PRT Structural Inspection of Elevated Guideway

West Virginia University is soliciting proposals for comprehensive structural inspection services on its Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) elevated guideway system through a Request for Proposal (RFP202690000712) issued on April 14, 2026. The procurement seeks qualified firms to provide in-depth cleaning, visual inspection, and comprehensive condition reporting for approximately 9,000 linear feet of elevated guideway spans and supports, including all structural steel, concrete, bearings, abutments, drainage systems, and hanger structures distributed across 223 total spans in two phases. The scope of services requires manual cleaning operations using both dry cleaning methods and low-pressure water washing at 3,000 to 4,500 psi with 40-mesh filtration, detailed visual inspection and assessment of structural integrity, InspectTech data recreation, field inspection and report generation with photographic documentation, and hourly rates for additional services. Evaluation of proposals will utilize a 100-point scoring system comprising Qualifications and Experience (20 points), Related Experience (40 points), and Fees for Services (40 points), with bidders required to submit a single lump sum fee with detailed cost breakdowns. Critical deadlines include a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST via Microsoft Teams, a questions deadline of May 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST, and a proposal due date of May 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST, with an anticipated contract start date in May 2026. Successful proposers must maintain commercial general liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, workers' compensation insurance per statutory limits, commercial automobile insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per claim with three years of tail coverage following project completion.

The procurement does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting response to disadvantaged enterprises or particular organization types, though all bidders must comply with WVU's Environment, Health & Safety Contractor Safety Program and the WVU Supplier Code of Conduct. Bidders must also obtain a valid West Virginia Contractor's License issued in the exact name of the firm, complete a Purchasing Affidavit affirming the vendor is not in default on any monetary obligations owed to the state or its political subdivisions, and submit proposals remaining firm for a minimum of 120 days following the due date. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents, though technical reference materials provided include Phase 1 and Phase 2 elevation drawings, a System Locations Map, detailed elevated guideway information spanning multiple construction station markers and pier designations, and sample Phase 1 and Phase 2 inspection information documentation establishing baseline quality standards and methodologies. The RFP does not specify a contract award value or total budget range, instead requiring bidders to develop firm pricing proposals based on scope requirements; however, the project encompasses significant infrastructure assessment across approximately 9,000 linear feet of structural elements with comprehensive documentation and reporting requirements. West Virginia University reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and may conduct oral presentations, best and final offer discussions, and good faith negotiations with the selected proposer, with all communications directed to Procurement Officer Kaison Ball at kaison.ball@mail.wvu.edu.