Job Order Contract (JOC) for Water Production Well Drilling Services

The City of Tucson Water Department is seeking a Job Order Contract (JOC) for Water Production Well Drilling Services, specifically issuing Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 260145 to retain approximately five contractors for annual well drilling services. The scope of work encompasses comprehensive groundwater extraction well services, including drilling, installation, sampling, aquifer testing, maintenance, pump services, video logging, and well abandonment. Contractors must hold a valid well drilling license from the Arizona Department of Water Resources and possess either an A-4 or A-16 contractor's license. Groundwater extraction wells will typically range from 500 to 1,200 feet deep, utilizing construction materials such as stainless steel, low carbon steel, and schedule 80 PVC. Proposals are due on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM local Arizona time, with a pre-submittal meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM via Microsoft Teams. Evaluation of proposals will focus on the qualifications and experience of the team and firm, method of approach, available resources, and subcontractor selection plan.

The procurement includes specific Small Business Enterprise (SBE) provisions, requiring contractors to submit detailed subcontractor lists and proposed SBE plans demonstrating commitment to local small business participation. The contract will be funded through the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) and is structured to provide flexible, as-needed well drilling services. Contractors must comply with various federal and local regulations, including HUD Section 3 requirements, which mandate that 25% of labor hours be performed by Section 3 workers and 5% by Targeted Section 3 workers. The initial contract term is one year with four additional one-year renewal options, with individual job orders not exceeding $2,000,000 and an estimated first-year budget of $8,000,000. Non-compliance with SBE and federal guidelines can result in significant penalties, including withholding payments, contract termination, and disqualification from future bidding. Additional compliance requirements include adherence to Davis-Bacon wage standards, American Iron and Steel provisions, and Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines.