REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP): Hydro Vac Services – Pulpit Excavation at Dease Lake Airport (CYDL)

1. Project Overview

Stikine Airport Society (SAS) has identified approximately 34 damaged pulpits that require replacement along the runway at Dease Lake Airport (CYDL). Each pulpit houses electrical

components that power its corresponding stake-mounted runway light, with wiring connected underground.

The replacement project will involve collaboration between multiple contractors, working according to engineered technical drawings to ensure all pulpits and associated lighting are

installed to airport specifications. The scope of work will include:

  • A hydro vac contractor to excavate each pulpit identified by the Stikine Airport Society (SAS);
  • A certified electrician to transfer the electrical components from each damaged pulpit to a new unit and reinstall it in the ground; and
  • A general labour contractor to backfill and stabilize the newly installed pulpits using on-site soil.

SAS is seeking qualified and experienced hydro vac contractors to excavate approximately 34 runway pulpits at the Dease Lake Airport (CYDL) in Dease Lake, British Columbia. All work must

comply with safety and environmental standards for work conducted on or near an active airfield. All work is to be completed according to detailed technical drawings provided by our

engineer (attached to this RFP). The selected contractor will also be required to work in coordination with the Dease Lake Airport’s designated electrician and follow all guidance related to

electrical components and safety protocols.

Expected Project Completion Date: No later than October 1, 2025.

We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

 

2. Scope of Work

  • Safely hydro-vac soil to excavate approximately 34 pulpits along the airport runway.
  • All work must be performed in accordance with the attached engineered technical drawings and specifications, with project completion including slope of 5% and new pulpit lids 50mm below ground surface.
  • Contractor must work collaboratively with the Dease Lake Airport’s selected electrician to ensure safe handling and avoidance of any electrical infrastructure.
  • Depth, dimensions, and exact location of each pulpit are outlined in the attached drawings.
  • The vacuum truck must be inspected by the Stikine Airport Society (SAS) prior to the start of work to ensure the equipment is clean and free of external contaminants. Only upon approval of the truck’s cleanliness will the contractor be permitted to dispose of excess excavated soil in a designated on-site location (to be confirmed by SAS). If the equipment is found to be contaminated, all spoil material must be removed from the site and disposed of at the contractor’s expense.
  • Contractor must take all necessary precautions to avoid damaging active infrastructure and prevent any contamination of the runway. Any damage or contamination that occurs will be the sole responsibility of the contractor to repair or remediate at their own expense.
  • Coordinate with SAS operations staff for airside access and safety procedures.

 

3. Contractor Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in airport hydro vac work, especially pulpit excavation.
  • Ability to interpret and follow technical drawings and engineered specifications.
  • Willingness to work under the direction of the airport's electrician regarding electrical safety and components.
  • Valid BC WorkSafeBC (WCB) account in good standing.
  • $10M preferred, but minimum $2M Commercial General Liability Insurance.
  • Availability to mobilize to Dease Lake and complete the work before October 1, 2025.
  • Equipment must be in good working order, suitable for remote work conditions.

 

4. Proposal Submission Requirements

Please include the following in your proposal:

A. Company Profile & Relevant Experience

  • Brief overview of company.
  • Description of similar airport or remote-area hydro vac projects completed.
  • At least one (1) reference from recent similar projects (preferably within the last 5 years).

B. Project Approach

  • Description of how your team will complete the work (number of crew, equipment, safety protocols, etc.).
  • Demonstrated understanding of working from technical drawings.
  • Acknowledgement that contractor will collaborate with and follow guidance of the airport’s selected electrician for any work involving or near electrical components.
  • Estimated timeline (including mobilization and work schedule).

C. Pricing Table

Complete the table below.

Item Description Quantity/Unit Unit Rate ($CAD) Total ($CAD)
Hydro Vac Truck – Hourly Rate ________ hours $ $
Labour – Hourly Rate ________ hours $ $
Travel to/from Dease Lake ________ trip(s) $ $
Accommodation & Meals (per diem) ________ days $ $
Equipment Mobilizaton & Demobilization Fee Lump Sum $ $
Other (specify): ___________________   $ $
Total Estimated Cost     $

 

D. Insurance & WCB Documentation (Required)

  • Letter of good standing from WorkSafeBC.
  • Certificate of insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability.

 

5. Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

Crtieria Weight
Relevant Experience 30%
Methodology & Project Timeline 30%
Overall Cost 30%
References 10%

 

6. Timeline

Milestone Date
RFP Issued July 30, 2025
Questions Deadline August 7, 2025
Proposal Submission Deadline August 13, 2025 at 11:59pm PST
Contractor Selection August 13, 2025
Work Period August 22 – October 1, 2025

 

7. Submission Instructions

  • Submit proposals via email to: deaseairport@gmail.com
  • Subject Line: RFP Submission – Pulpit Replacement Project Hydro Vac Services
  • Deadline: August 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST
  • Late submissions may not be accepted.

 

8. Additional Information

  • Detailed engineered drawings and specifications are attached to this RFP and must be strictly followed during execution.
  • The successful contractor will be expected to follow all instructions from the airport's management related to airfield operations and safety, and to the selected electrician
  • related to electrical system safety and coordination.
  • SAS reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to negotiate terms with the preferred bidder.
  • All prices quoted must be in Canadian dollars and include applicable taxes.