INVITATION TO BID
Palm Street Smart Pond
BID NUMBER: 26-99071
BIDS DUE: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 by 2:00 PM CT
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project scope includes constructing a smart stormwater basin, which includes
the construction of sheet pile retaining walls, excavation, revetment mats, open cut and directional drilled storm
sewer utility, electronic controls to open a slide gate, landscaping, and associated work. The project is located
near the corner of Palm St and Blackman Ave.
ANTICIAPATED START DATE: March 1, 2026 or within ten (10) calendar days after the date of Notice to
Proceed, whichever is later.
SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION DATE: October 16, 2026
FINAL COMPLETION DATE: June 25, 2027
PRE-BID MEETING: An optional pre-bid meeting will be held virtually at 11:00 AM CT on Tuesday, January
20, 2026. A link to join can be found at https://duluthmn.gov/purchasing/bids-request-for-proposals/ . All
interested bidders are encouraged to attend.
QUESTIONS: Please submit any questions regarding this project via e-mail to nbruno@duluthmn.gov.
Responses will be issued as an addendum to this solicitation. Deadline to submit questions is Friday, January
30, 2026 by 4:00 PM CT.
The selected contractor will be issued a construction contract (draft included in the Standard City Contracting
Forms in the BidExpress solicitation). Notice to Proceed will be issued once the agreement is fully executed.
Specifications may be viewed and downloaded at no cost at www.bidexpress.com. Bidders must create a free
account with Bid Express®; and login to search for city projects (search by “City of Duluth” or bid number). Bid
Express® does charge a nominal fee for bid submission. More information can be found at
https://www.infotechinc.com/bidding.
Proposal forms, contract documents, plans and specifications may also be on file at the following offices:
Minnesota Builder's Exchange, and Builder’s Exchange of Wisconsin.
INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS
Bids must be submitted electronically through Bid Express® at www.bidexpress.com. Bid surety in the amount
of 5% of the total bid must be submitted with each bid. Bid bonds may be submitted electronically, either through
Surety2000 or Tinubu within the Bid Express solicitation, or emailed to purchasing@duluthmn.gov. Paper bid
bonds, certified checks or bank drafts payable to the City of Duluth may be mailed or dropped off at City Hall,
411 W. 1st Street, Room 120, Duluth, MN 55802. Regardless of the method of submission, bid surety must be
received by Purchasing prior to the bid opening.
The City Purchasing Agent or her designee will conduct a public bid opening immediately after the deadline for
receiving bids. Bidders may view the opening by going to the Purchasing web page
(https://www.duluthmn.gov/purchasing/bids-request-for-proposals/) and selecting the appropriate link.
No alternatives to the specification will be considered unless specifically requested. Erasures or other changes
to the bid must be initialed and dated, however no special conditions shall be made or included in the bid form
by the bidder
.
The City of Duluth reserves the right to split the award where there is a substantial savings to the City, to waive
informalities and to reject any and all bids. Price may not be the only consideration for bid award. Bids must be
firm for a minimum of 60 days.
Please note that the following requirements also apply to this project, and any additional required
documents must be submitted prior to award/contract execution.
1. Insurance – Contractor must provide proof of Public Liability and Automobile Liability Insurance with limits
not less than $1,500,000 Single Limit prior to the commencement of work. The City of Duluth must be named as
an additional insured. Please refer to the draft Contract, Section 8.
2. Performance & Payment Bonds – The awarded contractor will be required to submit performance and
payments bonds in the full amount of the project cost prior to award.
3. Project Labor Agreement (PLA) - A PLA will be required for any bid that is over or could virtually go over
$150,000. A copy of the City standard PLA is included in this package.
4. Community Benefits Provisions - A Community Benefits Best Efforts Plan will be required for any project
that includes a PLA. The required form is included in the bid package, as well as a link to additional community
benefits information, including the program specifications and a process flowchart.
5. Out of State Contractor - Unless a State of Minnesota Certificate of Exemption is provided, any out-of-state
bidder receiving a bid award will have 8% retained from invoice payments on any contracts over $50,000. Submit
a signed copy of the signed exemption form when submitting Payment and Performance Bonds. This form may
be
found
at:
https://www.minnstate.edu/system/finance/facilities/design-
construction/pm_emanual/doc/DIV00%204547%20SDE%20Form%20Exhibit%20B%204-12-19.pdf
6. Prevailing Wage - Not less than the minimum salaries and prevailing wages as set forth in the
contract documents must be paid on this project.
The City of Duluth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Contractor shall comply with all applicable Equal
Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.
CITY OF DULUTH
Patrice Stalvig
Purchasing Agent