Air Release Valve Relocation (CIP-2339)

The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for Air Release Valve Relocation project CIP-2339 in Barnwell County, South Carolina, with bids due May 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT. The procurement seeks construction services for the replacement of approximately 17 existing Air Release Valve (ARV) assemblies distributed across the BJWSA service territory. Work scope includes removal of existing ARV assemblies from manhole vaults, replacement of existing tapping saddles with new stainless steel (SS316) tapping saddles, removal of manhole cones with backfilling using BJWSA-approved select fill material, installation of contractor-supplied new ARV pedestals on 3-foot by 3-foot concrete pads positioned no less than 6 inches above ground surface, and comprehensive site restoration. All work must comply with BJWSA Technical Specifications and Details, with specific ARV asset locations identified on provided distribution and collection system maps. Contractors are required to submit sealed bids using the provided Bid Form (Exhibit H) via the BJWSA Procurement Portal, with pricing valid for a minimum of 60 days post-submittal. Key deadlines include April 30, 2026, for Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business (SMWBE) participation good faith effort written notice, May 4, 2026, for questions, voluntary site visits to verify field conditions, and May 15, 2026, for bid opening. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest total cost, with Board approval estimated for June 2026, Notice to Proceed in July 2026, and project completion required by January 31, 2027.

Contractors must meet specific insurance and bonding requirements, including minimum Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability coverage of $1,000,000, Workers' Compensation of $500,000, and Employers Liability of 500/500/500; bids of $100,000 or more require a 5% bid bond and 100% performance and payment bonds upon award. SMWBE good faith effort documentation is mandatory unless contractors perform 100% of work with their own workforce; subcontractors require written notice to designated good faith agencies at least 15 calendar days prior to bid submission. Additional required certifications and documentation include the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Compliance Affidavit, Vendor Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Attestation, Non-Collusion Statement, Acknowledgement of Addenda, and a minimum of three client references. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. The bid amount, whether reaching the $100,000 threshold requiring bonding, is not explicitly stated but is anticipated based on the scope of work replacing 17 ARV assemblies with associated site restoration. Payment will be made within 30 days of invoice submission, with all work and invoices due by January 31, 2027.