QSP #2026-22

The Housing Authority of the County of Merced (Authority) is soliciting quotes for Plumbing as-needed services. The Authority is seeking quotes from contractors in good standing and who are appropriately licensed with the California State Licensing Board (CSLB). Qualified contractors will hold a C-36 Plumbing License and shall provide all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to complete the required work as detailed within the Scope of Work (SOW). It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to understand prevailing wages and current regulations in order to provide a complete and accurate proposal. The purpose of this QSP is to enter into a Master Agreement with one or more contractors as supports the Authority’s needs.

It is the intention of the Authority to execute a one (1) year contract(s), with up to two (2) two-year (2-year) options for renewal.

Due to the estimated cost of this procurement falling under the HUD Small Purchase Threshold of $350,000.00 annually, the Authority is procuring these services using a non-formal solicitation “Quote for Small Purchase (QSP)” process. This informal QSP process means formal Request for Proposals (RFP) requirements and formal protest procedures do not apply (i.e., bid bonds, public bid opening, etc.). The Authority reserves the right to issue modifications to this QSP at any time through addendums, reject all proposals, and/or ask for any clarifications or verifications from submitters at any time.

This QSP is being issued, as well any addenda, by the Authority. The Authority intends to receive quote submittals now, through and up to Thursday, July 30, 2026, by 4:00 P.M. The contact person for the Authority is:

Evelyn Chavira, Director of Procurement
405 U Street, Merced, CA. 95341
Telephone: (209) 386-4147
Email: evelync@merced-pha.com

Submittals may be mailed or hand-delivered to the main office at: 405 U Street, Merced, CA. 95341, sent via Fax to (209) 722-0106 or emailed to evelync@merced-pha.com.

It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to see that their quote is received to the Authority by the date and time set forth for the receiving of the quotes. Quotes received after the time stated will not be considered. Incomplete submittals are received as non-responsive and will not be considered. All submittals will become the property of the Authority.

The Authority will NOT hold an in-person pre-submittal meeting or walkthrough.

NOTE: Please Do Not Visit any Property Without Prior Authorization From Authority Staff.

Request for interpretations must be received no later than Wednesday, July 26, 2026 by 4:00 PM. Email all questions to: evelync@merced-pha.com

1. REFER TO SCOPE OF WORK, Attachment 1: As-Needed Plumbing Services — Housing Authority of the County of Merced.
2. Services will be provided/performed during normal business hours from 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Thursday and alternating Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. After hours calls will be emergency service based.
3. Typical Definition of Emergencies: There are instances when it is not reasonable to wait for service, meaning service is required from the Contractor immediately, and the Contractor is needed to drive to the site quickly, possibly even after business hours and on the weekend. Such cases will occur when Authority maintenance staff is not available afterhours or the project is beyond the scope of Authority maintenance staff.
4. All work shall be inspected and signed off by the Authority Authorized Representative (such as “Housing Program Director”, “Asset Manager”, or “Maintenance Manager”) before the work is deemed complete. An Authority work order must be attached to each invoice. No payment will be made until all work is completed to the satisfaction of the Authority’s Authorized Representative and is deemed complete.

Contractor shall complete, including notarization, a “Form of Non-Collusive Affidavit” (Attachment 4) as proof that they have not entered into any collusion with any person in respect to this solicitation or any other solicitation effecting the outcome of this award, and/or the submitting of quotes for the contract for which this quote is submitted.

The work to be performed under this contract is on projects assisted under a program receiving direct Federal financial assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is subject to the requirement of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 which requires that, to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for training and employment will be given to residents of the area of the Section 3 covered project (Attachment 5 — Section 3 Business Preference Form and Explanation).

