Call 801 SDSC2029

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is soliciting bids for a statewide drilling support contract under solicitation number SDSC2029, with a letting date of September 17, 2026. This is a multiple-award contract for subsurface exploration services across Maryland, requiring contractors to provide drilling equipment, certified drillers, driller helpers, and technician support for earth borings, split-barrel soil samples, core borings, in-situ testing, and laboratory analyses related to bridges, retaining structures, stormwater facilities, roadways, and other infrastructure projects. All work must adhere to the Maryland State Highway Administration Standard Specifications for Subsurface Explorations (March 2026) and the Standard Specifications for Construction and Materials (July 2026), as well as applicable AASHTO and ASTM standards. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Bid Express portal using AASHTOWare Project Bids™ software, and paper submissions are strictly prohibited. Bidders must register with Bid Express, hold a paid subscription, possess an Info Tech Digital ID, and be registered on eMMA to be eligible for award. Contractors are required to comply with Maryland’s Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy under Title 19 of the State Finance and Procurement Article and incorporate an Equal Employment Opportunity clause into all union agreements to prevent discrimination in job applicant referrals. A mandatory 18% MBE participation goal applies, with zero subgoals specified for African American, Hispanic American, or Asian American-owned firms. Bidders must submit four certified MBE forms—the Certified MBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit, MBE Participation Schedule, Outreach Compliance Statement, and MBE Subcontractor Project Participation Affidavit—along with a completed MBE Goal Worksheet. Failure to submit any of these documents renders a bid non-responsive. Samples must be collected, preserved, and labeled according to strict specifications, including use of microcrystalline wax for liner sealing, clear glass jars with screw tops, and permanent labeling with boring location, depth, and other data per ASTM D4220. All core boxes and sample containers must be clearly marked with project, charge number, boring details, and contractor information. Contracts will be awarded based on the lowest total proposed cost per item, with awards going to multiple bidders. The contract duration is three years, extendable by one year, and must be completed by December 31, 2029. Performance and payment bonds are