IFB - On-Call, and As-Needed Positive Location of Underground Utilities (Potholing) Services in Los Angeles County

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is requesting bids on on-call and as-needed positive location of underground utilities (potholing) services in Los Angeles County under IFB Solicitation No. 07A6322, with sealed bids due July 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and a 25% Small Business participation goal coupled with a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement.

The scope covers labor, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, traffic control, and related services to locate underground utilities—petroleum, data transmission, telephone, gas, electric, water, and sewer pipelines—using vacuum excavation, hand excavation, electronic detection, ground penetrating radar, and comparable methods. Services are performed in Los Angeles County within Caltrans District 7's designated service area on public or private property. Bid pricing is structured per unit of measure for excavation, detection methods, CCTV inspection, video recording, mapping, traffic control, and equipment rental.

The estimated contract term runs from October 1, 2026, or upon Department of General Services approval (whichever is later), through September 30, 2028. Bidders must hold a current California Class A General Engineering Contractor or C-12 Earthwork and Paving Contractor license and maintain valid Department of Industrial Relations registration. Traffic control subcontractors must hold a C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor license. Prevailing wage requirements apply if the total bid amount exceeds $15,000.

A 5% preference is granted to certified Small Business or Micro Business firms or contractors committing to subcontract 25% of net bid price to such firms. The DVBE Incentive Program offers up to 5% incentive based on verified DVBE participation levels. Bonding, insurance, and certifications regarding civil rights laws, Darfur contracting, Iran sanctions, Russia sanctions, and generative artificial intelligence use are required at award. Written questions are due July 14, 2026. The proposed award date is August 30, 2026.