The scope of work shall consist of, but not limited to, replacing 2" galvanized water mains with 1,075" of 4" PVC water main and 1,200" of 6" PVC water main along with fire protection and new water services. All work shall be completed within One Hundred Fifty (150) calendar days. In accordance with Louisiana RS 38:2212. Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashier's check, or bid bond payable to the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the amount of which shall be five percent (5%) of the base bid plus additive alternates. If a bid bond is used, it shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list of approved bonding companies which is published annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A-Rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent (10%) of policyholders' surplus as shown in the A.M. Best's Key Rating Guide, or by an insurance company in good standing licensed to write bid bonds which is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana residents. The bid bond shall be issued by a company licensed to do business in Louisiana. The certified check, cashier's check, or bid bond shall be given as a guarantee that the bidder shall execute the contract, should it be awarded to him, in conformity with the contract documents within ten (10) days. No bidder may withdraw his bid for at least forty-five (45) days after the time scheduled for the opening of bids. Each bid shall be submitted only on the bid form provided with the specifications. The successful bidder will be required to execute performance and labor and material payment bonds in the full amount of the contract as more fully defined in the bid documents. Bids will be evaluated by the Purchaser based on the lowest responsible and responsive bid submitted which is also in compliance with the bid documents. The Lafayette Consolidated Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause in accordance with LA R.S. 382214.B. Bidders or firms submitting bids in the amount of $50,000.00 or more shall certify that they are licensed contractors under Chapter 24 of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 and show their license number on the front of the sealed envelope in which their bid is enclosed. Bidders shall be licensed for the classification of "Municipal and Public Works Constructions. " Bids in the amounts specified above which have not bid in accordance with the requirements, shall be rejected and shall not be read. Additional information relative to licensing may be obtained from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Lafayette Consolidated Government strongly encourages the participation of DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises) in all contracts or procurements let by the Lafayette Consolidated Government for goods and services and labor and material. To that end, all bidders and suppliers are encouraged to utilize DBEs business enterprises in the purchase or sub-contracting of materials, supplies, services and labor and material in which disadvantaged businesses are available. Assistance in identifying said businesses may be obtained by calling 291-8410. PURCHASING DIVISION Lafayette Consolidated Government