Deep Soil Drilling Services - San Joaquin Valley

The California Department of Water Resources is soliciting bids under Invitation for Bid for on-call deep soil drilling services in the San Joaquin Valley, with technical questions due November 17, 2026 and bids due December 9, 2026. A mandatory Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement of a minimum 3.0% commitment applies, with incentive calculations ranging from 3.0% to 5.0% based on participation levels. A 5.0% Small Business (SB) Preference is available to certified small businesses, and a 5.0% Non-Small Business (NSB) Preference applies when an NSB commits to subcontracting at least 25.0% of bid price to a certified SB, with maximum combined preferences not exceeding $100,000.

The work covers on-call geological exploration drilling, monitoring well installation, and related services, with primary focus from approximately Los Banos to Grapevine, California, and work at various locations potentially throughout all California counties. Drill depths reach up to 1,400 feet. Bidders must hold a valid C-57 Well Drilling License and maintain an office/warehouse in California with full-time employees and drilling equipment. Department of Industrial Relations registration and public works prevailing wage obligations apply. Crew documentation must verify driller qualifications, and Defensive Driver, First Aid/CPR, Sexual Harassment Prevention, and HAZWOPER certifications must be completed within three years.

Six bid items cover mobilization and demobilization (lump sum), rotary drilling and sampling (3,300 hours at hourly rate), well development (1,150 regular hours and 175 overtime hours), site security ($250,000 budget), special equipment and services ($1,950,000 budget), and well casing and materials ($3,700,000 budget). Markups on items four through six may not exceed 10%. The contract term is three years, with an anticipated start in April 2027. Bidders post a bidder's bond equal to 10% of bid amount, and the awardee provides performance and payment bonds each equal to 100% of contract amount. The State verifies tax delinquency status for proposing firms and subcontractors before award.

Award goes to the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications after application of applicable preferences. The State will answer technical questions by November 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Original signed bid sheets, certifications, references, and bonds are due with sealed bids on December 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with public opening at 1:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.