Water System Improvements

The City of Meigs, Georgia, in partnership with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is procuring sealed bids for Water System Improvements construction consisting of two phases to be awarded as a single contract. Phase 1, GEFA-funded, includes replacement of approximately 4,280 linear feet of pipeline, retrofitting or replacement of approximately 422 existing water meters with transmitters and collectors, and installation of Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) hardware, software, and training; Phase 2, CDBG-funded, consists of replacement of approximately 8,969 linear feet of pipeline with associated completion measures. Bidders must be licensed Utility Contractors by the State of Georgia with license numbers clearly displayed on bid envelopes, and all bids must include a Bid Bond or certified cashier's check for no less than five percent (5%) of the bid amount from surety companies rated "A" minimum with financial strength of at least five times the contract price. The successful contractor must furnish Performance and Payment Bonds each equal to 100 percent of the contract amount. Work must be substantially completed within 180 consecutive calendar days with full contract closeout within 194 consecutive calendar days. Sealed bids are due by 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the City of Meigs, 1006 East Depot Street, Meigs, GA 31765, where bids will be publicly opened and read; no bid may be withdrawn for sixty (60) days after the closing time. Bidding documents are available from Watkins & Associates, LLC, 1606 Whiddon Mill Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793, (229) 388-8823, for a non-refundable fee of $300.00 per set, with examination available Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

The project is subject to multiple federal and state compliance requirements that restrict eligible bidders and subcontractors. All work must comply with Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements mandating that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials be produced in the United States, and contractors and subcontractors must register with the federal E-Verify work authorization program and submit an Affidavit of Compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91. Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 applies, requiring contractors to demonstrate employment and contracting preferences for low- and very low-income residents and Section 3 business concerns through mandatory outreach efforts to at least three community sources and submission of Section 3 Self-Certification, Previous Compliance Certification, and Assurance of Compliance Certification forms prior to contract award. The contract imposes Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements with fair share objectives of 4.0 percent for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and 4.0 percent for Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) participation; contractors must submit DBE Compliance Forms, Equal Employment Opportunity Certifications, and Debarment and Suspension Certifications prior to work commencement and document Six Good Faith Efforts soliciting at least three certified MBE and three certified WBE firms in each subcontract trade. Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements, certified weekly payrolls, and compliance with the Georgia Prompt Payment Act are mandatory. While no specific budget range is disclosed in the procurement documents, the contract value is substantial enough to require full Performance and Payment Bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract amount, and the City of Meigs reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities.