Section 650.280  Calculation of Work Ratings

a)         Applicants assigned work ratings in the categories of Earthwork, Portland Cement Concrete Paving, Bituminous Plant Mix, Bituminous Aggregate Mixtures, Aggregate Bases & Surfaces (type A or B) and Cover & Seal Coats are required to possess specific equipment or plant facilities which are assigned Equipment Factors.  Work ratings in these categories are calculated by the primary formula.

            WR = PF (EF/2 + EqF/2)   (Primary Formula)

b)         Equipment Factors based on plant production may be quite large, but new or inexperienced contractors may not be able to realize the full potential of their capacity.  For this reason, the primary formula considers experience as well as equipment and plant capacity.  In the simplest case, a new applicant with no experience and a presumed performance factor of 1.0 will receive a work rating equal to one half the calculated Equipment Factor.  As the applicant gains experience, the work rating will increase.  When the Experience Factor equals or exceeds the Equipment Factor, the work rating is calculated by the advanced formula below.

            WR = PF X EqF   (Advanced Formula)

c)         All remaining work categories are calculated by the secondary formula.

            WR = PF X CP X 1.2   (Secondary Formula)

d)         The secondary formula does not utilize an equipment factor because of the immeasurable productive capacity of the equipment or plant facility; however, equipment must be owned by or leased to the applicant.  See Section 650.Appendix A of this Part for a listing of equipment or plant facilities.  The secondary formula includes a factor of 1.2 to provide a margin for growth.

e)         An applicant's capacity to perform may exceed the calculated equipment factor.  This can occur by good management, efficiency and additional hours of work. When this occurs, the primary and advanced formulas will be replaced by the secondary formula.

f)         The work rating in any given category may not exceed the financial rating of the applicant.

g)         A work rating may be designated as "Illinois Work Only." This work rating indicates the dollar value of work which the applicant's own forces can perform within the State of Illinois in one construction season.  This rating will be established by the Department if the applicant does work in more than one state or outside the continental United States and it would be impractical to verify all outstanding work.

h)         Prior to any consideration for establishing a work rating value, the applicant shall provide a list of all technical, supervisory and key personnel who would manage a project awarded by the Department.  This list should include the individual's job title and number of years of construction experience.  The Department may also require the submittal of resumes of the above individuals.  Applicants prequalifying with the Department for the first time shall be required to submit resumes.  Insufficient personnel may be justification for a reduction in the rating of a work category as determined by the primary, advanced or secondary formula.  Hiring of additional personnel may be justification for an increase in the rating of a work category.  Applicants without experienced personnel for a requested work category may be denied the rating.

i)          Methods to Improve a Work Rating

1)         Hiring of additional personnel.

2)         Purchase, lease or rental of additional equipment.

3)         Completion of additional work.

j)          A contractor may request additional rating in a work category at any time during the prequalification period by submitting a revised application or supplemental information.

(Source:  Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 18775, effective December 7, 2000)