VOVRC Irrigation System Installation (Rebid)

The University of Georgia is requesting sealed bids for the VOVRC Irrigation System Installation (a rebid) at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, Georgia, with bids due October 5, 2021, and attendance at a mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit on September 15 required for bid eligibility.

The scope includes installation of three center pivot irrigation systems serving approximately 58 acres, requiring a flow rate of 450 gallons per minute at 50 PSI and delivering 2.5 inches of water per six-day period. The work encompasses pump replacement with a smaller unit, installation of a variable frequency drive starter panel, remote control capabilities for well and pivot operation, automatic valve controls for pivot isolation, and two alternative bid pricing paths: one reusing existing underground PVC and Transite pipelines and one for installing all new six-inch PVC pipelines. Asphalt cutting and patching for road crossings, reuse of the existing discharge manifold where feasible, and abandonment of unused pipe in place are specified. Variable Rate Irrigation requirements have been removed from the final specifications.

The contract is awarded on a lump-sum basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Material completion is required within 90 days of receiving a Proceed Order, with liquidated damages set at $0 per day for delays. Contractor responsibility evaluation includes current debarment status, absence of prior terminations for cause or defaults on public works contracts, demonstrated cash flow with a current ratio of 1.0 or higher, workers' compensation safety with an Experience Modification Rate not exceeding an average of 1.2 over three years, and past performance on public works projects. Performance and Payment Bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract sum are required. Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act requirements apply. The Notice of Award was issued to BAS, Inc. on October 18, 2021, in the amount of $197,758.00.