1. Company Standards: Contractor shall possess the appropriate C-36 Plumbing Contractor License for all work performed. All work performed pursuant to this QSP must conform and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal codes, statutes, laws, and regulations, as well as those provided as attachments. If such compliance is impossible for reasons beyond its control, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Authority of that fact and the reasons therefore.
2. Personnel Standards: Services shall be performed by trained and qualified personnel who wear clearly visible identification, are neat in appearance, and conduct their work in a professional manner with minimal disturbance. The Contractor shall replace any personnel not satisfactory to the Authority.
3. Supervision: Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified supervision to oversee all operations.
4. Equipment:
   1. Furnish all equipment necessary, warranted to cause no hazard or danger.
   2. Install all safety signage measures throughout the work site for the duration of the project.
5. Property Damages: Contractor responsible, at its own expense, for repair and/or replacement of any damages to Authority property. All repairs and/or patches must match existing materials and meet industry standards.
6. Industry Standards and Compliance: All work shall be performed according to industry standards and in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

The Authority retains the right to contract with any contractor as a result of this QSP. Respondents will be notified of results at earliest practical date, no later than 30 days after due date.

1. Subject to Other Documents: The contract is subject to the terms and conditions of the State of California as they exist at the time the agreement is signed.
2. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor warrants that it presently has no interest and will not acquire any interest direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services under this contract.
3. Rejection of Submittals: The Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Submittals which are determined to be non-responsive.

The ensuing contract will be an Indefinite Quantities Contract (IQC), in that the Authority shall retain the right to form a pool of potential Contractors that the Authority may also make awards to, on a task-order basis, any amount of services the Authority requires. Pursuant to HUD regulation, this allows the Authority to award to each responsive and responsible Contractor a Guaranteed Contract Minimum Amount (GCMA) and a Not-to-Exceed Maximum Contract Amount (NMCA) of work. Those required minimum and maximum contract levels are:

• GCMA: $250.00
• NMCA: $350,000.00

Exceptions Pertaining to the GCMA: The noted GCMA (but not the entire Contract, only the restrictions pertaining to the set GCMA) will be null and void for any firm that chooses to reject a total of three (3) requests from the Authority to be available for work during the contract period or at the discretion of the Authority’s Authorized Representative.

1. The Authority will not execute a contract on the Contractor’s form. Contract will only be executed on an Authority form and by submitting a proposal, the Contractor agrees to do so (the Authority reserves the right to amend this form as it deems necessary). However, the Authority may consider any contract clauses that the Contractor wishes to include therein and requests in writing for the Authority to do so; but the failure of Authority to include such clauses does not give the Contractor the right to refuse to execute the Authority’s contract form.
2. Prior to submitting a proposal, it is the responsibility of each prospective Contractor to notify the Authority in writing of any contract clause that contractor is not willing to include in the final executed contract and abide by. The Authority will consider and respond to such written correspondence, and if the prospective Contractor is not willing to abide by the Authority’s response, then that prospective Contractor shall be deemed ineligible to submit a proposal.
3. Contract Conditions: The following provisions are considered mandatory conditions of any contract award made by the Authority pursuant to this QSP:
   1. Assignment of Personnel: The Authority shall retain the right to demand and receive a change in personnel assigned to the work if the Authority believes that such change is in the best interest of the Authority and the completion of the contracted work.
   2. Required Clauses: At a minimum, the attached “Purchase Order Terms & Conditions” (Attachment 6) will be applicable to any Purchase Order and/or Contract issued by the Authority.
   3. Labor Costs: Quotes will be inclusive billing rates for California State prevailing wage rates, Davis-Bacon and Related Acts wage rates, and non-prevailing wage rates.
   4. Unauthorized Sub-Contracting Prohibited: The Contractor shall not assign any right, nor delegate any duty for the work proposed pursuant to this QSP without the prior written consent of the Authority.
   5. Right to Negotiate Final Fees: The Authority shall retain the right to negotiate the amount of fees that are paid to the Contractor. If negotiations are not successfully concluded within five (5) business days, the Authority shall retain the right to end such negotiations and begin negotiations with the next-highest-rated Contractor. The Authority may negotiate with and make an award to more than one Contractor.
   6. Licensing and Insurance Requirements: Prior to award the Contractor will be required to provide proof of:
      1. Licensing: Cost of all licenses needed are the sole responsibility of the Contractor and should not be billed to the Authority. Contractor must hold a valid California Contractor’s License for the appropriate trade listed in this QSP.
      2. Permits: Some but not all projects will require a permit to be “pulled” for the contract. The Contractor is required and solely responsible to confirm if permits are required. If needed, the contractor will pull the permit and the Housing Authority will reimburse the contractor for the associated fee after completion and submittal of the original receipt.
      3. Insurance: Contractor shall procure and maintain throughout the duration of any Contract insurance against claims for injuries to person or damages to property, at a minimum as shown on the attached Authority’s “Insurance Requirements for Contractors” (Attachment 10).

