 60012-2738
Mark Outside of Envelope: WAYFINDING SIGNAGE FOR COLLEGE DEPARTMENTS AND
LOCATIONS IFB#10202026_WF
Page 1

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
INTRODUCTION
Introduction: McHenry County College (hereinafter "MCC") is inviting responsible Vendors
(hereinafter "Bidder" or "Contractor") to submit bids for WAYFINDING SIGNAGE FOR
COLLEGE DEPARTMENTS AND LOCATIONS. A more complete description of the supplies
and/or services sought is provided in the "Bid Specifications". If you are interested and able to
meet these requirements, we would appreciate and welcome a bid. This IFB will set forth any
evaluation criteria to be used in determining product or service acceptability. It may require the
submission of bid samples, descriptive literature, technical data, references, licenses, or other
information or material.
Unsolicited bid samples or descriptive literature however, are submitted at the vendor's risk,
may not be examined or tested, will not be deemed to vary any of the provisions of the IFB,
and may not be utilized by the vendor to contest a decision or understanding with MCC.
The bid document and all attachments are available for download from the MCC website,
www.mchenry.edu/bid. Contractors who download the bid document waive their right to have
clarifications and/or addenda sent to them. Such Contractors are responsible for checking the
website for clarifications and/or addenda. Failure to obtain clarifications and/or addenda from
the website shall not relieve such Contractor from being bound by additional terms and
conditions in the clarification and/or addenda, if any, or from considering additional information
contained therein in preparing their bids. Note that there may be multiple clarifications and/or
addenda. Any harm to a Contractor resulting from such failure shall not be valid grounds for
protest against award(s) made under this bid. Bids will not be accepted in electronic form.
Background: McHenry County College (MCC) is a community college offering pre-
baccalaureate programs for students planning to transfer to a four-year university, occupational
education leading directly to employment, adult education and literacy programs, work force
and workplace development services, and support services to help students succeed. McHenry
County College serves one of the fastest growing counties in Illinois. MCC is located forty-five
miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the college is committed to providing high quality, need-
based educational and training opportunities to adult residents of Community College District
528. Nearly 250,000 residents live within the MCC district boundaries. The campus is located
at 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012. Also part of this college is the University
Center, approximately nine miles northwest of MCC in the town of Woodstock, Illinois.
Contact Information: The contact, identified below, is the sole point of contact regarding the
IFB from the date of issuance until selection of the successful vendor.
Sandy Schwendeman
Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management
8900 US Highway 14
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Email: sschwendeman@mchenry.edu

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
Contract Terms: The successful Contractor agrees to execute a formal written contract with
McHenry County College subject to any modifications as may be required by MCC. Bids shall
identify the individuals having authority to contractually bind the Contractor. It shall also name
the person to be contacted both during the period of evaluation of bids and execution. This
information is to include the name, title, address, telephone, fax number, and email address of
this individual.
Bidder Qualifications: The following minimum qualifications must be met by each bidder:
The Bidder shall have had a minimum of five (5) years previous experience, possess
manpower, equipment, financial resources, and an organization as herein specified to perform
the type, magnitude, and quality of work specified.
Must provide all information required of the Minority Enterprise Program.

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
GENERAL INFORMATION
Key Event Dates: The following dates are set forth for informational and planning purposes;
however, MCC reserves the right to change the dates.
MCC Issues IFB listed at www.mchenry.edu/bid
October 2, 2026
Last day for vendor questions via email
October 12, 2026
sschwendeman@mchenry.edu
Response to vendor questions will be listed by
October 14, 2026
addendum at www.mchenry.edu/bid
Bid End Date
October 20, 2026, 10:30 AM CST
Bid Opening Date
October 20, 2026, 10:35 AM CST
McHenry County College
8900 US Highway 14
Bid Opening Location
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Building A, Room 217
Reviewed by MCC Evaluation Team by
October 20-21, 2026
Recommendation to Board of Trustees
October 22, 2026
Notification of Award by
October 30, 2026

