Paukie Island Road Culvert Replacement

Beaufort County is seeking a qualified contractor to replace the existing culvert system on Paukie Island Road, specifically involving the removal of two 48-inch corrugated metal crossdrain pipes and installation of a precast double 8' x 8' bridge box culvert. The project, identified as IFB #090225, requires comprehensive roadway improvements including construction and subsequent removal of a temporary detour. The procurement is a unit price contract with a 100-calendar day completion timeline after Notice to Proceed, with liquidated damages of $1,000 per calendar day for delays. Bidders must be pre-qualified by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) at the time of bid opening, and the project will follow SCDOT Standard Specifications for Highway Construction (2025 Edition). The bid documents were issued on August 1, 2025, with proposals due on September 2, 2025, at 3:00 pm EST, and a non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held virtually on August 7, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Key project objectives include reducing flow contraction scour, decreasing peak flow velocity during tide cycles, and minimizing water surface head difference across the causeway.

The procurement includes provisions for small and minority business participation, requiring bidders to submit documentation demonstrating good faith efforts to include such businesses. Contractors will need to complete monthly compliance status reports tracking Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) expenditures, with supporting documentation available for county review. The project is funded through state, federal, and Beaufort County appropriations, and requires a 100% Labor and Material Payment Bond. Environmental considerations are significant, with the project requiring purchase of 1.98 credits from the Clydesdale Mitigation Bank and compliance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit conditions, including protection of marine and aquatic life. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project—involving geotechnical engineering, hydraulic design, and environmental mitigation—suggests a substantial investment. The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids and waive minor informalities, indicating flexibility in the procurement process.