Wastewater and Recycled Water Systems Services in Stanislaus and Merced Counties

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for wastewater and recycled water systems services across Stanislaus and Merced Counties. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive preventative maintenance, repairs, reporting, and inspection services for wastewater and recycled water equipment at four designated locations: Westley Safety Roadside Rest Area (northbound and southbound), Erreca Safety Rest Area (northbound and southbound), Turlock Safety Rest Area (northbound and southbound), and Merced Maintenance Lift Station. Required services include annual inspections of sewage lift stations, pumps, grinder pumps, septic tanks, and recycled water storage tanks, as well as routine and non-routine repair and maintenance performed during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding State holidays). The contractor must respond to routine service requests within 48 hours and non-routine requests within two hours of contact. Essential qualifications include a valid C-42 Sanitation System Contractor License or C-36 Plumbing Contractor License from the California Contractors State Licensing Board, along with Department of Industrial Relations registration. The contract term runs from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029. Bid pricing must not exceed $461,000 and must include all labor, tools, equipment, travel, and incidentals, with separate line items for annual inspections at each location, non-routine hourly maintenance, routine hourly maintenance, and a materials/permits allowance capped at 10 percent of the subtotal. The deadline for submitting written questions is February 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., with bids due February 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., followed by bid opening at 2:30 p.m. the same day, and an estimated award date of March 5, 2026.

This is a public works contract exceeding $15,000, making prevailing wage requirements applicable. The solicitation includes mandatory set-asides requiring 25 percent small business participation and 3 percent disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) participation, with a DVBE incentive program also in effect. Contractors must maintain general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and workers' compensation with $1,000,000 employer's liability limits. Payment bonds of 100 percent are required for service requests exceeding $25,000. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are referenced in the solicitation materials. The total potential contract value is $461,000 over the three-year performance period. Caltrans will verify all licensing and registration; bidders are not required to submit copies at bid time.