Design/Build Irrigation Bid Request: Provide a fully functional underground irrigation system to provide 100% coverage for all landscaped areas. Acceptable manufacturers: Hunter, Rain Bird, and Toro.
Design/Build Bid Submitted:
1 - Controller = $2,000
20 - Zones = $20,000
200 - Sprinklers = $20,000
Total = $42,000
Above is a common irrigation design/build request and bid submittal. Sometimes an engineering or architecture firm may include a couple of details they were able to find online. Sometimes the bidding company may include a few manufacturer cutsheets. However, this is what is what is typically accepted.
So what is wrong with this? If this was a true design/build, where is the design? Could you imagine this being acceptable:
Design/Build Bid Request Sample: Provide an aesthetically pleasing landscaped area. Acceptable suppliers: ….
Design/Build Bid Submitted:
70 - Retaining Wall Blocks = $2,000
10,000 square feet - turf = $20,000
20 - Trees = $9,000
40 - Shrubs = $9,000
80 - Ground Cover Plants = $2,000
Total = $42,000
The above samples are not meant to take a swipe at the design/build industry. In some situations, it may be the best solution for the project. But, the organization that is overseeing the project should not forget the design aspect. A complete design should be required, and the design should be reviewed by someone familiar with irrigation systems. If the construction manager is not familiar with irrigation systems, the general contractor should consider talking with an irrigation consultant. Possibly contracting with the consultant to review the submitted plans and providing some unbiased feedback.
Many projects in our area are completed based on similar bids and requirements as the above sample. The irrigation contractor was able to walk away with a pay check. The general contractor signed off because they saw water flying. Unfortunately, due to inefficiencies with the installed irrigation system, it did more harm than good for the landscape! The end result is usually an irrigation system that has a higher than normal cost of operation, maintenance, and an over/under watered landscape.