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
BID SUBMISSION
Examination of Solicitation Documents and Explanation to Bidders: Bidders are
responsible for examining the solicitation documents and any addenda issued to become
informed as to all conditions that might in any way affect the cost or performance of any work.
Failure to do so will be at the sole risk of the bidder. Should the bidder find discrepancies in or
omissions from the solicitation documents or should their intent or meaning appear unclear or
ambiguous, or should any other question arise relative to the solicitation documents, the bidder
shall promptly notify the Coordinator of Purchasing via email. The bidder making such request
will be solely responsible for its timely receipt by the Coordinator of Purchasing. Replies to such
notices may be made in the form of an addendum to the solicitation.
Submission: The submission of a response shall be prima facie evidence that the vendor has
full knowledge of the scope and nature of the project requirements. Only electronic bids will be
accepted.
Interpretation or Representations: MCC assumes no responsibility for any interpretation or
representations made by any of its officers or agents unless interpretations or representations
are incorporated into a formal written addendum to the solicitation.
IFB Questions and Clarifications: Questions and requests for clarification are only accepted
via e-mail. Official answers to questions will be provided via addendum.
Addendum: The only method by which any requirement of this solicitation may be modified is
by written addendum. MCC is not responsible if a vendor does not receive the bid revision in
time to include the information with the bid submission. Any addendum will be posted to MCC's
website at www.mchenry.edu/bid. The addendum shall be acknowledged by signature and
included in your bid submission.
Bid Preparation Costs: The costs for developing and delivering responses to this IFB are
entirely the responsibility of the bidder. The College is not liable for any expense incurred by
the bidder in the preparation and presentation of their bid or any other costs incurred by the
bidder prior to execution of a Purchase Order or Contract.
Cancellation of IFB: If the Coordinator of Purchasing determines that it is in MCC's best
interest, he/she reserves the right to do any of the following
* Cancel this IFB
* Modify this IFB in writing as needed
* Reject any or all bids received in response to this IFB.
Accuracy/ Withdrawal of Bids Prior to Bid Opening: Bids may be withdrawn in writing any
time prior to the opening hour. However, no bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60)
days subsequent to the opening of the Bid without the prior written approval of the Coordinator
of Purchasing of McHenry County College.

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
Taxes: MCC is exempt from all federal excise, state and local taxes unless otherwise stated in
this document. In the event taxes are imposed on the services purchased, MCC will not be
responsible for payment of the taxes. The vendor shall absorb the taxes entirely. Upon request,
MCC's Tax Exemption Certificate will be furnished.
Evaluation: In evaluating the bids submitted, MCC will apply the "Best Value" standard in
selecting the vendor to be awarded a contract for this project. Purchase price is not the only
criteria that will be used in the evaluation process. Any award resulting from this bid will be
made to that vendor whose offer conforms to the bid and it is determined to be the most
advantageous, or "best value" to MCC, in the sole judgment of MCC. The selection process
will include, but not be limited to, the following considerations:
* The quality and range of products and services the firm proposes to provide.
* The ability to provide products and services in an expedient and efficient manner.
* The firm's overall experience, reputation, expertise, stability, and financial responsibility.
* The experience and qualifications of the staff that will be assigned to service MCC's
account.
* The provider's ability to assist MCC in meeting the overall goals of bid.
* The bidder's past relationship with MCC, if any.
* Any other relevant factor that a business entity would consider in selecting a vendor.
Award of Contract: MCC reserves the right to reject any or all prices or bids submitted, waive
irregularities, and to accept that bid which is considered to be in the best interest of the College.
Any such decision shall be considered final and not subject to recourse. Unless we are advised
to the contrary, it is understood that the bid has been submitted in strict accordance with
specifications. Any exceptions and explanations regarding the items listed should be delivered
with the bid. Submit complete specifications for any substitute offered.
The successful bidder will be notified within three business days by e-mail or telephone, of their
award of contract following the Board of Trustees meeting. The vendor may not assign, sell, or
otherwise transfer its interest in the contract award or any part thereof without written
permission from MCC. This bid will be awarded in its entirety to one vendor. We reserve the
right to make moderate quantity alterations to conform to budget limitations.