1. The Authority periodically requires the Plumbing contractor to provide the necessary personnel and equipment for services including, but not limited to, diagnostics/detection, repair, maintenance, and installation of materials to address plumbing-related issues that arise at the units located throughout the properties maintained by the Authority. This can range from a simple plugged sink to the need to cut into concrete or drywall to fix a broken pipe.
2. When the Authority has need of work, staff will contact the 1st ranked Contractor to ascertain whether that Contractor is available to do the work within the reasonable timeframe the Authority has established (typically, “reasonable” means meeting at the site within one (1) day and beginning work within one (1) day thereafter). If the 1st ranked Contractor is not available, the Authority may proceed to the next highest-ranked Contractor, and so forth. The Authority reserves the right to remove any Contractor who fails to respond to calls when requested or within the agreed-upon response times.
3. Price Escalation: At the discretion of the Authority, at the end of the first one-year contract period (and at the end of any ensuing extended contract period), there may be an escalation of labor costs allowed in the same amount of any escalation that occurs pertaining to the corresponding or most similar (a) State of California Prevailing Wage Rates; (b) Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Prevailing Wage Rates; or (c) HUD-Determined Wage Rates for the Authority.
4. Notification of Escalation: The Contractor must notify the Authority, in writing, of such desired escalation at least 60 days prior to the end of the noted contract period(s). Such escalations may occur no more than once in any 12-month period without the express written consent of the Authority.
5. Contractor must maintain records of reports, including Certified Payroll forms, for no less than 5 years. Copies of reports shall be submitted to the Authority and easily accessed for no less than 5 years.

All work provided by any Contractor pursuant to any contract that ensues from this QSP shall be guaranteed by that Contractor for a period of time of not less than 365 days.

As may apply by statute, regulation or law, if, at any time during the ensuing contract period(s), the Authority needs the successful Contractor to provide services that require payment of Davis-Bacon and Related Acts or California State Prevailing Wage Rates for a specific task order, the Authority shall pay the difference through the agreed upon contract amount. Applicable wage rates can be found at:

• Department of Industrial Relations: https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/2026-1/PWD/Scope/204-X-3-Sco.PDF (opens in new tab)
• Davis-Bacon and Related Acts: https://sam.gov/wage-determinations (opens in new tab) — Wage Determination #CA20260018; craft code PLUM0442-001, Plumber & Steamfitter (Merced).

The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act was enacted on November 15, 2021, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. No. 117-58) also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. BABA establishes a domestic content procurement preference known as the “Buy America Preference” (BAP) for Federal infrastructure spending. The BAP requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure projects funded with Federal financial assistance must be produced in the United States, per the Community and Development Notice: CPD-2023-12. In accordance with these guidelines, the Authority must comply with the requirements of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, 41 USC 8301 note, and all applicable rules and notices, as may be amended, and as applicable to this project. Pursuant to Title 2, CFR Chapter 1, Part 184, materials used are subject to BABA requirements, unless exempted by a waiver. Contractor must make every effort to ensure any applicable material used for this project is produced in the United States according to the BABA guidelines.

All respondents shall return required documents noted with (*) along with the “Housing Authority of the County of Merced Signature Page” (page 10).

• Attachment 1: Scope of Work
• Attachment 2: Housing Data Sheet
• Attachment 3: * Addendum/Addenda Acknowledgement and Cost Item Form
• Attachment 4: * Form of Non-Collusive Affidavit (Must Be Notarized)
• Attachment 5: * Authority Section 3 Business Preference Form and Explanation (Return pages 1–3 for submittal)
• Attachment 6: Housing Authority Purchase Order Terms and Conditions
• Attachment 7: * Profile of Firm Form
• Attachment 8: * Authority Contractor/Sub-Contractor Information Form
• Attachment 9: Form HUD-5370-EZ: General Contract Conditions for Small Construction/Development Contracts
• Attachment 10: Authority Insurance Requirements for Contractors

The Authority is requesting the following page (10) along with above noted (*) attachments be submitted by the due date. By submitting a quote response, the Contractor agrees to abide by all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.

