Water System Valve and Hydrant Condition Assessment Program

The City of Howell in Kent County, Michigan, is soliciting bids for a comprehensive Water System Valve and Hydrant Condition Assessment Program targeting approximately 972 water distribution and auxiliary hydrant valves and 476 hydrants within its 60-mile water distribution network. The project's primary objective is to collect detailed condition data to guide future system improvement decisions, with work scheduled for completion between August 2025 and July 2026. Sealed bids are due on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 10:00 am local time, and will involve locating assets, identifying characteristics, clearing access, cleaning valve boxes, reviewing valve and hydrant conditions, and collecting attribute data. Contractor qualifications include having completed 12 similar projects involving over 3,000 valves in the past three years, utilizing a two-person team with GPS equipment capable of sub-foot accuracy. The comprehensive assessment requires detailed documentation of all findings in a web-based database compatible with the city's existing asset management program. Evaluation criteria will consider not only the lowest cost but also the contractor's project approach narrative, references, and certifications.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The project includes a detailed pricing structure with line items for various valve sizes, hydrant assessments, and additional services such as pumping down gate wells and vacuuming valve boxes. Mobilization costs are capped at 5% of the total bid. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the project requires integration with the city's existing asset management program, suggesting potential technology compatibility requirements. The bid specification does not explicitly state a total project budget, but the comprehensive nature of the assessment and the extensive requirements suggest a significant investment in infrastructure maintenance and data collection. Prospective bidders should be prepared to provide a robust technical and financial proposal that demonstrates capability to comprehensively assess the water system infrastructure with precision and thoroughness.