IFB CSC 25-208

The California Science Center has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB CSC 25-208) for rockwork inspection and repair services for the Kelp Tank Exhibit located in Los Angeles, California. The procurement covers comprehensive underwater and above-surface inspection of an 188,000-gallon saltwater tank, requiring the selected contractor to provide all materials, labor, and equipment necessary to evaluate rockwork sustainability and repair damaged sections up to 150 cubic feet. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of experience in zoo/aquarium industry diving work and over 5 years of direct experience with underwater inspections or rockwork repairs in similar wet environments. No subcontractors are permitted, meaning all work must be performed directly by the prime contractor. The bid timeline includes a December 2, 2025 deadline for written questions, with responses to be released by December 3, 2025, and sealed bids due on December 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m., with a virtual bid opening at 1:35 p.m. The contract term is from January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026, with work anticipated to take five business days between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and preference opportunities for small businesses, microbusinesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises (DVBE), offering preferences ranging from 1-5% based on participation levels. Contractors must meet extensive qualification requirements, including maintaining Commercial General Liability insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 annual aggregate), Automobile Liability coverage of $1,000,000, and Workers Compensation with $1,000,000 employer's liability limits. All diving personnel must be scuba-certified, comply with OSHA regulations, and pass criminal background checks and tuberculosis testing. The bid requires submission of a cost sheet with three line items: labor for inspection services, labor for repair services, and materials, with an additional 9.75% sales tax. While no specific budget range is provided, the comprehensive requirements suggest a specialized and potentially significant contract value. Bidders must submit a minimum of two hard copies of all required bid documents to the California Science Center's loading dock, with payment to be made in arrears upon successful completion of services and a mandatory 90-day warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.