ReBid Western Branch Water Resource Recovery Facility Potable Water System Upgrade

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is soliciting bids to upgrade the potable water system at the Western Branch Water Resource Recovery Facility in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, due to aging infrastructure and water quality concerns. The existing well, drilled in 1966 and approximately 341 feet deep, supplies groundwater for potable use but is located within a floodplain, with corroded underground components and recent positive coliform test results indicating contamination risks. The project requires constructing a new 6-inch diameter, 350-foot deep well, a new 24’x28’ CMU wall well house, a new 8-inch C900 PVC water line extending 3,980 linear feet, and associated valve vaults, fire hydrants, electrical duct banks, and HVAC systems. The scope includes replacing all outdated piping, removing the old well system, installing a water softener, and restoring asphalt and concrete surfaces disturbed by construction. All work must comply with industry standards across multiple construction divisions and adhere to strict material specifications, including prohibitions on PVC pipe manufactured more than 12 months prior to installation. The contract is structured as a fixed-term, lump-sum low bid award based on unit prices for over 30 line items, with a $350,000 allowance for unanticipated work. The project is estimated to take two years, with work limited to standard hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and must be performed at the facility located at 6600 Crain Highway. The contract requires full compliance with Maryland prevailing wage laws, the Buy American Steel Act, and strict non-discrimination policies. Bidders must submit a signed Declaration of Non-Discrimination and demonstrate a Good Faith Effort to meet MBE/SLBE participation goals, scoring at least 90 out of 125 points or providing documented justifications for waivers. All contractors must provide bid guarantees of at least 5% of the bid amount, and upon award, are required to furnish performance, payment, and maintenance bonds each equal to 100% of the contract value, issued by Maryland-licensed surety companies. Insurance mandates include commercial general liability with the Commission named as an additional insured, workers’ compensation, employer’s liability, business auto liability, and builders risk insurance covering the full insurable value of the project. Subcontractors must be vetted and insured before commencing work, and all payments must be reported monthly through WSSC