Building Modifications For Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Maintenance

The Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) is soliciting bids under IFB 2027-01 for construction services to modify its bus maintenance and fuel island facility in Hesperia, California. The project's primary objective is to enable the safe storage, maintenance, fueling, and operation of Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs). The scope of work includes the removal and replacement of the existing gas detection system in the maintenance building, the installation of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide detection, and the implementation of a hydrogen flame detection system using Triple-IR detectors integrated with the existing Simplex Fire Alarm Control Panel. Additionally, the fueling canopy area will receive hydrogen and methane gas detection and alarm functions. All work must comply with NFPA 2, UL 2075, and UL 2017 standards. This is a lump sum contract with an estimated performance period of 180 days. Award will be granted to the responsible and responsive bidder offering the lowest price, though VVTA will also evaluate life expectancy, operating efficiency, and past performance. Bidders must provide a bid bond of at least 10 percent of the total bid, and the successful contractor will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds for 100 percent of the contract sum. Because the project is financed with federal funds, contractors must adhere to Buy America requirements and prevailing wage rates as determined by the Secretary of Labor or the State of California. Administrative requirements include the submission of a preliminary project schedule within five working days of the Notice to Proceed and monthly partial payment requests subject to a five percent retention. Bids must be submitted by November 19, 2026, and must include a separate envelope for pricing, a list of subcontractors, and a minimum of five client references. Final acceptance of the work is contingent upon successful inspections and tests conducted during the first year of operation.