Y26-606-RFI_Water_Reclaim_Meter_Box,_Lid_and_Internal_Component_Supply.pdf

Y26-606-RFI Water Meter Box, Lid, and Internal Component Supply

Issue Date: April 30, 2026

ORANGE COUNTY FLORIDA

PROCUREMENT DIVISION

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION #Y26-606-RFI

FOR

WATER METER BOX, LID, AND INTERNAL COMPONENT SUPPLY

Copies of this Request for Information document may be obtained from Orange County by download at: https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/orangecountyfl

SUBMISSION DUE DATE:

Electronic responses will be accepted up to 4:00 PM (local time), Thursday, May 21, 2026, via the electronic procurement portal referenced above.

Electronic submissions are required to be made through the OpenGov Procurement portal only at:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/orangecountyfl.

NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS:

Your point-of-contact for this solicitation is Jenna Allen, Contracting Agent, at Jenna.Allen@ocfl.net.

OVERVIEW:

Orange County Utilities (OCU) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify manufacturers, distributors, and other capable suppliers able to provide potable and reclaimed water meter boxes, lids, and related internal piping assemblies. The County is seeking market information to support development of future contract specifications and sourcing strategies for meter box infrastructure.

Equivalent products and alternate configurations are acceptable provided they are compatible with OCU-required parts or otherwise meet OCU's non-negotiable functional requirements, including dimensional fit, lid seating, lay length, thread type, and internal clearance.

Respondents may reply as a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or combination thereof. Responses may include box only, lid only, box and lid, loose internal assembly kits, and/or box/lid units with piping assembled.

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RFI

The question and answer module of OpenGov IS being utilized for this solicitation. Timely questions concerning this solicitation shall be submitted in accordance with the deadline for questions, no later than 5:00 PM (local time), Monday, May 11, 2026. Answers for timely questions will be addressed in the OpenGov question and answer module or as an addenda to this solicitation depending on volume. Participants are encouraged to subscribe as a follower and monitor all notifications. The answers to questions or the addendum will be https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/orangecountyfl mailto:Jenna.Allen@ocfl.net available on the Internet for access by potential Respondents. Respondents are instructed not to contact the initiating division directly.

Any Respondent who initiates any discussions with staff in any manner other than that described below is subject to disqualification from this Request for Information. However, you may contact the Contracting Agent at any time during this process, including during the Black Out Period.

No oral interpretation of this Request for Information shall be considered binding. The County shall be bound by information and statements only when such statements are written and executed under the authority of the Procurement Division Manager.

Beyond questions and answers, any and all modifications, clarifications, interpretations and supplemental instructions will be in the form of a written addendum which, if issued, will be available for download.

This provision exists solely for the convenience and administrative efficiency of Orange County.

No Respondent or other third party gains any rights by virtue of this provision or the application thereof, nor shall any Respondent or third party have any standing to sue or cause of action arising there from.

Untimely questions are unable to be submitted in the question and answer module, thereafter respondents raising critical concerns must email 'Procurement Contact Email. Critical clarifications may be made via addenda, however, untimely questions may not be considered.

NO AWARD WILL BE MADE FROM THIS SOLICITATION.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

RESPONSE FORM AND MARKET/PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS & DIMENSIONAL

DETAIL

RESPONSE FORM

THE FOLLOWING SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED BY ALL RESPONDENTS:

Company Name:

(Street No. or P.O. Box Number) (Street Name) (City)

(County) (State) (Zip Code)

Contact Person:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

MARKET/PRODUCT SPEFICIATIONS & DIMENSIONAL DETAIL

IF YOUR FIRM ELECTS TO RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

PLEASE COMPLETE THE SPREADSHEET LABELED

“Water_Reclaim_Meter_Box_RFI_Appendix_A_Response_Workbook_2026.xlsx” UNDER

SOLICITATION ATTACHMENTS FOR YOUR FIRM’S RESPONSE.

Please keep your response workbook as a spreadsheet.

1. Introduction and Intent Orange County Utilities (OCU) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify manufacturers, distributors, and other capable suppliers able to provide potable and reclaimed water meter boxes, lids, and related internal piping assemblies. The County is seeking market information to support development of future contract specifications and sourcing strategies for meter box infrastructure.

