Geotechnical Services for the Ames Municipal Energy Center

Background

The City of Ames is seeking bids from qualified vendors to provide geotechnical services for the new power generation facility for the Electric Services Department. This project aims to support the construction and operation of the Ames Municipal Energy Center, which is crucial for the city's electric services.

Work Details

The contractor will perform a comprehensive subsurface investigation that includes: - Conducting site visits - Scheduling pre-mobilization meetings - Avoiding underground utilities - Obtaining necessary permits - Disposing of soil cuttings on-site - Staking test locations - Surveying coordinates and elevations - Performing soft-dig excavations or geophysical scanning for utility clearance - Drilling soil borings - Obtaining Standard Penetration Test (SPT) N-values and soil samples - Measuring groundwater levels - Conducting laboratory testing of selected samples - Performing electrical resistivity surveys and seismic surveys - Providing draft and final reports detailing exploration methods and test results. Specific tasks include: 1) Mobilization to job site; 2) Soil borings (1460 ft total); 3) Infiltration testing; 4) Bulk sampling (5 samples); 5) Undisturbed soil sampling using Shelby tubes (125 samples); 6) Grouting boreholes; 7) Various laboratory tests including Soil Classification per ASTM D2488 and Water Content per ASTM D2216.

Period of Performance

The work is expected to commence within one week after the Notice to Proceed (NTP), with completion of all soil borings and field testing within six weeks. Laboratory testing should be completed within eight weeks. A draft report is due nine weeks after NTP, with a final report submitted one week after receiving comments on the draft.

Place of Performance

The contract will be performed at the Ames Municipal Energy Center located in Ames, Iowa.

Bidder Requirements

Bidders must comply with ASTM D3740 standards for testing agencies. They are required to submit a letter certifying compliance prior to starting site work. Bidders must also provide evidence of experience in similar projects and ensure that all personnel involved are qualified as per industry standards.