25-070 Utility Locator Services

The City of Albany, Georgia, is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive underground utility locating and marking services for its water infrastructure through Bid Reference No. 25-070. The procurement is designed to comply with Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 25-9) and related regulatory standards, with the primary objective of accurately identifying and marking underground utility assets. The contractor will be responsible for responding to an estimated 21,000 to 23,000 annual utility locate requests across the entire Albany service area, utilizing precise locating techniques and adhering to state protection regulations. A mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit are scheduled for May 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with sealed bids due by 2:30 p.m. on May 26, 2025. Bidders must submit a 5% bid bond and will be evaluated based on their ability to provide comprehensive locating services, equipment readiness, regulatory compliance, and responsiveness to locate requests through Georgia811.

The City encourages small business participation and has established comprehensive insurance requirements for potential contractors, including $1,000,000 in commercial general liability coverage, $500,000 in automobile liability, and mandatory worker's compensation insurance. Successful bidders must comply with the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act and maintain a drug-free workplace. The contract will be structured as a firm, fixed-price one-year agreement with potential renewal options. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the high volume of annual locate requests (21,000-23,000) suggests a substantial contract value. Contractors must provide corporate documentation, maintain proper equipment, and demonstrate capability to integrate with existing utility infrastructure and reporting systems. Additionally, 100% performance and payment bonds will be required for the awarded contractor, and the City reserves the right to reject any or all bids submitted.