Pawtucket Bridge Lighting and Bridge Strike Detection Systems

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is soliciting bids for the Pawtucket Bridge Lighting and Bridge Strike Detection Systems project (PTS ID: 2605W), a comprehensive infrastructure improvement initiative spanning Providence County and Providence City. The procurement involves replacing existing lighting at Bridge 550 in Pawtucket and implementing an overheight detection system in East Greenwich and West Warwick. The project encompasses 34 line items, including site work, erosion and pollution controls, guardrail installation, electrical and fiber optic work, lighting system replacement, and bridge strike detection system implementation. Key deliverables include installing 1,525 linear feet of steel guardrail, 2,750 linear feet of fiber optic cable, and 320 ground-mounted directional sign panels. The solicitation requires electronic bid submissions through the Ocean State Procures system, with proposals due by November 18, 2022, at 1:00 PM EST. A vendor Q&A period was available from October 28 to November 9, 2022, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder subject to review and correction.

The project includes a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal of 3% of the contract bid price, encouraging minority and small business involvement. Bidders must provide a 5% bid bond and the successful contractor will be required to furnish a 100% performance bond. The project is funded through a combination of 80% federal (Federal Highway Administration) and 20% state funds, which triggers compliance with federal-aid highway program regulations, Davis-Bacon Act wage requirements, and specific federal reporting and certification standards. While no incumbent vendor is identified, the solicitation specifies required insurance coverages, including $1 million in general liability, workers' compensation, and automobile liability. Two line items have fixed bid prices: $50,000 for miscellaneous site work and $140,380 for the over-height vehicle detection system. Potential bidders must register in the Ocean State Procures system and complete all required federal and state forms to be considered for the contract.