The Housing Authority of the County of Merced (Authority) is soliciting qualified plumbing contractors to provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, and supervision necessary for the service, repair, maintenance, replacement, installation, and/or upgrade of plumbing equipment and fixtures for Authority units on an as-needed/on-call basis, as well as responding to emergency situations. Contractors will be appropriately licensed with the California State Licensing Board (CSLB); an Active “C-36 Plumbing Contractor” License will be valid throughout the contract. In addition, the contractor will adhere to general industry accepted practices and comply with all federal, state, and local building codes, laws, regulations, and ordinances, including pulling permits for work as required by State, County, or local City codes.

It is the intention of the Authority to execute a one (1) year contract(s), with up to two (2) two-year (2-year) options for renewal.

All work is to be performed in compliance with Title 24, Part 5, California Plumbing Code (CPC) and local County and City regulations, including permitting requirements and safety standards per Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The contractor will perform as-needed Plumbing Services at offices owned by the Authority, and residential and multi-family units in Merced. The Authority offers no guarantee of the number of residential units that will be serviced within a given time. The SOW is not all-inclusive; the contractor must be equipped to handle a wide range of plumbing services that may be requested.

I. Description of Properties

1. The Authority owns 421 residential, Public Housing multi-family units located throughout the cities of Merced, Atwater, Livingston, Winton, Los Banos, Dos Palos, and South Dos Palos; 73 Senior units in Dos Palos and Atwater; and 4 Migrant Centers in Merced, Atwater, Los Banos, and Planada totaling 278 units (Attachment 2). Services will also be provided to the main office complex at 405 U Street, Merced, and 1 commercial office complex at 401 Lesher Drive, Merced.

II. Scope of Work

The successful awarded contractor will be responsible for providing general plumbing services, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. The Contractor will be solely responsible to obtain and pay for all necessary permits, licenses, tests, and/or certifications required and as-needed for different projects performed.
2. Install, maintain, and repair plumbing equipment and fixtures, including hot and cold-water lines, hot water heaters, tanks, constant pressure systems, shower/baths, toilets, and sinks.
3. Open and clear clogged drains, clear water lines, and repair water mains belonging to the Authority.
4. Break up and dig pavements, streets, walls, or ceilings to access and repair hot and cold-water lines including soil, vent, and rain leaders (downspouts) as related to plumbing issues. Contractor will call 811 before performing removal of utility lines, trees, and other potential obstructions that require digging into the ground.
5. Install, maintain, and repair backflow preventers, yard drains, and rain leaders (downspouts) as related to plumbing issues.
6. Repair or replace valves, flush lines to toilets, leaking pipes, hot and cold-water spigots, and broken pipes.
7. Locate and mark underground plumbing lines as needed to troubleshoot and repair plumbing components.
8. Estimate, order, and transport necessary materials to complete work as requested. Cost estimates must be submitted in a timely manner, not to exceed five (5) business days from time of notification.
9. Provide emergency service for emergency and after-hour calls. Contractor must be able to respond to emergencies by phone within one (1) hour of contact and work must be started within four (4) hours or as agreed upon with the Authority Asset Manager. After-hour calls require the awarded contractor to call in to the asset manager assigning the project prior to beginning work, and to call the asset manager when the work has been completed.

