Modular expansion joint replacement components

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has issued a public notice for a sole-source procurement of modular expansion joint replacement components for the Boone Bridge (Bridge 02254) located on I-5 in Wilsonville, Clackamas County. The procurement is specifically targeting replacement components for the Wabo Modular 1200 joint system originally installed in 2002 by Hamilton Construction. ODOT intends to contract directly with Watson Bowman Acme Corp. of Buffalo, NY for a one-time purchase that includes both replacement components and a temporary joint assembly to facilitate installation. The sole-source determination is based on the proprietary nature of the bridge joint system and the critical transportation importance of the bridge, which requires minimal traffic disruption during replacement. The procurement is being conducted under ORS 279B.075(2) and OAR 731-147-0055, with a contract expected to begin in winter 2024 and component delivery anticipated in spring 2025. Protests against the sole-source determination must be submitted to Joanne Robinson via email by 4:00 pm on December 2, 2024, and must include detailed legal and factual grounds, potential harm descriptions, and specific relief requests.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations are mentioned in the procurement documents. The sole-source nature of the contract limits potential vendors to Watson Bowman Acme Corp., effectively preventing competitive bidding. While no specific budget or award value is disclosed in the documents, the procurement is for a one-time purchase of specialized bridge joint replacement components. The existing infrastructure involves the Boone Bridge's original 2002 bridge joint system, which requires precise, compatible replacement components to maintain structural integrity and minimize traffic disruption. The original bridge joints were installed with a proprietary support structure cast into the concrete deck, which cannot be easily replaced without significant bridge closure time. The procurement appears to be a targeted, technical solution to maintain a critical transportation infrastructure component with minimal operational impact.