RFB 24-25-41
Backflow Testing, Repairs, and Maintenance Services
Addendum #1 Page 1 of 2
City of Visalia Purchasing Division
707 W. Acequia Avenue
Visalia, CA 93291
(559)713-4334
[email protected]
CITY OF VISALIA, CA
REQUEST FOR BIDS RFB No. 24-25-41
ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR BACKFLOW TESTING, REPAIRS, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES
ADDENDUM NO. 1
Issued: Friday, November 21, 2025
Bids Due: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 AT 2:00 PM
Addendum is being issued to provide responses to questions. This addendum becomes part of the RFB 24-25-41 document and must be signed and submitted with bid.
ITEM 1: QUESTIONS/RESPONSES
Q1: In the bid documents it says that minor repairs are part of the unit price to test backflows. If later on it starts to leak, are we still responsible for faulty internals for that same backflow? R1: Contractors will be responsible for all labor in minor repairs. Cost for parts for minor repairs will be paid for by the City by reimbursing the contractor when receipts for parts are included with the invoice to the City.
Labor for major repairs may be billed at contractor’s hourly rate and cost for parts for major repairs will be paid for by the City by reimbursing the contractor when receipts for parts are included with the invoice to the City. Before any work is performed on major repairs, contractor must submit to the project manager an itemized cost estimate for approval prior to making any repairs.
Q2: What if a rebuild is needed, how do we bill this? Is this covered under the cost per device in the bid or would this be additional labor that we are allowed to charge? R2: A rebuild may be billed at contractor’s hourly rate.
Q3: If we are called out for an emergency, do we need to respond within 2 hours? R3: Yes, if the backflow is causing an emergency, we need a response within 2 hours. A 24-hr contact must be provided.
Q4: If a backflow device needs to be replaced, do I need to have my certified backflow tester do the install or can my plumber do the install and my tester do the test?
R4: Plumbers may perform the installation, but the test after repair must be done by a certified backflow tester.
Q5: Is the testing paid at prevailing wage as well, not just the repairs? R5: All labor is to be paid at prevailing wage rate.
Q6: What classifications should we use for prevailing wage rate? R6: DIR classification Plumber: Plumber, Steamfitter, Refrigeration Fitter. Rates may be found on the DIR website: https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/DPreWageDetermination.htm.
Q7: Since this contract will most likely be over $30,000, will there be an exemption from the requirement of hiring an apprentice since backflow testers are required to be certified and apprentices most likely are not certified? R7: No, the City of Visalia cannot provide an exemption as it is a State of California requirement.
RFB 24-25-41
Backflow Testing, Repairs, and Maintenance Services
Addendum #1 Page 2 of 2
Q8: When do you anticipate this contract to start?
R8: Projected start date is 2/1/26.
Q9: Would you be able to clarify if this project has a PLA (Project Labor Agreement)? R9: The City of Visalia has not entered into a Project Labor Agreement for this project. The City has no ordinance requiring or prohibiting such agreements. If a contractor has a Project Labor Agreement with labor unions, it may be used. Please note that this project is considered a public works contract and therefore, subject to registration with the Department of Industrial Relations, payment of prevailing wages, submission of certified payroll records to the Labor Commissioner and other requirements listed in the City of Visalia Labor Compliance Manual which was attached to the RFB.
Q10: Would a D64 Backflow Testing Repair and Installation contractor’s license be acceptable? R10: No, bidders must have a C-36 plumbing contractor’s license.
END OF ADDENDUM NO. 1
/s/ Purchasing Division
(559) 713-4334
Bidder to sign and submit with Bid
Firm: Date:
By: Bidder’s Signature