III. General Qualifications

1. Contractor will be a registered State licensed contractor and a prevailing wage contractor.
2. Contractor will have licensed staff and follow all regulations when an apprentice is utilized.
3. Contractor must be able to adhere to established safety procedures and all applicable plumbing codes for the State of California, County of Merced, and Cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced, and Winton.
4. Contractor must be professional and presentable when on any Authority properties.
5. Contractor will provide and pay for all equipment, materials, and supplies needed to fulfill the obligations, unless specifically stated otherwise.
6. Any removal of material not approved by the Authority will be at the Contractor’s sole cost for its lawful disposal, replacement, labor to install, as well as any design costs, fees, and charges related to its approval.
7. Contractor will supply all safety or warning signs, equipment, plastic covers, barricades, and any other specialty items that may be required.
8. Contractor will minimize dust from any construction activities and conform to the requirements of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (4800 Enterprise Way, Modesto, CA 95356; (209) 559-6400).
9. Contractor will continuously maintain adequate protection for all of their items from damage and will protect the owner’s property from damage, injury, or loss arising in connection with the contract.
10. Contractor will have proper safety devices maintained at all times while in use, including traffic control to limit impacts on city streets and private parking when needed.

IV. Build America, Buy America Requirements

The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act was enacted on November 15, 2021, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. No. 117-58). BABA establishes a domestic content procurement preference known as the “Buy America Preference” (BAP) for Federal infrastructure spending. The BAP requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure projects funded with Federal financial assistance must be produced in the United States, per the Community and Development Notice: CPD-2023-12. Contractor shall make every effort to ensure any applicable material used for this project is produced in the United States according to the BABA guidelines and requirements.

V. Joinder Language

Purchases by other Public Agencies (“Piggy-Back”): Contractor acknowledges that other Public Agencies may seek to “Piggy-Back” under the same terms and conditions during the effective period of the Contract(s). Contractor has the option to agree or disagree to allow contract Piggy-Backs on a case-by-case basis. Before the Authority permits another Public Agency to Piggy-Back any contract, the Authority shall first obtain the awarded Contractor’s approval. In the event the awarded contractor allows another Public Agency to join the Authority Contract, the Authority shall in no way be liable for the joining Public Agency’s obligations to the awarded contractor.

VI. Drug-Free Workplace

The Authority maintains a drug-free workplace, which applies to contracted work on all Authority properties. Contractors, Subcontractors, and/or their employees shall not engage in the use of illegal drugs, including the illegal use of prescription drugs, and/or alcoholic beverages on the job, at the workplace, on Authority properties, or reporting to work for Authority under the influence of any of the above.

1. Medical Marijuana: The use and/or possession of medical marijuana is strictly prohibited on Authority property and will result in termination of the contract. Federal law supersedes State laws that legalize medical marijuana related conduct.

VII. Smoke-Free Workplace

Authority maintains a smoke-free workplace, which applies to contracted work on all Authority properties. Contractors, Subcontractors, and/or their employees shall not smoke on any Authority property. Smoking is prohibited within twenty-five feet (25’) of buildings and outdoor areas, including but not limited to residential buildings, entry ways, walkways, grassed areas, play areas, parking lots, and private vehicles parked on Authority property.

VIII. Prevailing Wage Determination

1) Davis-Bacon & Related Acts (DBRA): The Authority is regulated by HUD guidelines; as such, any project or individual work performed for the Public Housing units at an amount of $2,000.00 or more is subject to and requires compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act and Related Acts and the payment of not less than the prevailing wages, as determined by the DOL. Craft Code: PLUM0442-001 (01/01/2026), Plumber & Steamfitter (Merced). Wage Determination #CA20260018, Modification 5 (Last Revised May 18, 2026) will be utilized for this project. A current wage determination may be obtained at: https://sam.gov/wage-determination/CA20260018/5 (opens in new tab)

2) California State Department of Industrial Relations (DIR): The Authority maintains four Migrant Centers which are regulated by the State; as such, any project or individual work performed for the Migrant Centers at an amount of $2,000.00 or more is subject to and requires compliance with the General prevailing wage determinations made by the director of the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to California Labor Code Part 7, Chapter 1, Article 2, Sections 1770, 1773, and 1773.1. County Determination: Merced — Craft Classification: Plumber, Pipe Tradesman; Locality: Merced; ID 204-X-3. You may obtain a current wage determination at: https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/2026-1/PWD/Scope/204-X-3-Sco.PDF (opens in new tab)

Wage shall be locked in upon award of the contract.