Geotechnical Drilling, Umpqua River Bridge

Oregon Department of Transportation is soliciting quotes under RFCQ S-73000-00018235 for geotechnical drilling services supporting a bridge pier protection project at the Umpqua River Bridge, with quotes due November 5, 2026. The solicitation carries an Emerging Small Business set-aside requiring the successful contractor to be certified by Oregon's Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) and to perform at least 51 percent of labor with its own workforce.

The work consists of eight geotechnical holes at US 101 where it crosses the Umpqua River near Reedsport, approximately milepost 211.1 in Douglas County, all drilled from a barge. Holes extend to about 40 feet below the mudline, roughly 65 to 90 feet below the water surface, using mud rotary and/or casing advancer methods to refusal or competent rock, followed by HQ3T wireline coring. Scope includes Standard Penetration Test sampling at 2.5- to 5-foot intervals and Shelby tube sampling where fine-grained cohesive soils require it. The contractor must supply one truck or track-mounted drilling rig with a dedicated crew, water storage on the barge, and support vehicles. Insurance requires $2,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 annual aggregate commercial general liability, $1,000,000 per occurrence commercial auto, workers' compensation, and $2,000,000 per occurrence marine liability if watercraft are used. Environmental terms prohibit discharge of drill fluids or cuttings into state waters and require biodegradable hydraulic fluids on the barge.

Pricing is submitted on a 13-line bid form, and the contract price will be determined by the successful offeror's Exhibit 1 pricing. Payment is due within 30 calendar days of invoice approval, subject to potential 5% retainage, and liquidated damages of $1,500 per business day apply for missed completion. Mobilization may begin on or after October 28, 2026, drilling must finish within 15 consecutive business days, and final completion is due November 25, 2026. The contract expires January 30, 2027. No work may begin until a written Notice to Proceed issues from Owner's Contract Administrator Scott Billings. Contractors must submit eight OWRD Geotechnical Hole Reports within 15 days of drilling completion.

ODOT strongly encourages site reconnaissance, which must be coordinated with ODOT Geology at least 48 hours in advance and limited to Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Quotes must be submitted through OregonBuys.