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS
Read the following instructions carefully before submitting any bid: Failure to follow these
instructions and the rules may result in the rejection of your bid. MCC reserves the right to
reject any and all bids, to waive minor or immaterial irregularities, informalities or technicalities,
to advertise for new bids, or to request confirmation or clarification from any bidder regarding
a bid.
Bid Format and Content: In order for MCC to evaluate bids fairly and completely, bidders
must follow the format set forth herein and must provide all of the information requested. All
items identified in the following list must be addressed as concisely as possible in order for a
bid to be considered complete. Failure to conform to the stated requirements may necessitate
rejection of the bid.
Cover Letter. The cover letter must confirm that the bidder understands all the terms and
conditions contained in this IFB and will comply with all the provisions of this IFB. Further,
should the contract be awarded to your company, you would be prepared to begin services
upon contract approval from MCC. The cover letter must include the full contact information of
the person(s) MCC shall contact regarding the bid. A bidder representative authorized to make
contractual obligations must sign the cover letter. The letter must also state whether or not
subcontractors will be used.
Pricing: The bidder shall submit pricing for all items listed on the Bid Pricing Sheet.
Packaging of Response: Vendors must submit their bid on the attached Bid Pricing Sheet(s)
and send by U.S. Mail or dropping off completed sealed bid in the Business Office, McHenry
County College, Building A, Room 246; 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, on or
before the due date of October 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Please see the first page of this IFB
for specific details. McHenry County College assumes no responsibility for lost mail. Please
allow ample time for mailing bids.
Late Bids: Regardless of cause, late bids will not be accepted and will automatically be
disqualified from further consideration. It shall be the bidder's sole risk to ensure delivery at the
designated office by the designated time. Late bids will not be opened and may be returned to
the bidder at the expense of the bidder or destroyed if requested.
Bidder's Signature: The bid submission form must be signed in ink by an individual authorized
to legally bind the business submitting the bid. The bidder's signature on a bid in response to
this IFB guarantees that the offer has been established without collusion and without effort to
preclude MCC from obtaining the best possible supply or service.
Bid Opening: MCC will open all bids that are submitted in a proper and timely manner and will
record the names and other information specified by law and rule. All bids become the property
of MCC and will not be returned.
Responders' Costs: The cost of developing a bid for this IFB belongs solely to the bidder and
may not be charged to MCC.

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Applicability: These general terms and conditions will be observed in preparing for the bid to
be submitted.
Purchase: Following the notice of award, the purchase will be implemented through purchase
orders or appropriate contract documents executed by the Coordinator of Purchasing.
Right to Cancel: MCC may cancel contracts resulting from this IFB at any time for a breach
of any contractual obligation by providing the contractor with thirty-calendar day's written notice
of such cancellation. Should MCC exercise its right to cancel, such cancellation shall become
effective on the date as specified in the notice to cancel.
Proprietary Information: Bidder should be aware that the contents of all submitted bids are
subject to public review and will be subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. All
information submitted with your bid will be considered public information unless bidder
identifies all proprietary information in the bid by clearly marking on the top of each page so
considered, "Proprietary Information." The Illinois Attorney General shall make a final
determination of what constitutes proprietary information or trade secrets. While MCC will
endeavor to maintain all submitted information deemed proprietary within MCC, MCC will not
be liable for the release of such information.
Negotiation: MCC reserves the right to negotiate all elements, which comprise the bidder's
bid to ensure the best possible consideration, be afforded to all concerned. MCC further
reserves the right to waive any and all minor irregularities in the bid, waive any defect, and/or
reject any and all bids, and to seek new bids when such an action would be deemed in the best
interest of MCC.
Retention of Documentation: All bid materials and supporting documentation that is
submitted in response to this bid become the permanent property of MCC.
Insurance Requirements: If fabrication, construction, installation, service or other work is
specified to be conducted on MCC's premises, supplier shall maintain in force during the period
of such work the following coverage's: (a) worker's compensation, as required by the laws of
the State of Illinois; (b) commercial general liability for bodily injury and/or property damage in
an amount of not less than $1,000,000 single limit, per occurrence; (c) automobile liability for
bodily injury and/or property damage in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 single limit, per
occurrence. The successful bidder shall provide a certificate of insurance, naming McHenry
County College as additional insured.
Performance Bond: For every project greater than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000),
Contractor shall procure a performance bond for the full amount of the contract price. Prior to
commencement of any work on the Project, the Contractor shall submit insurance and bonds.
Any provisions contained within the bonds creating a condition precedent for Owner, or
abrogating Owner's rights or remedies otherwise available in contract or law, are void.

