San Fernando Water Main Replacement

The City of Tucson Water Department is seeking a Design-Build contractor for the San Fernando Water Main Replacement project, a comprehensive infrastructure improvement initiative in Pima County, Arizona. The procurement is a qualifications-based selection process targeting the replacement of an existing water distribution main and customer service lines, with the primary goal of increasing service life and realigning infrastructure from alleys to the center of streets. Interested firms must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) by February 27, 2025, following a two-phase evaluation process. Phase 1 involves scoring SOQs across four criteria: qualifications and experience (35 points), method of approach (30 points), work plan and project schedule (30 points), and subcontractor selection plan (5 points). A virtual pre-submittal conference is scheduled for February 11, 2025, and the top three ranked firms will be invited to Phase 2 interviews. The project targets water mains constructed between 1960 and 1994 that have been identified as having a high potential for failure within the next decade.

The City of Tucson has established a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program for this contract, which applies to construction and professional design services contracts valued at $100,000 or more. The program provides opportunities for small, minority, woman-owned, and non-minority owned businesses to participate as prime contractors, subcontractors, joint venture partners, and suppliers. Contractors can meet SBE goals through various participation methods, with specific crediting mechanisms for each approach. The total project budget is estimated at $18,500,000, with a scheduled completion date of June 30, 2027. Contractors must submit a Subcontractors List and Proposed SBE Plan, and failure to comply with SBE provisions may result in consequences including payment withholding, contract termination, and disqualification from future bidding. The project will involve replacing existing water infrastructure in multiple subdivisions, including areas such as Colonia Del Valle, Wilshire Heights, and Mesa Village Estates, with the intent of improving overall water system longevity and reliability.