Council rejects bids for Mojave–Snyder well transmission main, directs staff to rebid

Tehachapi city staff recommended and the council agreed to reject the single bid received for the Mojave–Snyder well transmission main project after staff said the lone responsive bid was about 15% higher than the engineer’s estimate.

Staff explained the project’s goal is to connect the Mojave well east to tie into the Snyder well and ultimately link to the Denison well and the city’s transmission system at Valley. At the meeting staff reported that only one firm submitted a responsible bid and that the bid came in roughly 15% over the engineer’s estimate. Staff outlined three options: identify city funds to supplement and award; reject and rebid later to seek more competitive proposals; or other procurement steps. Staff recommended rejecting the bid and rebidding at a later date (possibly after winter) to encourage more bidders and avoid tying up contractor equipment during winter conditions.

Staff also noted a large, simultaneous $9 million project in the region that likely reduced bidder interest in the city’s project. The council directed staff to reject the bids and to revisit the procurement at a later date.

Clarifying details: the bid received was responsible but approximately 15% over the engineer’s estimate; staff recommended rejecting all bids and rebidding, potentially in January or February to attract more bidders. Staff said repaving will be required as part of the project scope (half the roadway trench will be repaved, not just the trench patch), and that the construction schedule and street surface restoration were included in the scope.

Votes at a glance: - Reject bids for Mojave–Snyder well transmission main project and rebid at a later date — Passed (recorded as council action).