Wildland Firefighting Helitanker Station_REBID

San Bernardino County Department of Public Works - Special Districts is requesting sealed bids for construction of a Wildland Firefighting Helitanker Station (Project No. 1378.0185) with bids due July 9, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., an optional pre-bid meeting at the project site on June 26 at 10:30 a.m., and virtual bid opening via Microsoft Teams. Bidders must be licensed California Class A contractors and must demonstrate completion of at least three similar projects within the past five years — a significant capability filter. California prevailing wage requirements apply; both the contractor and all subcontractors must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations per Labor Code Section 1725.5.

The scope includes installation of a permanent 3,000–5,000 gallon open-top metal aerial refilling cistern engineered to withstand sustained winds exceeding 65 miles per hour with a 6–10 minute refill cycle, a dechlorination system treating 175–250 gallons per minute, redundant solar-powered systems with dual battery and solar panel sets, SCADA and cellular communication capabilities for remote activation and monitoring, solar-powered LED lighting, a 12-inch Class 150 AC pipe hot tap water connection with full backflow prevention, a 6-inch ductile iron service line, site preparation with graded 25-foot by 25-foot pad and compacted gravel or concrete foundation, a permanent solar-powered LED aviation wind cone system with 10-foot mast and 18-inch by 6-foot fabric sock, perimeter fencing, electrical work for shore power, and all auxiliary systems. Final Completion is required within 180 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, with liquidated damages of $1,800 per calendar day for delays. The contractor must obtain all permits at its own expense, including excavation permits and encroachment permits from San Bernardino County Department of Public Works. A performance bond and labor and material payment bond, each equal to 100 percent of the contract sum, are required from an approved California surety. Comprehensive general liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), workers' compensation, and builder's risk insurance with San Bernardino County and the District named as additional insureds are mandatory. Bids are valid for 60 calendar days following opening. A bid bond or certified check equal to ten percent of the total base bid price must be submitted. One supplemental line item for force account to address unforeseen utility conflicts is included at $40,000. Bidders must register with the County's Electronic Procurement Network (ePro) prior to submission.