On-Call, and As-Needed Positive Location of Underground (Potholing) Utilities Services in Ventura County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts is requesting bids for on-call and as-needed positive location of underground utilities (potholing) services in Ventura County under IFB 07A6321, with bids due July 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. A 5% Small Business preference is available for certified small businesses or contractors committing to subcontract a minimum of 25% of net bid price to certified small businesses or micro-businesses; a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation is required, with an additional DVBE Incentive Program offering up to 5% incentive for verified DVBE participation exceeding thresholds.

The scope encompasses comprehensive utility location services including vacuum excavation, hand excavation, electronic detection, ground penetrating radar, closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection, and related detection methods to identify underground petroleum, data transmission, telephone, gas, electric, water, and sewer pipelines. Contractors must establish unit prices for 18 line items ranging from vacuum excavation to traffic control and equipment rental, with estimated quantities provided for comparative purposes only. All labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, traffic control signage, and travel are included in the bid. Services will be provided Monday through Friday during working hours between sunrise and sunset, and occasionally on weekends as required.

Contractors must hold a current and valid Class A General Engineering Contractor or C-12 Earthwork and Paving Contractor license from the California Contractors State License Board and maintain Department of Industrial Relations registration. State General Prevailing Wage Rates apply if the total bid amount exceeds $15,000. The maximum allowable expenditure for special provisions (permits, insurance, and flagging) does not exceed 10% of the contract subtotal, reimbursable at actual cost with supporting receipts.

The estimated contract term runs October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029, or upon Department of General Services approval, whichever is later. The proposed award date is July 28, 2026. Written questions are due July 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time; bid opening follows at 2:30 p.m. on July 21. Caltrans will award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specifications.