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
Terms of Payment: MCC operates under Net 30 payment terms for work completed and
products delivered, with payment due within 30 days of the invoice date. All invoices are subject
to monthly approval prior to payment. MCC will not agree to assess or pay late fees unless
payment remains outstanding for more than 60 days after the invoice date. This policy is based
on applicable state statutes governing state-funded entities.
Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus: To promote a safe, clean and healthy learning
environment, and in compliance with the Illinois Smoke-Free Campus Act (110 ILCS 64/1),
McHenry County College prohibits the use of tobacco products inside College facilities, College
vehicles and on all College property This includes the burning of any type of cigar, cigarette,
pipe, electronic cigarette or any other smoking equipment The use of smokeless/chewing
tobacco is also prohibited Refusal to comply with this policy will be met with increasingly severe
penalties
Indemnification: The Contractor shall protect, indemnify and hold MCC harmless against any
liability claims and costs for injury to or death of any person or persons and for loss or damage
to any property occurring in connection with or in any incident to or arising out of occupancy,
use, service, operations or performance of work in connection with the contract, resulting in
whole or in part from the negligent acts or omissions of the Contractor.
Substitutes to Specifications: Consideration will be given to alternatives if they are a
standard manufactured item as evidenced by literature and specifications enclosed with this
bid document. A demonstration may be requested. Submit complete specifications for any
substitute offered.
Compliance with Law: Contractor will comply with all valid federal, state and local laws and
all ordinances and regulations applicable to the manufacture, sale delivery and labeling of the
goods ordered and in the performance of any work pursuant hereto. Contractor also certifies
that the merchandise supplied meets both Illinois Life Safety Code and OSHA regulations.
Disclosure: Contractors shall note any and all relationships that might be a conflict of interest
and include such information with the bid.
Performance Evaluation Disclaimer: This evaluation (if applicable) will assess the
contractor's overall performance, quality of services, responsiveness, compliance with contract
requirements, and ability to meet the needs of the organization. Satisfactory performance
during this evaluation period is expected to support continuation of the contract; however, this
evaluation does not alter the terms of the contract or create a guarantee of renewal beyond the
initial contract period. Any renewal options will remain at the sole discretion of the organization
and are subject to satisfactory performance, continued need, and available funding.

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE
INVITATION FOR BID IFB#10202026_WF
Wayfinding Signage for College Departments and Locations
OSHA: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Hazardous Communication
Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) states that contractors/suppliers must be informed of the
hazardous chemicals their employees may be exposed to while performing their work and any
appropriate protective measures. In order to comply with this requirement, McHenry County
College has developed a list of all the hazardous chemicals known to be present in our facility.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) is also on file for each of these chemicals and/or
hazardous substances. This information is available to you and to your employees upon
request. In order to protect the safety and health of our own employees as well as the
employees of contractors/suppliers, contractor/suppliers must maintain and provide, upon
request, an MSDS/SDS on any hazardous chemical(s) or material(s) which they bring to the
facility. Failure to maintain an MSDS/SDS and provide this information in a timely manner will
result in the removal of the contractor/supplier from the premises. Each employer is also
responsible for notifying any subcontractor they employ regarding the requirements of OSHA's
Hazard Communication Standard and other provisions described in this letter.
Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act: The
College recognizes the importance of increasing the participation of businesses owned by
minorities, females and persons with disabilities in public contracts. It is the policy of the College
to promote the economic development of disadvantaged business enterprises by setting
aspirational goals to award contracts to businesses owned by minorities, females, and persons
with disabilities for certain services, to the extent provided by the Business Enterprise for
Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act ("Act"), 30 ILCS 575/0.01 et seq. and the
Business Enterprise Council for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities ("Council")
which serves to implement, monitor and enforce the goals of the Act.