SB Minor B / Replace Census on RTE 55 in Orange County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is soliciting bids for a Small Business (SB) Minor B construction contract to replace and upgrade census stations on State Route 55 in Orange County (Contract Number 12A2356). The project involves modifying existing traffic census station systems at two locations—Route 55 at Victoria/22nd Street and Route 55 at Fair Drive—by installing V-Sign equipment including intelligent detector cards, USB hubs, hub computers with software and accessories, modems, loop detectors, and associated conductors and cables. The scope of work encompasses eight line items: traffic control system, construction area signs, water pollution control program, stationary impact attenuator vehicle, portable radar speed feedback sign system, PCMS, modification of existing traffic census station systems, and job site management. All work must be completed within 20 working days from contract execution. Bidders must possess a current California Class A contractor's license and be certified as a small business under section 2-1.05 at the time of both bid opening and contract award. Bid proposals are due by 2:15 p.m. on April 6, 2026, and must be submitted via email only to Eva.Clark@dot.ca.gov; no hard copy submissions will be accepted. The Department will award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder within 30 days after bid opening. Evaluation will be based on unit pricing provided on the Quote Proposal for Unit Items form, with all bids required to be on a unit price basis.

This procurement is designated exclusively for certified Small Businesses, with no Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) contract goal established, although DVBE participation is encouraged. The contract carries a maximum bid cap of $484,000 per Public Contract Code Section 10105(b); any bids exceeding this amount will be rejected. The estimated project cost is $229,000, representing the baseline budget for this work. Contractors selected as the low bidder must provide payment bonds equal to at least 100 percent of the total bid amount and comprehensive insurance coverage at the time of award. Before contract execution, the successful bidder must furnish various certifications and documentation including proof of small business status, subcontractor lists, civil rights certifications, and insurance certificates. The project integrates with existing infrastructure on State Route 55, requiring modification of current census station systems rather than greenfield installation. Prevailing wage requirements may apply under Section 7-1.02K(2), as determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations.