Caratan Recharge Pipeline

Southern San Joaquin Municipal Utility District is requesting bids on the Caratan Recharge Pipeline project in Kern County, California under IFB SSJMUD 26-02, with sealed bids due September 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at 11281 Garzoli Avenue, Delano, California 93215. A voluntary pre-bid conference and job-site tour is scheduled for August 26, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the District office.

The scope includes furnishing and installing approximately 1,200 linear feet of 48-inch C900 PVC pipe and 130 linear feet of 48-inch CMLC steel pipe, modifications to the existing Moss Screen Diversion Structure, a slide gate, a 48-inch insertion flow meter with concrete vault, two 18-inch and one 24-inch turnouts with associated valves and fittings, demolition, excavation and backfill, bollards, environmental compliance, and site restoration. The District will furnish some materials for contractor installation. Work within the Moss Screen Diversion Structure must be completed within 30 calendar days during the anticipated Friant-Kern Canal shutdown period of November 2026 through January 2027. The project is funded in part by a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Drought Response Program grant.

The District anticipates issuing Notice to Proceed on or about October 30, 2026, with work to begin within ten days of receipt. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder within 30 days after bid opening. Bids must be based on prevailing wage rates under California Labor Code Section 1770 et seq. and the Davis-Bacon Act, whichever is greater. Bidders must hold the appropriate California contractor's license classification and be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Bid security of five percent of the bid amount is required. The successful bidder must furnish a Faithful Performance Bond and Payment Bond each equal to 100 percent of the total contract price, plus comprehensive liability insurance with minimums of $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 aggregate. The contractor must perform work equivalent to at least 60 percent of the total contract price with its own organization, with no more than 40 percent subcontracted.