Water Distribution Leak Detection Services

The City of Springfield, Illinois Department of Public Utilities, City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) is requesting proposals for water distribution leak detection services across four survey phases totaling over 175 miles of water main, with proposals due October 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. local time and an anticipated award date of November 3, 2026. The RFP carries prevailing wage compliance requirements under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, a project labor agreement requirement for contracts exceeding $50,000, a local labor provision requiring 50 percent city resident work hours on projects valued at $100,000 or more, and MBE/FBE participation goals of 11 percent for MBEs and 7 percent for FBEs.

Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of 10 consecutive years of experience in leak detection services. The scope requires two-man field teams to listen at all fire hydrants and main line valves within four defined survey areas (Phase 2: 45.2 miles; Phase 3: 49.1 miles; Phase 4: 22.5 miles; Phase 5: 61.3 miles). Additional listening points must be deployed where distances between main valves and hydrants exceed 500 feet. Contractors must provide detailed reports identifying leak locations with photos or diagrams, means of detection, and estimated water loss; proposals must also include costs to locate up to two potential or identified leaks outside defined survey areas while the field team is on site. All work must be completed by December 14, 2026.

The CWLP service area encompasses 100 square miles and includes 52,409 service connections. Proposals will be evaluated based on cost and understanding of the project; the City reserves the right to award any or all parts of the contract. Bidders must submit separate lump-sum cost proposals for each phase as not-to-exceed figures including materials, equipment, travel, personnel, and lodging. Contractors must maintain Workers' Compensation insurance, Employer's Liability insurance of $1,000,000, and Comprehensive General Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Questions were due September 21, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., with responses provided by September 23, 2026. No bid security is required. Payment terms are NET 45 days unless otherwise specified.