10115143

The California Department of Water Resources has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB #10115143) for Locator of Underground Utilities services within its Southern Field Division. The primary objective is to secure a contractor responsible for locating and marking underground utilities prior to excavation by other contractors working on DWR property. The successful vendor must demonstrate capability to respond within 48 hours for standard requests and within 4 hours for emergency notices, and must possess data receiving equipment compatible with Underground Service Alert of Southern California requirements. Technical questions were due by March 29, 2016 at 2:00 pm, with answers provided by March 30, 2016, and final bids are due April 18, 2016 at 2:00 pm. The anticipated contract term is three years, commencing July 1, 2016, with a pricing structure based on two components: estimated 40 monthly call-outs to actual sites and 200 monthly screening-only tickets. Contractor qualifications include ability to promptly locate and mark underground utilities and maintain necessary communication and technological infrastructure.

While Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) program requirements are waived for this contract, a 5% DVBE incentive is available for voluntary DVBE participation. Small businesses can also receive a 5% preference if they are certified or if non-small businesses subcontract 25% to certified small businesses. The contract includes mandatory performance bonds and comprehensive insurance requirements, specifically $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate general liability coverage. The estimated monthly service volume suggests a potential annual contract value in the range of $100,000 to $250,000, depending on actual call-out frequencies and complexity of utility location services. Prospective bidders must carefully review all documentation, demonstrate technical competence, and provide detailed pricing structures that align with the Department of Water Resources' specific underground utility locating needs.