2026 Smoke Testing Program

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL (PROPOSAL) FOR
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
VILLAGE OF OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS
2026 SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM SMOKE TESTING
Introduction and Background
The Village of Oak Lawn (Village) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications and Proposal
(Proposal) from qualified firms to perform smoke testing and data analysis of the Village's sanitary
sewer system. Proposals will be due August 12, 2026, by 2:00 P.M. CST.
The Village owns, operates, and maintains approximately 810,000 feet of sanitary sewers serving
a mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial users. The Village has identified 81,900 feet
of high-priority sanitary sewers requiring smoke testing. The 2026 Sanitary Sewer System Smoke
Testing project intends to smoke test all 81,900 feet of sewer in 2026 and 2027. A map of the
Village's sewer system for the proposed smoke testing project is attached. The Village's sanitary
sewer system is tributary to the MWRD interceptor system so the smoke testing project shall
incorporate the requirements as outlined in Article 8 of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation
District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) for the
Inflow/Infiltration Control Program (IICP).
Minimum Scope of Services
The anticipated services for this project are stated in the attached Base Scope of Services
document. If the proposer suggests additional or modified services, these must be specifically
noted in their Proposal and associated fees separated from the Base Scope of Services fee.
Project Schedule
Proper smoke testing requires optimal conditions for success. Smoke testing should not be
performed if the following conditions exist:
1. When rainfall is occurring or has occurred in the prior 12 hours;
2. When significant rainfall resulting in accumulated surface ponding occurred in the prior 24
hours;
3. When in the Village's opinion soil conditions are saturated;
4. The segment to be tested is surcharged;
5. Sustained winds of 10 mph or more.
It is the Village's desire for half (approximately 42,000 feet) of the sewer to be completed by
October 1, 2026, with a draft report provided by November 30, 2026. However, it is recognized
that weather and other factors may not permit meeting that milestone. All inspections shall be
completed by October 1, 2027. A draft report shall be provided by November 30, 2027, with a
final report submitted by December 31, 2027.
S:\JOL\4800--4899\4801\009\Correspondence\Owner\OUT\26-07-13.Smoke Test RFQ-P\26-07-13.Smoke Testing_Part 1_Request for Qualifications
and Proposal.docx

Minimum Qualifications
To be qualified to submit on this project, the Consultant must have the following minimum
qualifications:
1. Firm licensed to perform business in the State of Illinois;
2. A minimum of four prior smoke testing projects within the MWRD service area completed
by the firm, the Project Manager, and the Lead Field Manager.
Proposal Submittal Requirements
Interested firms shall provide their qualifications and proposal including the following:
1. Cover letter: Indicating the firm's desire to assist with this project and the contact
information for the individual capable of responding to questions about the submittal.
2. Firm Description: A brief description of the firm along with any proposed sub-consultants,
if applicable. Include information on the local office from which the work will be managed
(2 pages maximum).
3. Project Understanding: A brief discussion of your firm's understanding of the services
required.
4. Project Approach: Discuss how your firm intends to approach this project including your
process and equipment for data collection, data sharing, and GIS integration techniques.
The Village uses GIS for the storage of data. The use of GIS by the selected Consultant
is imperative and must be used for recording and reporting all sewer investigation
activities. Any deviations from the Base Scope of Services or schedule shall be noted
separately.
5. Project Experience: Provide at least four similar projects in the MWRD service area that
your firm and staff have completed and date of completion. Include a reference name,
position, and contact (phone or email).
6. Project Team: Identify the proposed Project Manager, Lead Field Manager (the individual
who will be on site and coordinate the field operations) and other key staff that will be
involved with the project. Provide an organizational chart and up to one-page resumes.
7. Cost Proposal: Include all labor and expense for the project. Compensation shall be on a
time and expense basis with a not-to-exceed fee except through written approval from the
Village. Any deviations from the Base Scope of Services shall be accounted separately.
Firms may include other considerations and information they believe to be related and relevant.
However, please be succinct with documentation responsive to this request and the project scope.
Selection Process
Responses will be reviewed by the Village for the purpose of identifying and recommending the
firm offering the highest qualifications and experience with this type of project.
The Village will be evaluating each firm on the following general criteria:
1. Understanding and approach to the Base Scope of Services (30%)
2. Qualifications and experience of the firm for similar work (25%)
3. Qualifications and experience of the Project Manager and Lead Field Manager (25%)
S:\JOL\4800--4899\4801\009\Correspondence\Owner\OUT\26-07-13.Smoke Test RFQ-P\26-07-13.Smoke Testing_Part 1_Request for Qualifications
and Proposal.docx

