Fowler School Road Road Improvement Project

Horry County, South Carolina is soliciting bids for the Fowler School Road Road Improvement Project (Bid #2023-24-036), a comprehensive roadway infrastructure enhancement initiative. The project involves road improvements including drainage upgrades, road bed clearing, grubbing, subgrade and base preparation, shoulder grading, and seeding. Bidders must be licensed South Carolina contractors with a current State General Contractor's License and must submit comprehensive bid documentation, including a 5% bid bond. The project requires electronic bid submission by October 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with a planned completion timeline of 90 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed. Contractors will be evaluated based on unit pricing, local vendor preferences, and compliance with South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) specifications. Key deliverables include road construction from station 12+04.00 to station 33+83.40, involving 1.5 acres of disturbed area and 3.5 acres of permitted area, with specific engineering requirements such as 2% cross slopes, 2:1 side slopes, and multiple drainage structural installations.

Local vendor preference is a significant factor in bid evaluation, with Horry County-based businesses potentially receiving preferential treatment if their bid is within 2-5% of the lowest non-local bid. To qualify as a local vendor, businesses must have a physical county address for at least three years, employ a majority of Horry County residents, maintain current business licenses, and be in good standing with tax authorities. The project will require performance and payment bonds for 100% of the contract price, and contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage including worker's compensation, automobile liability, and general liability, with Horry County named as an additional insured. While a specific project budget is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the road improvement project suggests a substantial investment in local infrastructure. Funding will likely come from county budgetary allocations, with potential supplemental grant or federal funding sources. The project includes a one-year warranty on materials and workmanship, emphasizing quality and long-term infrastructure reliability.