Bridge Operations-Fort Street Bridge

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 200000001437 for operational and custodial services for the Fort Street Bascule Bridge located in Wayne County, Detroit. The contract requires a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive 24/7/365 bridge operations, including trained personnel to operate the bridge, perform visual equipment inspections, conduct custodial duties, and maintain accurate records. Operators must meet stringent qualifications, including physical standards, vision requirements, emergency communication skills, and certification as a Trained Bridge Operator. The RFP was issued on March 20, 2020, with proposal submissions due by April 27, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, and an anticipated contract start date of August 1, 2020. The evaluation process will focus on bidders meeting mandatory minimum requirements, with contract award determined by the lowest-price qualified bidder who completes all required forms and meets U.S. Coast Guard operational regulations. Two rounds of bidder questions are permitted, with deadlines of March 26 and April 6, 2020.

The state provides opportunities for disabled veteran and service-disabled veteran owned businesses, which may receive consideration during the evaluation process. The contract is structured as a three-year agreement with potential for two additional one-year renewals, and includes comprehensive insurance requirements: Commercial General Liability ($1M per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1M per accident), Workers' Compensation, and Employers Liability ($500K per accident). Contractors must register with the state's SIGMA VSS system and accept payment via Electronic Funds Transfer. The contract includes potential liquidated damages of $200 per hour for non-compliance, and requires the prime contractor to perform at least 50% of the original contract amount. While specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the pricing structure includes monthly lump sum payments, annual mobilization fees, and provisions for covering training, supplies, equipment, and operational costs. Subcontracting is permitted, but with strict oversight and performance requirements.