IFB’s are divided into two categories: goods and non-professional services, and construction projects. The IFB process is initiated by advertisement in local newspapers or journals, followed by submission of bids, bid opening and award of contract.

Specific Requirements for Goods and Non-Professional Services

In addition to the general requirements, the bidder should carefully note any provisions of the bid or contract documents and specifically to the requirements for bid deposits, insurance and performance bonds, as may be applicable.

A bid deposit of 5% of the total bid may be required. This must be in the form of a bid bond, certified check, treasurer’s or cashier’s check issued to “Boston Water and Sewer Commission”.

A performance bond and a labor and materials payment bond may be required of a surety company authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and satisfactory to BWSC.

Specific Requirements for Construction Projects

Bidders must comply with the following additional requirements:

  • Bids must be accompanied by a bid deposit, certified check, treasurer’s or cashier’s check, or in the form of a bid bond in the amount of 5% of bid payable to and to become the property BWSC if the bid, after acceptance, is not carried out
  • The bid deposit is to be returned only when all stated conditions of the contract document are carried out
  • A performance bond and a labor and materials payment bond, each of a surety company qualified to do business under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and satisfactory to BWSC’s Executive Director, and each in the sum of 100% of the contract price, must be submitted within the time specified in the contract document

Bids must be submitted:

  • Within the time specified in the contract document
  • On the forms obtained from the Director of Procurement
  • In sealed envelopes clearly marked with the bid contract number and name
  • Bids are not an electronic submittal

Bids will be publicly opened and read at BWSC on the date specified.

If the bidder neglects to bid on each and every item, it may lead to the rejection of the bid. The rate of wages paid to mechanics, teamsters, chauffeurs and laborers for the work to be performed under the contract shall not be less than the rate of wages in the schedule determined by the Commission of Labor and Industries of the Commonwealth, a copy of which schedule is annexed to the form of contract referred to herein. Copies of said schedule may be obtained, without cost, at BWSC.

Before commencing performance on this contract, the contractor shall provide by insurance for the payment of compensation and the furnishing of all other benefits under Chapter 152 of the General Laws (The Workmen’s Compensation Law, so called) to all persons to be employed under this contract and shall continue such insurance in full force and effect during the term of this contract. Attention is called to Chapter 370 of the Acts of 1963, which must be strictly complied with.

No bid for the award of this project will be considered acceptable unless the contractor agrees to comply fully with the requirement of the Minority Employee Utilization Requirement as set forth in Article VIIII of the contract. Included with the contract documents are copies of the bidder’s Certification Statement and Weekly Utilization Report. Each contractor must complete, sign and file with his/her bid the Bidder’s Certification Statement. Failure to comply with the Minority Employee Utilization Requirement may result in imposition of the sanctions set forth in Section 8.2(f) and (g) of the contract. The Executive Director reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or any item or items of the bid and to waive technical defects which are not of a substantive nature if BWSC should determine that it is in its interest to do so.