4. Cost Proposal (20%)
Submittal Procedures
All cover letters shall be addressed to:
Mr. Bill Meyer, Director of Public Works
Village of Oak Lawn
9446 S. Raymond Avenue
Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453
The digital Request for Qualifications and Proposal are available at oaklawn-il.gov or at
bidnetdirect.com/Illinois/thevillageofoaklawn. There is no charge to register. All proposers shall
obtain the Request for Qualifications and Proposal from bidnet.com. Submittals from firms not on
the Plan Holders List may be returned as not being responsive. Questions may be addressed to
Katie Meck, via email at kmeck@oaklawn-il.gov no later than 2:00 p.m. (CST) on 8/5/2026.
Questions will only be answered through bidnet.com.
Please submit Proposals via bidnet.com no later than 2:00 p.m. CST on 8/12/2026.
Village staff will then review all submittals with anticipation for award of a contract on August 26,
2026.
Should any firm discover an ambiguity, inconsistency, or error upon examination of this document,
please notify the Village immediately so a clarification may be issued.
S:\JOL\4800--4899\4801\009\Correspondence\Owner\OUT\26-07-13.Smoke Test RFQ-P\26-07-13.Smoke Testing_Part 1_Request for Qualifications
and Proposal.docx

Smoke Testing - Base Scope of Services
1. Provide the Village with a plan for segmenting the system and points of smoke
introduction.
2. Prepare a draft smoke testing notification letter to be sent by the Village to the affected
residents and business owners. The letters will include Consultant contact information for
use during smoke testing. If desired by the Village, reformat these letters as a public
service announcement, billing insert, and/or for a Reverse 911 message. Provide
letter/language in both English and Spanish.
3. Prepare smoke testing door hangers to be hung by the Consultant staff at each address
between three and seven days prior to smoke testing. The door hangers will also include
the Consultant contact information and be in both English and Spanish.
4. Notify the Village and the fire and police departments of planned smoke testing activities,
including daily updates.
5. For critical locations like schools, hospitals, care facilities, etc., make contact during early
stages of project to coordinate timing of test and notify immediately prior to the start of the
test.
6. Provide equipment and smoke as necessary for smoke testing, including, but not limited
to:
a. Direct-drive type smoke blowers capable of producing 4,000+ CFM of air volume;
b. Sandbags or temporary plugs;
c. Smoke candles or liquid smoke;
d. Smoke defect markers (cones or flags); and
e. Smoke testing maintenance of traffic signs.
7. Provide a minimum four-person crew at all times during smoke testing.
8. During smoke testing, erect smoke testing signs near the testing area and respond to
resident and Village questions on-site as well as through phone calls.
9. Use data collection equipment using appropriate field forms for collecting smoke testing
data.
10. Smoke test the sanitary sewers as outlined using the following minimum procedures:
a. Properly guard manholes and testing area.
b. Use dual-blowers, placing a blower on two consecutive manhole segments in a
row. Segments shorter than 150 feet can be tested with an adjacent segment
provided no more than one manhole is in between and no more than 450 feet is
tested at any time.
c. Install temporary plugs or sandbags as necessary to direct and contain the smoke
to the tested section.

d. Walk the entire test section, including backyards and around structures as possible
to identify instances of smoke.
e. Flag, photograph, identify, record, and GPS locate each instance of smoke exiting
the ground. Provide an identifier of the potential defect associated with the smoke
observed. Anticipated identifiers include the following:
Storm sewer to sanitary sewer cross connections
Sanitary sewer or manhole defects, sanitary lateral defects, cleanout cap
defects, downspout defects
Sanitary sewer connections through area drains, foundation drains, or
downspouts
Vent stacks not smoking
Project Management, Data Analysis, and Reporting - Base Scope of Services
1. Attend a project kickoff meeting with Village staff.
2. Provide project management services throughout the duration of the project.
3. Provide data analysis as follows:
a. Compile field data and develop a complete list of defects;
b. Incorporate results into GIS;
c. Determine appropriate rehabilitation method(s) for each defect, as appropriate.
4. Organize all data from individual field inspections into a comprehensive summary report.
Provide the following information for the summary report:
a. Summary of work completed, including a mapping;
b. Map of identified defects;
c. List of defects prioritized for rehabilitation;
d. Recommendations for follow-up investigation work; and
e. Recommendations for rehabilitation or source removal.
f. Estimated cost for follow-up investigations and rehabilitation work.
5. Report Submittal:
a. Submit a pdf draft report for Village review.
b. Address Village comments on draft report and revise.
c. Provide a pdf final report, data files, GIS geodatabases, and photographs.
6. Attend up to one additional meeting with Village staff.

