MERCEY SPRINGS WATERLINE IMPROVEMENTS

The Mercy Springs Waterline Improvements project involves the installation of approximately 4,432 linear feet of 18-inch C-900 PVC water main along the east side of the northbound lane of State Route 165 between Pioneer Road and State Route 152 in Los Banos, California, using an open-cut method. Accompanying this main line are additional water mains of varying diameters—12-inch, 8-inch, 6-inch, and 4-inch—as well as a full array of appurtenances including gate valves, check valves, air/vacuum valves, flexible couplings, tees, wyes, tapped fittings, blind flanges, well risers, curb stops, corporation cocks, and hydrant laterals. Fire hydrants are to be installed at approximately 300-foot intervals, with laterals crossing both directions of State Route 165. The project also includes trench resurfacing, roadway restoration, hot mix asphalt paving, concrete improvements, and full stormwater pollution control measures in compliance with NPDES/MS4 standards and the required Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. All work must adhere to the City of Los Banos Standard Specifications, Caltrans 2010 standards, ASTM and California Test Methods, and California Waterworks Standards, with strict compaction and grading tolerances enforced. Installation of copper tubing requires permanent marking every 18 inches, and valve boxes must be clearly labeled “Water.” The solicitation, issued by the City of Los Banos Public Works Department under solicitation number 20260728056, closes for bids on August 13, 2026, with proposals submitted either in six hard copies or one electronic copy to the City Clerk’s office. The contract operates under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) award methodology, selecting the lowest responsive and responsible bidder who meets all technical, regulatory, and compliance requirements, including submission of a valid bid bond, proof of non-collusion, debarment certification, EEO compliance, and NPDES/MS4 adherence. The contractor must provide all testing, inspection, and labor services at their own expense and comply with California labor codes mandating apprentice employment. Traffic control plans require engineering stamp and signature, street closures need ten-day advance approval, and all subcontracts must include nondiscrimination clauses in line with FEHA. Contract administration is overseen by the City Engineer, though no formal COR