RI-138A, Aquidneck Ave (East Main Rd to Green End Ave)

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is soliciting bids for a comprehensive roadway improvement project on Aquidneck Avenue (Route 138A) in Middletown, Newport County, Rhode Island. The project encompasses approximately one mile of roadway reclamation, which includes installing sidewalks and curbing, widening the roadway to accommodate two bike lanes, and implementing drainage and stormwater improvements. Key deliverables include full depth reclamation of the existing two-lane roadway, replacement of existing guardrail, adjustments to utility structures, and comprehensive roadway and bike lane striping. The solicitation (TCB22000807) was released on December 16, 2021, with a bid submission deadline of January 21, 2022 at 1:00 PM EST. A vendor question and answer period was available from December 16, 2021 to January 12, 2022, during which potential bidders could seek clarification on project specifications. Evaluation will be based on the total bid price, subject to review and correction by RIDOT, with contractors required to submit detailed line item pricing across approximately 140 distinct construction tasks.

The procurement includes a mandatory 13% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal, requiring contractors to ensure significant involvement of disadvantaged businesses in the project execution. Bidders must submit a 5% bid bond with their proposal and will be required to provide a 100% performance bond if awarded the contract. The project is funded through a combination of Federal Highway Administration (80%) and State of Rhode Island (20%) funds, with additional funding components from Newport Water and the Town of Middletown for specific utility-related work. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly identified, the solicitation indicates third-party involvement from Newport Water and Middletown utilities. Contractors must comply with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements and register in the Ocean State Procures electronic procurement system to submit bids. Major bid items include 6,900 tons of Class 19.0 HMA, 2,800 tons of Modified Class 12.5 HMA, 10,000 cubic yards of earth excavation, and 3,600 linear feet of precast concrete curbing, suggesting a substantial infrastructure improvement project.