Drilling Horizontal Access Borehole

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), a political subdivision of the State of Texas located in Bexar County, is seeking a qualified contractor to drill a horizontal access borehole at their Field Research Park in San Antonio. This Invitation for Bid (IFB) requires drilling a horizontal borehole between 200-400 feet in length, with a minimum depth of six feet below ground surface, specifically designed to facilitate long-term subsurface water content monitoring using a neutron probe for an experimental infiltration study. The project mandates dry drilling methods, such as air rotary, to minimize fluid introduction and requires using the smallest practical bit size to maximize the neutron probe's sensing volume. Bids are due by 3:00 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, with an anticipated contract award date of Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The bid evaluation will be comprehensive, allocating points across several key areas: cost factors (55 points), commercial quality (25 points), project subcontracting plan (10 points), and financial stability (10 points). Bidders must submit a complete bid package including a bid sheet, client references, a project subcontracting plan, and an insurance requirement affidavit.

The EAA strongly encourages minority and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs) to participate, with an explicit goal of awarding 30% of the contract amount to such enterprises. The borehole must specifically accommodate a 503 ELITE Hydroprobe system with precise casing requirements, suggesting potential technical complexity that may limit the pool of qualified contractors. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the technical specifications and specialized nature of the drilling work indicate that experienced environmental or geological research drilling contractors would be most suitable for this project. The solicitation does not explicitly state a total contract value or budget range, but the specialized nature of the work and the specific technical requirements suggest this will be a targeted, precision-driven procurement. The contract appears to have potential for renewal options, which could provide additional opportunities for the selected vendor beyond the initial project scope.