For Immediate Release:
August 25, 2004

Contact Information:
Annette Martinez
(773) 686-3700



O’HARE HOSTS PRE-BID PROPOSAL CONFERENCE
Conference Showcases Opportunities for Phase III of the Façade and Circulation Enhancement (FACE) Project

The Department of Aviation will conduct a Pre-Bid Proposal Conference Thursday, August 26 for Phase III of the O’Hare FACE Project. The conference offers potential bidders an opportunity to pick up bid documents for Phase III and attend a networking session that facilitates meetings between potential sub-contractors and prime contractors.

The cost of the project is estimated between $50 - $100 million. Interested bidders must submit their proposal by October 1, 2004. There is a 30 - 60 day review period on submitted proposals.

"Thirty-seven percent of this project is committed to minority and women owned businesses," said Aviation Commissioner John A. Roberson. "Representatives of companies interested in bidding on this project will have the ability to network and discuss the prospects of working with others on this program. We encourage all parties interested in bidding on the project to attend," added Roberson.

Phase III of the FACE project includes the extension of the canopy "wing" over the upper level roadway at Terminal 1, and the relocation of escalators connecting the check-in area to the baggage claim area of Terminal 2. The canopy will extend approximately 46 feet over the first two upper level lanes of traffic. The relocation of the escalators in Terminal 2 will increase the width of the check-in lobby by more than a third and free up more area for baggage claim and passenger circulation.

Phase II of the FACE project is scheduled for completion this fall. Work on this phase includes the installation of steel columns, vertical glass walls, terrazzo flooring, canopy extensions and upper level roadway work at Terminals 2 and 3.

The O’Hare FACE Project is part of the Department of Aviation's on-going capital improvement program to renovate the existing infrastructure of the airport’s facility. The $300 million project is a multi-phase construction project to update the existing facade and roadway of Terminals 1, 2 & 3. The project began in April 2003 and is scheduled for completion in 2007.

The Pre-bid conference will begin at 10 a.m. at the O’Hare Airport Maintenance Complex Building, located on Montrose Avenue, just west of Mannheim Road. All interested participants must be present promptly at the 10 a.m. to participate.