Fitchburg Road Sewer Main Extension - Phase 1

The Town of Ayer Department of Public Works is soliciting sealed bids for the Fitchburg Road Sewer Main Extension, Phase 1, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with bids due Friday, December 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. No set-aside or preference program applies. Contractors must take affirmative steps to use small, minority, and women's businesses as sources of supplies, equipment, construction, and services when possible, which is a subcontracting obligation rather than a participation goal.

The base bid covers a new gravity sewer main on Fitchburg Road, including appurtenances, service connections, trench paving, and miscellaneous work. Traffic management and road restoration must meet MassDOT standards and permit requirements. The 13 bid items include six precast sewer manholes; PVC sewer pipe in 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch diameters totaling 1,197 linear feet; controlled density fill; processed gravel subbase; temporary and permanent trench paving; silt sacks; sediment control barrier; loam and seed; and traffic management. Bidders must furnish 5 percent bid security, and the successful bidder must furnish 100 percent performance and payment bonds from an acceptable surety. Prevailing wage rates set by the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development apply.

Contract time is 150 calendar days from Notice to Proceed, which will be issued no earlier than April 1, 2027. Liquidated damages are $500 per day for delays beyond the 150-day substantial completion date and the 180-day final completion date. Bids remain firm for 60 days after opening, and the successful bidder must execute the contract within 15 days of the Notice of Award.

Written clarification requests must be submitted to mhernon@ayer.ma.us at least five working days before the bid due date. Bidding documents are available at www.ayer.ma.us/Bids.aspx, or from the Owner with a refundable deposit returnable within 30 days of bid opening if documents are returned in good condition.