IFB 32A0697 Exhaust Evacuation System Replacement in San Bernardino County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation for the removal and replacement of an Exhaust Evacuation System (EES) at Caltrans District 32 Equipment Shop 8 in San Bernardino County. The project requires contractors to remove and legally dispose of the existing EES and install a complete replacement system including seven motorized hose reels with dampers, two motorized hose reels without dampers, nine wall or post mount switches, nine silicone nomex hoses, nine rubber nozzles, four exhaust canes, one fan motor (490-3,535 CFM, 5.5 Hp), one inlet adapter, one pressure transducer, one Variable Frequency Device (VFD), and approximately 300 feet of metal ducting. Bidders must possess either a valid C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor license or a B General Building Contractor license with a qualified C-20 subcontractor, and must maintain current Department of Industrial Relations registration. Work must be completed within 90 business days from the Notice to Proceed, with services performed during normal business hours Monday through Thursday 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Fridays 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., excluding state holidays. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled for April 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., written questions are due by April 7, 2026, bids are due April 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with bid opening at 2:30 p.m. and a proposed award date of April 30, 2026. The agreement term is estimated from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), and Workers' Compensation coverage.

This procurement includes multiple set-aside designations and restrictions designed to promote small business participation and support disadvantaged enterprises. A 25 percent small business (SB) participation goal is established, with a 5 percent SB preference available, and a mandatory 3 percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement with a separate DVBE Incentive Program offering up to 5 percent incentive. As a public works contract exceeding $15,000, prevailing wage requirements apply, and a Payment Bond of 100 percent of the contract amount is required if the bid exceeds $25,000. The total bid proposal must not exceed $461,000.00, with bids deemed non-responsive if they exceed this cap. The state will pay applicable sales and use taxes, and funding is provided through state funds with no federal participation noted. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials.