IFB 2026-B02 Bear Creek Low Water Crossing

Hays County, Texas is issuing Invitation for Bid (IFB) 2026-B02 for the construction of a low water crossing infrastructure project at Bear Creek in Hays County. The procurement encompasses comprehensive roadway construction and drainage improvements including excavation, embankment placement, flexible base and pavement installation, concrete box culverts, riprap placement, guardrail installation, and traffic control measures. The project scope consists of 66 line items with estimated quantities including 2,555 cubic yards of roadway excavation, 975 cubic yards of embankment, 5,268 square yards of topsoil placement, 325 cubic yards of flexible base, 243 square yards of concrete pavement, and 255 linear feet of concrete box culvert. The key objective is to replace the existing five 1-foot diameter culvert system with five reinforced concrete box culverts measuring 11 feet by 4 feet to improve hydraulic capacity and raise the roadway profile grade, designed to convey a 2-year design flood event without overtopping. Sealed bids must be submitted by March 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM through BidNet Direct or as hard copies to the Hays County Purchasing Office at 712 South Stagecoach Trail, Suite 1012, San Marcos, Texas 78666. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the same location. Bidders must provide a 5% bid bond, complete all required forms including the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire and Related Party Disclosure Form, demonstrate prior experience with similar work through documentation of successfully completed contracts, and must be prepared to complete work within 100 working days from the Notice to Proceed, with anticipated contract award in May 2026.

The procurement documents do not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions limiting competition to disadvantaged enterprises or particular organization types. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available solicitation materials. Contractors must comply with prevailing wage rates established by the Texas Department of Transportation, ranging from $9.45 per hour for flaggers to $19.38 per hour for crane operators with lattice booms over 80 tons. Performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract price are required, along with comprehensive liability insurance with minimum limits of $600,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation insurance, and automobile liability coverage. Liquidated damages are assessed at $1,250 per working day for failure to complete work on time. The project is funded locally by Hays County and the County is exempt from state and federal sales taxes. Specific contract award value or budget range is not disclosed in the available solicitation documents; bidders must submit fixed price bids that remain valid through project completion.