Multiple Provider, On-call, As Needed Railroad Flagging Services throughout the State in California

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking multiple providers for an on-call, as-needed railroad flagging services contract throughout the state. This Invitation for Bid (IFB #56A0880) requires contractors to provide all necessary labor, tools, equipment, materials, travel, and work signs to support bridge inspections performed by Caltrans personnel. Vendors must be an approved Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) vendor and possess a valid Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) registration. The contract will cover services across various California jurisdictions, including Lake Riverside CDP, San Bernardino County, Merced City, Yolo CDP, and Plumas Lake CDP. Services will be provided during daytime and nighttime shifts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, excluding state holidays. Written questions are due by October 15, 2025, with final bid submissions required by October 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The proposed contract term runs from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2027, with an estimated 87 hours of service to be performed.

The solicitation includes provisions for a small business preference, and while there are no specific Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals, DBE participation is encouraged. Prevailing wage requirements apply for total bid amounts exceeding $15,000, with both state and federal prevailing wage rates to be considered. The contract will utilize a multiple provider approach, with work initially assigned to the lowest-ranked bidder and subsequently distributed to other bidders. Bidders will submit a per-hour rate for flagging services, with the contract subject to a budget contingency clause indicating funding is dependent on congressional or legislative appropriation. The bid proposal requires detailed pricing information, vendor qualifications, and compliance with various regulatory requirements. While a specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the estimated 87 hours of service suggest a relatively limited but potentially renewable contract opportunity for qualified vendors in the railroad flagging services sector.