IFB # 10218183 - Sonic Drilling

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #10218183 seeking geological exploration sonic drilling services to be performed on an as-needed basis throughout California across all 58 counties. The scope of work encompasses drilling, sampling, well development, well destruction, geophysical testing, and related services at various locations statewide. Bidders must hold a valid California C-57 Well Drilling License and be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations, with personnel requirements including one driller possessing either three years of experience for standard drilling or five years for dam and levee work, plus at least two driller's helpers with six months of experience. All drilling crew members must complete training within the prior three years in defensive driver training, first aid and CPR, sexual harassment prevention, and HAZWOPER training when requested. The contract encompasses an initial three-year term with two one-year renewal options, with an anticipated start date of October 2026. Compensation is structured through hourly rates for drilling, sampling, well development, and well destruction services, with separate bid items for overtime, site security, special equipment, and miscellaneous materials and supplies, subject to markups not exceeding 10 percent on items four through six. Technical questions must be submitted by May 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM with answers provided by May 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM, and sealed bids are due June 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with a public bid opening scheduled for the same day at 1:00 PM via Microsoft Teams.

The procurement includes a mandatory Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement of a minimum 3 percent, with incentive calculations available for higher participation levels. Additionally, Small Business Preference of 5 percent and Non-Small Business Preference of 5 percent (when subcontracting 25 percent to certified small businesses) are available to eligible bidders. Bidders must submit a 10 percent bid bond, and awarded contractors must provide 100 percent payment and performance bonds. All contractors must comply with prevailing wage requirements and maintain workers' compensation and general liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, along with automobile liability insurance with $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage. The State will verify tax delinquent status through the Franchise Tax Board and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Invoices are paid within 45 days of receipt, with 10 percent retainage held until 30 days after completion of each call-up work assignment. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or specific budget ranges are identified in the procurement documents.