DOT2617-HDPYE_PIPE_qa.pdf

This is a Questions and Answers document issued by the Delaware Department of Transportation regarding a sealed bid solicitation for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The solicitation encompasses approximately 12,000 linear feet of HDPE pipes ranging from 12 inches to 84 inches in diameter, structured across three bidding sections covering the North and Canal Districts, Central District, and South District. Vendors may bid on any or all sections. Sealed bids were due on September 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM Local Time at the Delaware Department of Transportation Administration Building in Dover, Delaware. The scope includes miscellaneous hardware such as elbows and tees, with pipes 12 inches and larger conforming to AASHTO M294 Type S or Type C standards and smaller pipes meeting AASHTO M252 standards. All couplers must be gasketed watertight bell/spigot or bell/bell design meeting ASTM F477 and ASTM D3212 requirements. Delivery is required within ten working days of written or electronic notification to designated maintenance yards in each district during normal business hours. The initial contract term is one year from execution, with four optional one-year renewals available through mutual negotiation and pricing adjustments permitted upon extension approval.

Pricing must be quoted in U.S. dollars on an F.O.B. Destination basis with freight prepaid and allowed; all transportation costs and applicable taxes are incorporated into unit prices. The bid bond requirement is waived. Vendors must be registered with DelDOT through SimpliGov and maintain mandatory insurance coverage including Worker's Compensation, Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 aggregate), Product Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 aggregate), and Automotive Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit). Payment is made upon submission of triplicate billing certified to the Engineer and acceptance of materials. No minimum contract quantities or values are guaranteed. Notably, a bidder inquiry regarding substitute materials for 72-inch and 84-inch HDPE pipe—specifically whether corrugated metal or steel-reinforced HDPE could be used as alternatives to traditional manufacturers like ADS—was explicitly denied, with the agency stating that there will be no substitute materials permitted.