S:\JOL\4800--4899\4801\009\Designs-Studies-Reports\Sanitary Sewer\Smoke Testing Program\Working Folder\Overall Area.docx

SANITARY SEWER SMOKE TESTING
AREA 1
Upstream Downstream Length Pipe Diameter
Street Manhole Manhole (ft) (in)
S 55th Ct 2175 2176 157 8
S 55th Ave 2177 2176 132 8
S 55th Ave 2176 2178 149 10
S 55th Ave 2178 2179 330 10
Alexander Pl 2182 2181 98 8
Alexander Pl 2180 2181 114 8
S 55th Ave 2181 2183 27 10
S 55th Ave 2183 2179 172 10
S 55th Ave 2179 2199 220 10
Avery Pl 2188 2187 182 10
Avery Pl 2187 2186 148 10
Avery Pl 2184 2185 139 10
Avery Pl 2185 2186 175 10
Avery Pl 2186 2191 175 10
Avery Pl 2189 2190 134 10
Avery Pl 2190 2191 175 10
Avery Pl 2191 2192 29 10
Avery Pl 2192 2193 179 8
Avery Pl 2193 2194 171 8
S 55th Ave 2194 2199 329 8
W 88th St 2195 2196 173 10
W 88th St 2196 2197 173 10
W 88th St 2197 2198 173 10
W 88th St 2198 2199 182 8
S 55th Ave 2199 2200 330 8
Alexander Pl 2201 2201 177 8
Alexander Pl 2202 2200 172 8
S 55th Ave 2200 2203 138 8
Alexander Pl 1097 1096 115 8
Alexander Pl 1096 2203 226 8
S 55th Ave 2205 2204 62 6
S 55th Ave 2204 1095 179 8
S 55th Ave 1095 1096 218 8
S 55th Ave 2203 1100 191 8
W 89th St 1098 1099 172 8
W 89th St 1099 1100 174 8
S 55th Ave 1100 1101 330 10

Upstream Downstream Length Pipe Diameter
Street Manhole Manhole (ft) (in)
Kimball Pl 1102 1103 204 8
Kimball Pl 1103 1104 173 8
Kimball Pl 1104 1105 151 8
Kimball Pl 1105 1101 199 8
S 55th Ave 1101 1110 17 10
W 90th St 1107 1108 102 8
S 55th Ct 1106 1108 100 8
W 90th St 1108 1109 133 8
S 55th Ave 1109 1110 125 8
S 55th Ave 1110 1116 184 10
W 90th St 1117 1118 192 8
W 90th St 1118 1119 183 8
W 90th Ave 1119 1120 167 8
W 90th Ave 1120 1116 182 8
S 55th Ave 1116 1115 142 10
S 55th Ct 1111 1112 123 8
S 55th Ct 1112 1113 73 8
Otto Pl 1113 1114 186 8
S 55th Ave 1114 1115 190 8
S 55th Ave 1115 1123 189 10
Otto Pl 1121 1122 169 10
Otto Pl 1122 1123 228 10
Otto Pl 1124 1125 185 8
Otto Pl 1125 1126 181 8
Otto Pl 1126 1127 175 8
Otto Pl 1127 1123 174 8
Otto Pl 4158 4157 11 10
Otto Pl 4157 4156 94 10
Otto Pl 4156 1121 51 10
S 55th Ave 1123 2131 269 10
Avery Pl 1128 1129 233 10
Avery Pl 1129 1130 246 10
Avery Pl 1130 1131 226 10
S 53rd Ct 1131 1132 185 10
Avery Pl 1136 1135 157 8
Avery Pl 1135 1134 170 8
Avery Pl 1134 1133 169 8
Avery Pl 1133 1132 206 8
S 53rd Ct 1132 1137 141 8
S 53rd Ct 1137 1138 188 8

Upstream Downstream Length Pipe Diameter
Street Manhole Manhole (ft) (in)
W 88th St 1140 1139 376 8
W 88th St 1139 1138 348 8
S 53rd Ct 1138 1141 331 8
Alexander Pl 1145 1144 376 8
Alexander Pl 1144 1141 349 8
Alexander Pl 1143 1142 188 8
Alexander Pl 1142 1141 198 8
S 53rd Ct 1141 1148 328 8
W 89th St 1146 1147 174 8
W 89th St 1147 1148 198 8
W 89th St 1150 1149 374 8
W 89th St 1149 1148 350 8
S 53rd Ct 1148 1155 330 10
S 52nd Ave 1151 1152 49 8
S 52nd Ave 1152 1153 77 8
Kimball Pl 1153 1154 378 8
Kimball Pl 1154 1155 350 8
S 53rd Ct 1155 1156 330 10
W 90th St 1193 1194 199 8
W 90th St 1194 1195 277 8
W 90th St 1195 1159 259 8
W 90th St 1159 1158 90 8
W 90th St 1158 1157 376 8
W 90th St 1157 1156 350 8
S 53rd Ct 1156 1160 331 10
Otto Pl 1162 1161 375 8
Otto Pl 1161 1160 350 8
S 53rd Ct 1160 2134 269 10
W 91st St 2138 2136 129 8
W 91st St 2136 2158 295 8
W 91st St 2135 2158 23 8
W 91st St 2158 2134 226 8
W 91st St 2134 2133 194 10
W 91st St 2133 2132 337 10
W 91st St 2132 2131 269 12