Air-Vacuum Potholing Services for Utility Location

The contract for Air-Vacuum Potholing Services for Utility Location, issued by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), seeks qualified bidders to provide utility potholing services across WSDOT’s Northwest Region, covering counties such as King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and Pierce. The agreement is structured as an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with a maximum value of approximately $2 million, effective through June 30, 2026, with automatic annual renewals through June 2029. Work will be scheduled via written requests, and performance will be overseen by designated WSDOT Contract Managers at the project sites. The scope includes locating underground utilities using air-vacuum methods, documenting findings with data sheets, maps, GPS coordinates, and photographs, and restoring test holes per standards. The contract emphasizes compliance with state statutes, WSDOT specifications, and standards such as ASCE 38-22 and ASCE 75-22, incorporating various manuals and specifications by reference. It also mandates installation of permanent surface markers at each utility location, adherence to environmental controls, and provision of safety data sheets and manufacturer documentation for materials used. Pricing is rate-based, with bidders required to complete a detailed Price Worksheet listing hourly rates for labor, project management, coordination, restoration, dumping, and permitting, among other optional line items. The lowest responsive and responsible bidder, evaluated primarily on price with statutory preferences, will be awarded the contract, which may be awarded to multiple bidders. The procurement process involves strict responsiveness and responsibility assessments, with the Contract Manager holding sole authority for work acceptance and dispute resolution. Bidders must submit signed certifications, including a declaration regarding mandatory arbitration clauses, and register with the Washington State OFM as a statewide payee prior to award. The solicitation closes on September 9, 2025, with awards announced shortly thereafter, and all bids must be submitted electronically or as specified, ensuring compliance with formatting and submission procedures. The contract also contains provisions for security, background checks, potential amendments, and specific conditions for work scheduling, performance, and payment, all governed by the incorporated statutes, regulations, and WSDOT standards.