IFB 10222937 Geological Exploration Drilling

The California Department of Water Resources is soliciting sealed bids under IFB 10222937 for geological exploration drilling in the Salton Sea watershed, with a mandatory pre-bid conference on November 4, 2026 and bids due December 9, 2026. A Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation set-aside of 3.0% is mandatory.

Beyond the set-aside, the solicitation carries a DVBE incentive structure providing 3.0% to 5.0% preference calculations for qualifying DVBE participation. A 5.0% Small Business (SB) preference applies to certified small businesses, and a 5.0% Non-Small Business preference applies when non-small businesses subcontract at least 25.0% of work to certified SBs.

The contractor must provide drilling and well construction at a minimum of two and a maximum of six sites, with each site potentially containing one or more monitoring and production wells. The contractor must furnish at least one fully equipped drilling rig staffed with drillers and helpers on an as-needed basis under written work orders. Required qualifications include a valid C-57 Water Well Drilling License, at least two drillers with five years of experience, and two driller's helpers with six months of experience. All personnel must complete defensive driving, first aid, CPR, and sexual harassment prevention training within three years prior to work performance. The contractor must maintain a California office and warehouse with full-time employees and drilling equipment. Bidders must post a bidder's bond equal to 10% of the bid amount, and the awardee must provide a performance bond of 100% of the contract amount upon award.

Award goes to the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications, evaluated on a detailed unit price bid structure covering mobilization, drilling operations, well installation, geophysical surveys, well development, and ancillary services. The agreement term is one year with two optional one-year renewals, with an anticipated start in February 2027. An optional pre-bid site walk occurs November 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., and an optional follow-up pre-bid conference occurs November 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Sealed bids close December 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., and public bid opening follows December 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.