Bids are invited for the US 77 Utility Relocations: From SH 71 Bypass to North Side of Fairgrounds project as described in the plans and specifications, including 380 LF of 8-inch waterline, 8-inch sewer line modification, service reconnections, and associated items. A bid bond in the amount of 5% of the bid issued by an acceptable surety shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check or bank draft payable to the City of La Grange may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond The successful bidder may not discriminate against its employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin. The City of La Grange reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any minor informalities in the bid documents. The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Bids may be held by the City of La Grange for a period not to exceed 60 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidders qualifications prior to the contract award. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Bidders will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order 11375, and as supplemented in Department of, Labor regulations 41 CFR Part 60. The successful Bidder shall furnish Performance and Payment Bonds on the forms furnished with the Proposal, in the amount of 100% of the total Contract price, from a surety company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as surety. The surety company must have a minimum Best Key Rating of "B", or the surety company must be eligible to participate in the surety bond guarantee program of the Small Business Administration and must be an approved surety listed in the current U.S. Department of Treasury Circular 570, and must meet all of the related rules and regulations of the Treasury Department. The surety company and the agency or agent issuing the Payment and Performance Bonds must be authorized to issue and sign Payment and Performance Bonds in Texas in an amount equal to or greater than the total Contract price.