Ditching/Excavation Baraga Co and southern Houghton Co

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for ditching and excavation services in Baraga County and southern Houghton County, specifically seeking one medium excavator (30-50,000 pounds) and two quad dump trucks with operators. The procurement is focused on roadway maintenance and infrastructure improvement, with MDOT providing traffic control, Miss Dig calls, and potential additional hauling trucks. Key deliverables include precise excavation and ditching work according to MDOT specifications, with a contract start date of May 4, 2020. The RFP requires contractors to submit hourly rates for equipment with operators and demonstrates a rigorous selection process that will award to the lowest-price bidder meeting all specifications. Critical dates include question submissions due by April 28, 2020, and final proposal submissions due by April 30, 2020. Evaluation criteria appear to prioritize pricing, equipment capabilities, and compliance with detailed operational and insurance requirements. Contractors must maintain specific insurance coverages, including $1 million in Commercial General Liability, $1 million in Automobile Liability, and Workers' Compensation coverage.

The RFP does not explicitly indicate set-aside designations for disadvantaged business enterprises or specify restrictions on respondent types beyond the technical and insurance qualifications. No incumbent vendors are identified in the provided documentation. The contract includes significant financial penalties, with liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $100 per day for late or improper work completion, which suggests a strict performance expectation. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the requirement for hourly equipment rates implies a potentially flexible contract value dependent on actual work performed. The procurement appears focused on securing a qualified contractor with appropriate equipment and operational capabilities to perform roadway maintenance tasks in rural Michigan counties. The relatively short timeline between posting and proposal due date (six days) suggests an urgent need for these services, which might influence potential bidders' interest and preparation.