Directional Drilling Project RFP: What to Include and Process Overview

When preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a directional drilling project, it's important to clearly define your project goals, site conditions, and expectations. A well-prepared RFP helps ensure accurate proposals from contractors and smooth project execution from planning through completion.

✅ What to Include in Your RFP for Directional Drilling

To receive accurate and competitive bids, your RFP should contain the following key components:

1. Project Overview

  • Project name and location

  • Scope and purpose of the directional drill (e.g., water main, fiber optic line, gas pipeline)

2. Technical Specifications

  • Diameter and material of the product pipe

  • Total length of the bore

  • Entry and exit points (with GPS coordinates if possible)

  • Minimum cover depth requirements

  • Soil or subsurface conditions (geotechnical report if available)

3. Design Documents

  • Alignment drawings or maps

  • Utility conflict information

  • Easements or right-of-way details

4. Schedule Requirements

  • Desired start and completion dates

  • Milestone deadlines (e.g., permitting, mobilization, restoration)

5. Permitting & Regulations

  • Permits acquired or to be acquired

  • Environmental and local agency compliance requirements

  • Traffic control needs

6. Performance Standards

  • Drilling tolerance (alignment accuracy)

  • Pullback force limits

  • Drilling fluid specifications and disposal plan

7. Contractor Responsibilities

  • Pre-construction survey

  • Utility locates and coordination

  • As-built documentation

  • Site restoration and cleanup

8. Evaluation Criteria

  • Experience and past projects

  • Proposed methodology

  • Safety record and certifications

  • Cost breakdown and schedule

🛠️ Directional Drilling Process: Start to Finish

Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) project:

1. Pre-Planning & Design

  • Review project goals, site conditions, and utilities

  • Perform a geotechnical investigation

  • Finalize bore path alignment and entry/exit points

2. Permitting & Approvals

  • Secure all required environmental and municipal permits

  • Coordinate with utility owners and local agencies

3. Site Preparation

  • Mobilize equipment and crews

  • Set up entry/exit pits and containment for drilling fluids

  • Confirm utility locates

4. Pilot Hole Drilling

  • Drill the pilot bore along the designed alignment

  • Use tracking equipment to guide the drill head

5. Hole Enlargement (Reaming)

  • Backream the bore to the required diameter in stages

6. Pipe Pullback

  • Connect and pull the product pipe through the bore path

  • Monitor forces to prevent pipe damage

7. Restoration & Cleanup

  • Demobilize equipment and restore disturbed areas

  • Properly dispose of drilling fluid and spoils

  • Submit as-built drawings and project close-out documentation