Vendor_Outreach_Email.pdf

This is a vendor outreach email from Sarasota County, Florida's Procurement Department dated April 14, 2026, notifying prospective vendors of an upcoming Invitation for Bids (IFB #262857MKM) for fire and security alarm system services. The solicitation encompasses comprehensive services including monitoring, inspection, repair, and installation of fire and security alarm systems at approximately 120 county-owned and operated facilities distributed across multiple municipalities including Venice, Englewood, Nokomis, Osprey, North Port, and the Siesta Key CDP area. The bid was released on April 17, 2026, with a due date of May 19, 2026. The initial contract term is three years, with the county reserving the right to add monitoring and inspection locations at any time at rates comparable to existing locations. Prospective bidders were directed to register with OpenGov Procurement at no cost and subscribe to the Sarasota County Procurement Portal to receive notifications and access solicitation documents.

Qualified bidders must hold a Certified Alarm System Contractor I or II license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and demonstrate verifiable experience within the past seven years, including minimum references for inspection, repair, installation, monitoring, and at least one governmental institution reference. Bidders must service and maintain compatibility with multiple existing equipment types including Silent Knight, Siemens, Notifier, Potter, Edwards, Firelite, EST Quick Start, and other systems already installed at county facilities. Required insurance includes professional liability coverage of $1,000,000 per claim, workers' compensation, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 aggregate, and business automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest total bid price. No local or American business preferences apply due to grant funding requirements, and no set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises are designated. The pricing structure includes percent markup and hourly rates encompassing all trip charges, mileage, vehicle charges, and travel time, with only on-site time billable.