Hardesty Lane Temporary Bridge Acquisition

The contract pertains to the acquisition of a temporary bridge at Hardesty Lane in Asheville, North Carolina, with a project scope requiring a bridge approximately 80 feet in span, 18 feet wide, supporting at least 90,000 pounds, and equipped with 15-inch side rails. The procurement process is structured as a sealed bid solicitation, with bids due by September 25, 2025, and the project expected to commence around October 25, 2025. The estimated contract value ranges from $200,000 to $500,000. The City of Asheville emphasizes compliance with multiple policies, including the City’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, which has an annual goal of 8.6%, and encourages participation from minority and women-owned businesses under its Business Inclusion Policy. Bidders must submit all documentation, including certifications and commitments for DBE participation if applicable, and certify adherence to the City’s drug-free workplace policy. The bid submission must be on the official form, sealed, and delivered either in person or via courier to the City Hall Security Station, with no electronic submissions accepted. The solicitation incorporates several regulatory and policy frameworks, notably federal regulations under 49 C.F.R. Part 26 for DBE requirements, North Carolina statutes governing sealed bidding procedures, and local policies promoting business inclusion and non-discrimination. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities, ensuring competitive fairness. While detailed evaluation criteria are not explicitly enumerated, the selection process prioritizes responsiveness, responsibility, technical compliance with the specified bridge standards, and adherence to DBE and MWBE participation commitments, with the award going to the lowest responsible bidder meeting all requirements. The contract documents reference bid documents, specifications, and addenda available online, but do not specify detailed line-item pricing, packaging, or inspection and acceptance procedures, which are not explicitly addressed within the provided materials. Overall, the procurement emphasizes compliance, inclusivity, and adherence to local, state, and federal policies governing public construction and procurement activities.