WTRBA Running Reelfoot Bayou - UPDATED

The West Tennessee River Basin Authority (WTRBA), in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB #32701-13862) for a 24-month stream maintenance and restoration services contract at Running Reelfoot Bayou and its tributaries in Gibson County, extending from Reelfoot Lake to the Obion River. The procurement seeks a single qualified contractor to provide equipment rental and operation (hydraulic excavators, amphibious excavators, and skid steer loaders), labor services (project supervisors, coordinators, and skilled laborers), materials (rip rap protection and warm-season grasses), and allowances for landowner impacts, drainage structures, third-party services, and contingencies. Key deliverables include floodplain bench excavation, approximately 1,000 hours of standard excavator operation, 1,500 hours of amphibious excavator operation, 1,500 tons of rip rap material installation, 60 acres of temporary vegetative stabilization, and 40 acres of permanent warm-season grass establishment. Bidders must submit unit pricing for 17 distinct line items through the State of Tennessee's EDISON Supplier Portal, with the bid period opening April 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM CDT and closing May 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM CDT. Mandatory qualifications include a valid contractor's license, Tennessee Department of Revenue sales and use tax registration, detailed subcontractor disclosure if applicable, debarment and criminal history certifications, and compliance attestations regarding non-collusion and fraud. Written questions must be submitted by May 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM Central Time, and prospective bidders are required to visit the project site for exact measurements and familiarization prior to bid submission. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specified requirements, with work to commence within 30 days of receiving written Notice to Proceed.

The procurement does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting participation to particular types of organizations or disadvantaged enterprises; all qualified bidders meeting the mandatory requirements are eligible to respond. All subcontractors performing licensed trade work must possess valid contractor licenses if their portion equals or exceeds $25,000, and any subcontractor additions, changes, or substitutions require written pre-approval from the Facilities Management Office prior to work commencement; notably, day laborers and temporary help are not authorized. The contractor must maintain performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent and 25 percent of the Maximum Liability amount, respectively, register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, and maintain compliance with conflict of interest, nondiscrimination, and immigration verification requirements through semi-annual attestations. The expected contract value exceeds $2.65 million based on the specified line item quantities and allowances, which includes $450,000 for landowner impact compensation, $500,000 for drainage structures, $500,000 for third-party services, $200,000 for materials allowance, and $500,000 construction contingency available at WTRBA's discretion. The contract term extends for 36 months with the State retaining the option to execute up to two renewal periods of 12 months each, provided the total contract term does not exceed 60 months. Pricing must remain firm for 365 days following contract award, with any price adjustments exceeding seven percent requiring contract amendment and supporting documentation.