Equivalent products and alternate configurations are acceptable provided they are compatible with OCU-required parts or otherwise meet OCU's non-negotiable functional requirements, including dimensional fit, lid seating, lay length, thread type, and internal clearance.

Respondents may reply as a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or combination thereof.

Responses may include box only, lid only, box and lid, loose internal assembly kits, and/or box/lid units with piping assembled.

2. Product Specifications & Dimensional Detail

a. Closed Bottom Meter Boxes

All units must feature straight walls and an integral, watertight bottom. Piping access points shall be configured by the manufacturer to prevent conflicts with the required meter set and piping arrangement for each offered configuration. Closed-bottom boxes shall include two 1/2” drain holes.

11” x 18” Nominal Size: Designed to accommodate either (a) one 5/8” x 3/4” potable set,

(b) one 3/4” reclaimed set, or (c) one 1” set, depending on application. Total unit weight (box and cover) must not exceed 54 lbs.

15” x 17” (or 18”) Nominal Size: Designed to house two 5/8” x 3/4” potable meter settings. Respondents shall identify whether their standard offering is 15” x 17” or 15” x 18” and provide a recommendation and basis for the size offered. Total unit weight (box and cover) must not exceed seventy (70) lbs.

For each offered closed-bottom box, respondents shall identify exact material type, nominal and actual dimensions, cover compatibility, entry/knockout arrangement, and intended application.

b. Open Bottom (Flared) Meter Boxes All units must be twelve (12) inches deep with a flared body design to ensure stability in the soil.

Open-bottom boxes will be furnished empty and shall not include internal piping assemblies.

Nominal Sizes: 11” x 18”, 13” x 24”, 15” x 27”, and 17” x 30”.

For each open-bottom size offered, respondents shall identify exact material type, actual dimensions, standard lid options, and recommended application(s).

3. Detailed Specifications for Meter Box Lids OCU requires high-performance lids that provide secure access while protecting internal infrastructure and ensuring public safety.

a. Material & Safety: Specify the exact material for each lid offered. Lids must meet ANSI/SCTE 77 Tier 8 and provide slip-resistant surfaces.

b. Legacy Compatibility & Trip Hazard Mitigation: Legacy-compatible lids are required.

Respondents may satisfy this requirement with a single lid design or with separate lid offerings for new OCU boxes and existing legacy boxes. For each offered lid, the respondent shall identify whether the lid is intended for new boxes, legacy boxes, or both.

Each lid shall fit properly, seat securely, and finish flush with the surrounding grade. Lids shall not create tripping hazards due to poor fit, rocking, warping, deformation, or improper seating height. Documentation may include dimensional data, manufacturer cut sheets, compatibility matrices, or other technical information sufficient to verify fit and seating.

Respondents shall provide documentation demonstrating compatibility with the following legacy boxes known to be installed throughout the Orange County service area as a result of previous supply contracts:

• Glasmasters Series: A1118, A1517, A1324, and A1527.

• CDR Series: A00118508, A001185010, A031517506, A031517507, and A03008510.

c. Flotation & Stability: Respondents shall identify whether each offered lid and each offered box/lid assembly is designed to resist flotation, uplift, and dislodgement under flood or prolonged standing-water conditions. Responses shall describe the design features used to achieve that performance, including lid seating geometry, retention or locking features, gasketed interfaces if any, overall assembly characteristics, and any installation assumptions or limitations.

If such features are available only as optional enhancements, respondents shall clearly identify those options and note any effect on availability, lead time, or cost differential.

d. Antenna Provisions & Variety: OCU requires both standard (solid) and AMI-ready lids.

Respondents shall specify whether they provide a universal plug or blanking insert that allows a single lid type to serve both applications, and shall state whether that feature is standard or optional.

e. AMI Hardware Clearance: OCU anticipates using Badger Orion Series endpoints.

Provide engineering narratives and drawings demonstrating that the proposed mounting position does not interfere with internal piping or dual check valves in single and dual meter boxes, as applicable.

f. Standard and Optional Features: State which colors, markings, and logo/branding options are standard offerings and which are optional/custom. Identify any lead time impacts associated with optional/custom features.

