Vaults 60, 87 & ET Structural Repair and Grating Replacement

The Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is seeking bids for the Vaults 60, 87 & ET Structural Repair and Grating Replacement project in Knox County, Tennessee. The procurement involves comprehensive structural repair and grating replacement for three specific utility vaults located in downtown Knoxville, with work to be performed on underground concrete structures beneath sidewalks. Key deliverables include removing deteriorated concrete, replacing steel bar gratings, restoring sidewalks using existing brick pavers, and implementing structural modifications to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and specified traffic loading standards. Bidders must be licensed contractors and are required to attend a mandatory pre-bid meeting scheduled for August 28, 2025, at 620 S. Gay Street. Bids are due on September 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, with electronic submissions accepted through BidNetDirect or hand-delivered to the KUB Bid Room. Evaluation criteria include contractor qualifications, previous experience with similar infrastructure projects, and the ability to construct temporary platforms or scaffolding. The project has a substantial completion date of March 6, 2026, with a Notice to Proceed anticipated around October 11, 2025.

The procurement includes provisions for minority and women-owned business participation, with a dedicated Verification of Business Status form requiring bidders to self-identify their business ownership structure. Bidders must provide detailed information about their company's ethnic composition, ownership percentages, and potential subcontractors. A 5% bid security in the form of a bid bond or certified cashier's check is required, and contractors must submit an affidavit attesting to a drug-free workplace program. While specific contract value details are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project, involving structural repairs, grating replacement, and sidewalk restoration across three utility vaults, suggests a significant infrastructure investment. The project will be awarded on a lump sum basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with the Knoxville Utilities Board reserving the right to reject any or all bids. Contractors must comply with KUB's safety program, provide comprehensive insurance coverage, and meet specific qualifications, including having completed two similar jobs and having experience constructing temporary platforms or scaffolding at least three times in the past three years.