RFP# 202511156 Q

This file contains a Questions and Answers document for Request for Proposals #202511156 issued by the State of Maine Department of Corrections for fire alarm and fire suppression system testing and inspection services. The RFP solicits comprehensive services across six correctional facilities, including Maine State Prison, Bolduc Correctional Facility, Maine Correctional Center, Long Creek Youth Development Center, Mountain View Correctional Facility, and Downeast Correctional Facility. Services are divided into two packages: Package 1 encompasses fire alarms, panels, wet and dry sprinkler systems, anti-freeze systems, fire hydrants, and backflow preventors requiring quarterly and annual inspections, while Package 2 covers fire extinguishers and hood agent systems with annual inspections. The facilities range from approximately 18,786 square feet to 457,476 square feet. Questions were due December 30, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., with proposals due January 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The contract term runs from March 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028, with two optional renewal periods potentially extending through June 30, 2031. Site visits will be provided only to awarded bidders, and inspections must occur during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

The Q&A document clarifies that the Department will not provide current test reports or photographs of panels prior to award. Quarterly fire alarm inspections are required in accordance with Maine Department of Corrections policy based on correctional standards, exceeding the annual requirement under NFPA 72. The Department did not disclose specific square footage for Maine Correctional Center at the time of the Q&A responses, noting it would be provided to awarded bidders. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale based on organizational qualifications (30 points), proposed services (20 points), and cost proposal (50 points). The Department reserves the right to make multiple awards and may award packages separately. Vendor personnel must possess active professional licenses including backflow certification, fire sprinkler system contracting, inspection technician certification, and mobile elevated work platform certification. All vendor personnel will undergo background checks and comply with Maine Department of Corrections security regulations.