Title
The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007147 with Universal Contracting Services for As-Needed Traffic Control Services; for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $1,800,000.00 and a term of two (2) years. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
Body
Agenda of June 18, 2025
Item No.: 2025-116
Contract No.: 6007147
Contractor: Universal Contracting Services, 5671 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48208 (DHB, DBB)
Contract Amount: $1,800,000.00
Contract Term: 7/1/25-6/30/27 (2 years)
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Proposed DWSD Contract 6007147
As-Needed Traffic Control Services
Universal Contracting Services
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Marqaicha Welch, Supply Chain/ Procurement Manager, the Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6007147 with Universal Contracting Services for As-Needed Traffic Control Services; for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $1,800,000.00 and a term of two (2) years. This also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND / JUSTIFICATION
Traffic control is a critical component of construction projects that intersect with public roads and pedestrian pathways. It ensures that vehicular and pedestrian traffic continues to flow safely and efficiently while the work is being carried out. For projects in urban areas like Detroit, Michigan, where roadways are frequently utilized by various types of traffic, a comprehensive traffic control plan is necessary to maintain safety and minimize disruptions.
The provisions outlined in this section reflect the importance of adherence to standard specifications and guidelines established by local and state authorities. These guidelines ensure that any modifications to existing traffic conditions are managed in a structured and regulated manner, providing both safety for workers and the public, and minimizing potential traffic delays.
OBJECTIVES:
The primary objectives of this contract are:
1. Compliance with Local and State Guidelines: All work under this section must adhere to the standards set forth by the City of Detroit Department of Public Works - Traffic Engineering Division, Wayne County, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Standard Specifications for Construction, and MDOT’s "Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices" (MMUTCD). By complying with these established guidelines, the contractor ensures the safety of both workers and the public and minimizes the risk of legal or regulatory issues that could arise during construction.
2. Ensuring the Safety of Pedestrians and Vehicles: The primary goal of traffic control is to maintain and protect both vehicular and pedestrian traffic while work is ongoing. Given the dynamic nature of construction activities, pedestrian pathways and road lanes must be carefully managed to avoid accidents. A well-maintained traffic control plan provides clear instructions on detours, lane closures, and other adjustments to ensure that everyone can move safely through the work zone.
3. Coordination with Authorities: Coordination with local authorities (City of Detroit, Wayne County, MDOT, etc.) is vital to ensure that the construction work does not interfere with existing traffic systems more than necessary. This requirement helps mitigate potential conflicts with road closures, detours, and other construction-related impacts, ensuring smoother integration of the project with existing traffic flows.
4. Advance Approval of Traffic Maintenance Plan: A traffic maintenance plan must be submitted and approved by the relevant authority before work commences. This step ensures that the proposed traffic control measures meet safety, legal, and logistical standards. It also allows for the integration of any specific requirements or constraints imposed by the authorities having jurisdiction over the area.
5. Installation and Maintenance of Detours: During construction, certain traffic routes may need to be closed, and detours must be put in place to divert traffic safely around the work zone. The contractor is responsible for installing and maintaining these detours in accordance with the improvement plans. Detour routes are critical for minimizing congestion and ensuring that traffic can continue to flow with minimal disruption.
6. Protection of Existing Infrastructure: To prevent damage to existing roadways, infrastructure, and pedestrian pathways, contractors must ensure that all equipment used during construction is properly managed and operated within the load limits specified by the authorities. This provision ensures that infrastructure remains intact and usable, preventing costly repairs after construction is completed.
PROCUREMENT METHOD
Requisition #530941 for Traffic Control Services was approved on 2/13/25. It was competitively solicited as RFB #530941 on the BidNet Michigan Inter-Governmental Trade Network (MITN) website for 24 calendar days. MITN published this opportunity to 630 companies subscribing to the relevant NIGP codes(s) and 34 firms downloaded the RFB package. Two bids were received.
Bidder |
Total Bid |
Equalization |
Equal. Credits |
Equal. Total Bid |
Universal Contracting Services |
$1,800,000 |
DHB - 1% |
($18,000) |
$1,782,000 |
Major Contracting Group |
$1,975,000 |
DHB - 1% |
($19,750) |
$1,955,250 |
Both bidders were determined to be responsive and responsible. Universal had the lowest equalized bid pricing. Based on this information, it is recommended that the contract be awarded to Universal Contracting Services.
Universal has current approved clearances that expire 7/15/25. A formal contract document has been sent to the vendor for signatures.
SUMMARY
A. Contract No: 6007147
B. Contractor: Universal Contracting Services
C. Contract Term: 7/1/25 - 6/30/27 (2 years)
D. Total Contract Amount: $1,800,000.00
E. Projected FY Expenditures: FY 25-26: $900,000.00
FY 26-27: $900,000.00
F. Funding Source: O&M Funds
G. GL String:
5720-20167-482431-617900-000209-10680-0000-000000 - 50.5% Water
5820-20178-492431-617900-000230-15826-0000-000000 - 49.5% Sewer
This proposed contract was presented to the BOWC Finance Committee on June 4, 2025. Per DWSD procurement protocol, no additional approvals are required.