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1 RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT SOLE SOURCE FIVE YEAR TERMCity CouncilJune 23, 2026Riverside Public Utilities RiversideCA.gov2
1. Since 1976, the State of California has had the DigAlert program2. Per California Government Code Sections 4216 – 4216.24, excavators must contact DigAlert for underground installations at the dig site to be located and marked3. DigAlert is administered by a non-profit mutual benefit corporation funded by utility members. a. In Southern California, DigAlert is administered by a sole program provider –Underground Service Alert4. RPU is an operator of underground installations and is required to support costs associated with DigAlertBACKGROUND1 2 6/11/2026
2 RiversideCA.gov3
1. The California Underground Facilities Safe Excavation Board (Dig Safe Board) was created by the Dig Safe Act of 2016 as part of Underground Service Alert2. The Dig Safe Board coordinates the state’s education, develops safety standards, investigates dig-in accidents, enforces violations of the Dig Safe Law, and makes enforcement recommendations3. Government Code 4216.16 (b) authorizes the Board to levy this fee on California’s DigAlert membersa. A new state regulator fee was established to fund the Dig Safe Board and RPU is now annually assessed the feeBACKGROUND (CON’T) RiversideCA.gov4
Historically fees for Underground Service Alert are as follows:DISCUSSIONTotal Annual ExpenditureDig Safe Board FeesDigAlert Program FeesYear $ 51,336.34 $ 14,710.29$ 36,626.052024$ 45,348.57$ 13,219.82$ 35,125.752023$ 53,839.08 $ 11,615.89$ 42,223.192022$ 59,002.41 $ 16,549.81$ 42,452.602021$ 54,567.80 $ 16,766.35$ 37,801.4520203 4 6/11/2026
3 RiversideCA.gov5
This action is pursuant to Purchasing Resolution 24101, Section 702 which states, “Exceptions. Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required in any of the following circumstances…(g) Where payment for Services is to be made to a Federal, State, and/or other public entity.”The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommended action is compliant with Purchasing Resolution No. 24101, Section 702(g)DISCUSSION – SOLE SOURCE JUSTIFICATION RiversideCA.gov6
That the City Council approves the expenditure with Underground Service Alert of Southern California, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, in the amount of $345,000.RECOMMENDATIONS5 6