4. 4. Internal Piping and Assembly Specifications All internal components must be “no lead” brass items meeting NSF 61 standards. Respondents shall identify the material type of all internal components offered.

Equivalent internal assemblies and components are acceptable provided OCU’s non-negotiable requirements are met. At minimum, respondents shall disclose any deviations in lay length, thread type, center spacing, and clearance envelope. Lay length and thread type are critical.

a. Single Meter Settings (Potable & Reclaimed)

5/8” x 3/4” Potable Set: Includes (1) 1” x 4” NPT nipple, (1) 1” FIP x 5/8” x 3/4” swivel saddle nut (reduced port 1/4 turn ball valve), (1) 3/4” x 4” NPT nipple, and (1) dual check valve (Watts LF7R-U2) or equivalent meeting the stated non-negotiable requirements.

3/4” Reclaimed Set: Includes (1) 1” x 4” NPT nipple, (1) 1” FIP x 3/4” meter swivel saddle nut, (1) 3/4” FIP x 3/4” meter swivel saddle nut, (1) 3/4” FIP x 5/8” x 3/4” swivel saddle nut (1/4 turn valve), and (1) 3/4” x 4” NPT nipple, or equivalent meeting the stated non-negotiable requirements.

Single 1” Set Accommodation: For the 11” x 18” closed-bottom box, respondents shall state whether the offered box can accommodate a single 1” set and shall provide dimensional and/or engineering information demonstrating fit. If a standard 1” internal assembly is offered, identify it separately in Appendix A.

b. Dual Meter Settings (Side-by-Side) Dual 5/8” x 3/4” Potable Sets: Includes (2) 1” x 4” NPT nipples, (2) 1” FIP x 5/8” x 3/4” swivel saddle nuts (1/4 turn valves), (1) 1” MIP inlet U-branch (6-1/2” centers), (2) 3/4” MIP outlet U-branches (6-1/2” centers), (2) 3/4” x 4” NPT nipples, and (2) dual check valves (Watts LF7R-U2) or equivalent meeting the stated non-negotiable requirements.

A dual reclaimed configuration is not being requested under this RFI.

5. Supply Capability, Lead Times, and Cost Differentials

a. Supply Format: For each offered product or configuration, indicate whether it can be supplied as (a) box only, (b) lid only, (c) box and lid, (d) loose internal assembly kit, or (e) box/lid with internal piping assembled.

b. Cost Differential Information: This RFI does not request formal pricing. Instead, respondents shall describe any meaningful cost differences or cost drivers associated with the supply formats above, including any incremental cost to provide internal piping assembled rather than loose or not included.

c. Market Conditions: Provide a brief narrative of material availability and market factors affecting supply and cost, including resin, brass, labor, freight, and logistics.

d. Lead Times: Provide realistic lead times for release orders of 500 or more units, by offered SKU/configuration, for standard items and any optional/custom items such as color/logo variations.

e. Availability and Stocking: Identify whether offered items are standard catalog items, custom items, stocked items, or build-to-order items. Include minimum order quantities if applicable.

6. Standards and Compliance Respondents are responsible for reviewing applicable standards and identifying any compliance confirmations or exceptions associated with their response.

• ANSI/SCTE 77 Tier 8 (12,000 lbs loading).

7. Required Submission Items & Data Capture Matrix Please provide the information requested in Appendix A and provide the engineering drawings specified above. If additional comments are needed, they may be provided as a separate attachment.

• If offering multiple models or material types (for example, HDPE versus polymer concrete), list each item as a separate entry.

• Identify the respondent type (manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or combination), the OEM/manufacturer for each offered item, and any plant or stocking location information relevant to supply.

• Clearly identify any exceptions, deviations, or assumptions associated with each offered product or configuration.

• Provide warranty information and at least one comparable utility or agency reference where available.

Response note: Appendix A is structured to support side-by-side comparison of standard offerings, optional/custom features, legacy replacement lids, and supply-format differences.

Add rows as needed.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION #Y26-606-RFI