U. S. Highway 27 Water Main Replacement

The City of Leesburg is requesting bids for water main replacement along U.S. Highway 27 under IFB 26-016-HG, with bids due July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The awardee must be a Florida-licensed Certified Contractor.

The scope comprises replacement of 5.5 miles of existing 10-inch water main pipe with 12-inch C900 (PVC, DR 18) pipe from Middlesex Road to Highland Lake Boulevard. Phase 1 is the main pipe replacement work; Phase 2 includes installation of fire hydrants, gate valves, air release valves, fittings, appurtenances, and restoration of disturbed fencing, structures, and private property to original condition. Work requires compliance with AWWA standards, Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-555, FDOT standards (2023–2024 editions), and City of Leesburg standards. The contractor must verify existing utility locations, obtain all necessary permits, perform directional bores (specified depths ranging 73–481 linear feet beneath roadways using PE 4710 SDR 11 HDPE), conduct pressure testing, flushing, disinfection, and bacteriological testing, and provide temporary jumper connections with backflow prevention during tie-ins to active mains. Fire hydrant flow testing with pressure monitoring and color-coded painting is required, with results documented for City Utility and Fire Departments. All removed materials become City property. Restoration must match existing conditions.

Phase 1 spans 12 months; Phase 2 spans 9 months; combined contract duration is 21 months. Liquidated damages are assessed at $1,685 per day for delays beyond the substantial completion date. Payment terms are net 30 days, with the contractor receiving 90 percent of invoiced amounts upon City certification of work completion.

Bidders must submit a 5% bid guarantee (cashier's check or surety bond), a 100% performance and payment bond, and a 10% maintenance bond. General liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and business automobile liability of $1 million per occurrence are required, with the City listed as additional insured.

Questions are due July 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled June 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Venetian Center in Leesburg. Public bid opening will be held via Zoom immediately following the submission deadline. Award by City Commission is anticipated at the next scheduled meeting after July 31, 2026. Bids must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov platform. The City reserves the right to award to the most responsible bidder based on best value considerations including price, specifications compliance, performance capability, and delivery schedule.