Ditching/Excavation Services - Baraga & Houghton Counties

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for ditching and excavation services in Baraga and Houghton Counties, targeting specific roadways including US-41, US-141, M-26, M-28, M-38, and M-203. The procurement requires a contractor to provide one medium excavator (30-50 thousand pounds) and two quad dump trucks with operators to perform various excavation and infrastructure maintenance tasks. Specific deliverables include 160 hours of excavator and dump truck work, 25 cubic yards of embankment, 125 feet of shallow and deep erosion control turbidity curtain, and 80 cubic yards of non-hazardous contaminated material handling. The contractor must also perform slope restoration, guardrail reconstruction, and comply with detailed technical specifications outlined in accompanying special provisions and standard plans. Key evaluation criteria include lowest total cost, with MDOT reserving the right to consider overall economic impact including Michigan employment and tax revenue implications. Important dates include a question submission deadline of May 25, 2021, proposal due date of May 28, 2021, and an anticipated contract start date of June 15, 2021 for a one-year term with no renewal options.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contractor must provide performance and payment bonds and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial general liability, automobile liability, workers' compensation, and employers liability insurance. Potential financial exposure includes liquidated damages of $1,000 plus $100 per day for late or improper work completion. While specific budget ranges are not directly stated, the pricing schedule suggests estimated work quantities with potential for adjustments based on actual project needs. The contractor will receive split mobilization payments, with 50% paid after completing work in Baraga County and certain Houghton County sections, and the remaining 50% after completing work on other specified roadway sections. MDOT will provide additional support by handling traffic control, Miss Dig calls, and potentially supplying additional trucks for material hauling if required. The low bidder meeting all specifications will be selected, with the understanding that listed quantities are estimates and actual work will be determined by the Program Manager.