City Buildings Backflow Testing

The City of Battle Creek, located in Calhoun County, Michigan, is soliciting bids for annual backflow preventer testing services through Invitation for Bids (IFB) No. 2026-019B. The procurement covers testing approximately 66 backflow prevention devices across multiple municipal facilities, including City Hall, Police Department, Fire Stations, Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Airport Facilities, Parks and Recreation Buildings, and Public Works Facilities. The contract is anticipated to run for up to five years, with testing to be performed between May and October while irrigation systems are in service. Contractors must be licensed and certified to perform backflow testing in Michigan, with a minimum of three years of experience in municipal or commercial backflow testing. Bidders are required to submit licensing documentation, company establishment years, and three references from similar projects. The bid is due on September 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM local time, with testing to be conducted in accordance with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regulations and local ordinances. Evaluation criteria include compliance with technical specifications, licensing requirements, and demonstrated experience in similar municipal testing projects.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The comprehensive bid documents indicate a pricing structure that includes per-device backflow testing rates and fees for not accessible or untestable devices. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the scope involves testing 71 devices across multiple city-owned properties, suggesting a potentially significant contract value. The City reserves the right to award the contract to a bidder other than the lowest if minimum requirements are not met, and the contract includes provisions for potential cancellation, termination, and renewal options. The testing will cover various types of backflow prevention devices, including Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventers (RPBP), Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVB), and Double Check Valves (DCV) for fire protection, lawn sprinkler, boiler, and containment systems. Previous testing records indicate that several devices have failed prior tests, underscoring the critical nature of this maintenance contract. Contractors will be responsible for comprehensive documentation and reporting of test results for each device.