Bids opened on I-395 signing projects

[roadman]

Bids were opened earlier this week on ConnDOT's I-395 sign replacement projects (#0172-0387 and #0172-0388).  The low bidder for both projects was A.M. Rizzo Electrical Contractors of Danbury.

Now, I'm not sure how ConnDOT's prequalification categories and procedures work.  However, it seems very odd to me that an electrical contractor would be considered qualified for a project that is specifically to replace highway signs and supports.

Even if they sub-contract the sign and support work, I believe that Connecticut, like the majority of states, has requirements that the prime contractor do more than 50% of the work in the contract.  Unless I'm missing something obvious, I don't see how that would be attainable in this case.

Perhaps some of our CT folks can provide some insight here.

[hotdogPi]

Who was the high bidder, then?

[roadman]

Who was the high bidder, then?

Bidder lists:

http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/documents/dcontracts/0172-0387.pdf
http://www.ct.gov/dot/lib/dot/documents/dcontracts/0172-0388.pdf

It's interesting that none of the listed contractors are signing-specific firms.  This seems to me to be unusual, given that there are several companies in New England that specialize in major sign fabrication and installation projects like these.  And, as the bid summaries do not include the original office estimate amounts, you really can't tell if the bid amounts are reasonable or not.

[NE2]

Apparently the company's done cell towers, highway lighting, and traffic signals: http://rizzoelectric.com/project-experience/

[wytout]

Electrical Contractor... hmmmm... Maybe Lighted BGS's are coming back to CT - ... back to reality. well it was a nice thought for a fleeting second.