HHS WRC Campus Utility Decentralization Phase 5

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services is issuing Request for Bid (RFB) 927950-01 for the HHS WRC Campus Utility Decentralization Phase 5 project at Woodward Resource Center in Woodward, Iowa. This is a construction services procurement requiring demolition of utilities in existing tunnels, rerouting of water lines to serve campus buildings, and filling of tunnels with flowable mortar or foamed cellular concrete grout. The project encompasses approximately 1,722 cubic yards of tunnel grout across six tunnel systems (Oak Hall Tunnel, Birches Tunnel, Dispatch Garage Tunnel, Cross Tie Tunnel, Power House Tunnel, and Car Wash Utility Chase), installation of new water service lines ranging from 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter, removal and capping of abandoned water mains and utilities, replacement of 200 square yards of concrete paving, and sidewalk restoration with surface stabilization. Key qualifications required include retention of a State of Iowa certified abatement contractor for removal and disposal of hazardous materials (identified asbestos-containing materials totaling approximately 11,000 linear feet of thermal system insulation and 200 mechanical fittings), adherence to NESHAP and OSHA regulations, compliance with Iowa Stoneware Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) and Iowa DOT specifications, and coordination with facility management and Story Construction as the construction manager. Construction is scheduled to begin July 6, 2026, and conclude on June 30, 2028, representing a two-year project timeline. The bid submission deadline is June 9, 2026, with questions and clarifications to be submitted prior to this date. Evaluation criteria include technical compliance with project specifications, demonstrated experience with similar utility abandonment and hazardous materials abatement projects, and cost competitiveness on a lump sum basis.

The procurement documents do not identify specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendor information within the available materials. No award values or budget ranges are specified in the posted procurement documentation. Contractors must obtain all necessary permits, provide traffic and pedestrian control measures, maintain positive drainage, perform daily site cleanup, and guarantee work for twelve months from substantial completion. The project requires extensive coordination with utility companies through Iowa One-Call (48 hours advance notice), pressure testing and disinfection of water mains, and management of multiple unknown utility crossings identified through drone location surveys. The hazardous building materials survey identified substantial asbestos content in thermal system insulation on pipes with asbestos percentages ranging from 7 to 80 percent (predominantly chrysotile and amosite varieties), requiring notification to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at least 10 business days prior to abatement activities. Contractors must demonstrate capacity to handle complex coordination of tunnel grouting access points, bulkhead installation, water line bore and encasement operations under tunnels, and responsibility for determining construction sequencing, temporary bracing, and protection of existing structures not designated for removal.