IFB No. 10217383 (Rotary Drilling)

The California Department of Water Resources is issuing Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 10217383 for statewide rotary drilling services to be performed at various locations throughout California. The procurement seeks on-call geological exploration drilling and related services, including drilling, sampling, core drilling, well development, well destruction, geophysical services, and other specialized drilling services as detailed in the contract's Scope of Work. Successful bidders must maintain a California office/warehouse with full-time employees and provide up to three fully equipped drilling rigs staffed with qualified drillers and helpers available on a call-up basis. Required qualifications include possession of a valid California C-57 Well Drilling License, current Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) registration, employment of at least two qualified drillers with a minimum of three years' experience for regular drilling or five years for dam or levee investigations, and completion of all required safety training by personnel. The contract term is three years with two optional one-year renewal periods, with an anticipated start date of July 2026. The solicitation period runs from May 1, 2026 through June 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with a public bid opening scheduled for June 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM via Microsoft Teams; technical questions must be submitted by May 13, 2026 by 11:00 AM, with answers provided by May 18, 2026 by 1:00 PM. Pricing is structured through detailed bid items with separate rate schedules for northern California (Kern County line and north) and southern California (south of Kern County line) to account for prevailing wage differentials, including hourly rates for drilling and sampling services, core drilling per linear foot, well development and destruction services, and overtime rates beyond eight hours per day, plus reimbursable items for site security, special equipment and services, and miscellaneous materials and supplies (each allowing cost plus up to 10 percent markup). The state will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specifications as verified through tax delinquent status checks.

This procurement includes a 3.0 percent minimum Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation commitment, with bidders receiving incentive calculations for DVBE participation levels. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are referenced in the solicitation materials. No specific budget range or award value is listed in the available documentation. The contract does not appear to have set-aside restrictions limiting bidder eligibility beyond the standard licensing, registration, and experience requirements; however, organizations seeking to maximize their competitiveness should plan to meet or exceed the DVBE participation threshold. All bidders must demonstrate their ability to mobilize and maintain the required drilling infrastructure and personnel resources across California's geographically diverse regions to support the state's ongoing geological exploration and water resource development needs.