Trent River Boring

The City of New Bern, North Carolina is requesting bids for horizontal directional drilling and installation of one HDPE pipe across the Trent River under RFB Electric 9608 27-01, with bids due October 27, 2026 at 4:00 PM. The project converts the 70 East feeder electric distribution circuit from overhead to underground service.

The scope requires installation of a single HDPE pipe with a minimum inside diameter of 15 inches (20-inch outside diameter) and includes all associated setup, cleanup, drilling fluid, lubricant, and expendable materials. Bidders must demonstrate at least three comparable horizontal directional drilling or boring projects completed within the previous five years and hold valid North Carolina general contractor licensure. The City will provide entry/exit location Quazite boxes; the contractor bears responsibility for all permits, approvals, inspections, and regulatory compliance.

Bids must be submitted as lump-sum prices with a 5% bid bond or equivalent security. The successful bidder shall furnish performance and payment bonds each in the amount of 100% of the contract price prior to execution. The contract completion deadline is 120 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, with liquidated damages assessed at $400 per calendar day for delays beyond the completion date. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-129, contingent upon Board of Aldermen approval and appropriation of funds.

Questions are due October 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM, with responses issued by addendum by October 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids, readvertise if fewer than three competitive bids are received, and cancel the solicitation if funding is not approved or becomes unavailable.