Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery Irrigation Expansion

The State of Rhode Island, specifically through Providence County, is seeking a contractor for the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery Irrigation Expansion project via a Request for Quotation (RFQ26005922). The procurement involves expanding the existing in-ground water piping system at the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI, which includes installing approximately 1,800 feet of new water piping and six hydrants to improve the cemetery's ability to maintain burial fields during dry summer months. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for September 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST at the cemetery's Administration Building, located at 301 S County Tri, Exeter, RI. The solicitation requires vendors to submit comprehensive documentation through the Ocean State Procures system, with a bid submission deadline of October 14, 2025. Vendors must provide a base bid for the complete irrigation expansion project, which includes a $5,000 allowance for unforeseen utilities or irrigation systems, and will be subject to liquidated damages of $200 per day for project delays. The initial contract period will be one year, with potential renewal for an additional 12-month period contingent upon vendor performance and fund availability.

The RFQ includes specific requirements for vendor participation, with a mandatory minimum 15% participation from minority business enterprises. Vendors must submit insurance certificates demonstrating liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation, and automobile liability insurance. Compliance is required with various state regulations, including prevailing wage laws and multiple vendor certification and disclosure statements. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, bidders must register in the Ocean State Procures system and submit all proposals electronically through this platform. Although a precise budget range is not explicitly stated, the inclusion of a $5,000 contingency allowance suggests the project has financial flexibility. The procurement appears designed to encourage broad participation from qualified contractors, with an emphasis on local and minority-owned businesses, while maintaining strict performance and documentation standards.