Movable Bridges Operational and Custodial Services

The Michigan Department of Transportation is soliciting proposals for 24/7 operational and custodial services on six movable lift bridges across two regions (Southwest Region: Bicentennial and Blossomland; Metro Region: Fort Street, Jefferson Avenue, Dix Avenue, and Grosse Ile), with proposals due June 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern and an anticipated contract start date of August 1, 2026.

The contract carries a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) preference under Michigan law. Evaluation is pass/fail on four criteria: completion of the Confidential Treatment Form, completion of the Vendor Questionnaire, completion of Schedule A (Statement of Work), and acceptance of Standard Contract Terms. Award goes to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible bidder meeting all pass/fail requirements.

The scope requires 24/7 bridge operations during specified seasons (March through December with winter as-needed operations) in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard Regulations (33 CFR 117), including bridge openings on signal, operator-level certifications, comprehensive facility maintenance and custodial duties, and prescribed documentation and inspection protocols. All bridge operators must obtain Trained Bridge Operator certification for each assigned structure, with qualifications including corrected vision of 20/40 or better, hearing capability within defined frequencies, ability to climb and operate equipment, drug-free status, and fluency in reading, writing, and VHF radio communication in English. The contractor must appoint a dedicated Program Manager available 24/7 and maintain three years of records minimum. The State will conduct annual audits; liquidated damages of up to $200 per occurrence apply after three written warnings, with $200-per-hour penalties for bridge abandonment after three incidents.

The contract term is three years with two one-year renewal options. Pricing must be submitted region-by-region on Schedule B (Excel format) and includes annual lump-sum mobilization fees, monthly operational labor costs, and per-opening charges for off-season navigational services. All prices are firm for the entire contract term. Required insurance includes $1,000,000 commercial general liability per occurrence / $2,000,000 general aggregate, $1,000,000 automobile liability per accident, and $500,000 employers liability per accident, with the State named as additional insured.

Questions are due June 24, 2026; answers post June 26, 2026. Proposals are submitted electronically through michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS in modifiable formats with individual files not exceeding 30 MB. Contracts valued $250,000 or more require State Administrative Board approval.