IFB - (Multi-Provider) Positive Location of Underground Utility Facility (Potholing) in Inyo, Mono, and Eastern Kern Counties

Caltrans is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for multi-provider, on-call positive location of underground utility facilities across Inyo, Mono, and Eastern Kern Counties. The procurement seeks up to two contractors to provide comprehensive utility location services within Caltrans Right of Way, county, city, or private properties designated for construction projects. Contractors must furnish all labor, tools, equipment, and traffic control necessary to locate underground utilities including petroleum, data transmission, telephone, gas, electric, water, and sewer pipelines using methods such as vacuum excavation, hand excavation, electronic detection, and ground penetrating radar. Qualified contractors must hold a Class A or C-12 contractor license and be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. The solicitation requires contractors to begin work within ten working days of receiving a Service Request and complete projects within 24 working days, with potential extensions for complex Traffic Control Plans. Written questions are due by December 10, 2025, with bids due by 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on December 16, 2025, followed by bid opening at 2:30 p.m. the same day, with an estimated award date of December 23, 2025.

The contract includes specific set-aside provisions and preference programs, notably a five percent small business preference for certified Small Businesses or Micro Businesses, or contractors committing to subcontract at least 25 percent of the net bid price to such firms. A three percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement is also mandated, with an incentive program offering up to five percent evaluation incentives based on verified DVBE participation levels. Prevailing wage requirements apply for total bid amounts exceeding $15,000. The contract will run from January 19, 2026, to January 18, 2029, upon Department of General Services approval, with work performed Monday through Friday during standard working hours. Bid line items include unit pricing for various excavation and detection services, with a maximum ten percent allowance for special provisions including permits and fees. While no specific budget range is provided, the comprehensive nature of the services and multi-county scope suggest a significant potential contract value for selected providers.