Geologic Exploration Drilling Services

The California Department of Water Resources is soliciting bids for Geologic Exploration Drilling Services (IFB #10118764) to provide up to two fully-equipped drilling rigs with staffed crews across twelve Southern California counties, including Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. The primary objective is to support geologic exploration projects requiring drilling and sampling services, with contractors responsible for providing core drilling, hourly drilling, sampling, and related equipment and materials. Bidders must possess a valid C-57 Water Well Drilling License and submit comprehensive unit pricing for various service categories. Technical questions were due by March 7, 2016, with answers provided by March 8, 2016. The bid submission deadline was March 16, 2016, at 10:00 am, with bid opening at 11:00 am the same day, though subsequent addenda extended the final bid receipt date to March 25, 2016. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specifications, with an anticipated two-year contract term beginning in April 2016.

The procurement includes specific set-aside and preference programs, notably the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements with a minimum goal of 3% and potential incentives ranging from 2% to 5%. Small businesses can also receive a 5% preference. Contractors must include security service costs within base bid items, with no guarantee of minimum work volume. Post-award requirements include submission of various certifications, including a 10% bidder's bond, payee data records, insurance certificates, and performance and payment bonds. Compliance with state mandates such as the Darfur Contracting Act and Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) is mandatory. While no specific budget range was explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the drilling services solicitation suggests a potentially significant contract value for geologic exploration support across Southern California's diverse geographical regions.