26-55_Mar_23_26_solicitation_doc.pdf

This is an Invitation to Bid (ITB) solicitation document issued by the City of Norwich, Connecticut, on behalf of Norwich Public Utilities for comprehensive wood utility pole inspection services. The solicitation (Bid No. 26-55) opened on March 12, 2026, at 8:45 AM EDT and closes on March 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT. The scope of work encompasses inspection of approximately 600 utility poles annually between April and June, with capacity for up to 1,000 inspections per year, utilizing methods including visual inspections, sounding, boring, excavation, and treatment for decay and structural deficiencies. Deliverables include eight unit-priced line items: excavated and external treatment (900 poles), visual inspection and sounding (1,000 poles), visual inspection with sounding and boring (1,000 poles), internal treatment (1,000 poles), pole number installation (500 poles), guy guard replacement (250 poles), ground wire maintenance (250 poles), and pole reinforcement (2 poles). The contract term extends three years from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with an option for a two-year extension at the Owner's discretion, with a maximum total contract term not to exceed five years through June 30, 2031. No bidder may withdraw its bid within sixty days of the bid opening date.

Bidders must meet substantial qualification requirements, including minimum experience with 5,000 utility poles inspected under qualified instruction and an additional 5,000 inspected independently, with supervision by State of Connecticut certified pesticide applicators. All work shall be performed Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage including Workers' Compensation (statutory), Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Commercial Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), Pollution Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), and Umbrella/Excess Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence), with Norwich Public Utilities named as additional insured. Digital data deliverables must be compatible with NPU's GIS pole database using ESRI Collector or an equivalent approved application. Sales and use taxes are not applicable under this contract per Connecticut Agencies Regulations. No estimated total contract value is provided in the available documentation. All contractors must comply with state and federal regulations, including OSHA standards and nondiscrimination requirements. Inquiries should be directed to Robert Castronova at 860-823-3706 or rcastronova@cityofnorwich.org.