25CS0065 - fire alarm panel replacement services

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation number 25CS0065 for Fire Alarm Panel Replacement Services at the Veterans Home in Chula Vista, California (700 East Naples Court, Chula Vista, CA 91911). This procurement seeks qualified contractors to replace aging fire alarm control panels and associated components, including one Simplex 4100ES panel, five Simplex 4007ES Hybrid fire control panels, two 4009 NAC Extenders, pull stations, monitor and relay modules, and notification devices across six buildings. Deliverables include engineering plans, permit submittals, product data sheets, programming documentation, testing and commissioning reports, final inspection approval from the Fire Authority, as-built drawings in both PDF and hard-copy formats, operation and maintenance manuals, warranty documentation, and training for designated CalVet personnel. Required qualifications include possession of a valid California Contractor's License Classification C-16, active business licensing in California, current registration with the California Department of Industrial Relations, and manufacturer certification or equivalent documented experience for all contractor personnel. Prevailing wage requirements apply under California Labor Code Section 1770, with contractors required to submit certified payroll records electronically through the Department of Industrial Relations' Electronic Certified Payroll Reporting system. Key project requirements include completion during standard business hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) unless otherwise approved, provision of a one-year warranty covering labor, equipment, materials, and workmanship with 24-hour response requirements, parts replacement up to $500 per repair at no cost to the State, and maintenance of Commercial General Liability insurance with a minimum combined single limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence and Workers' Compensation insurance. Critical dates include a mandatory walkthrough scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM, a written questions deadline of May 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM with responses posted by May 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM, bid submission deadline of May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM via email, and public bid opening on June 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM with a proposed award date of June 1, 2026, and contract term running from June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

This solicitation explicitly states there is no Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) subcontractor goal requirement, eliminating the standard 3% minimum DVBE participation requirement otherwise applicable to California state contracts; however, DVBE participation is encouraged and the DVBE Incentive Program applies, offering bid incentives ranging from 1% to 5% based on confirmed DVBE participation levels. Additionally, a 5% preference is available to certified Small/Micro Business enterprises, with the preference not to exceed $50,000. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. The fire alarm system components specified are proprietary Simplex products, indicating that successful bidders must be capable of integrating with and replacing existing Simplex infrastructure. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder whose bid complies with all IFB requirements. The rate sheet basis for award is established at $30,000.00, with bidders required to submit pricing for three service categories: a complete fire alarm panel replacement project (8 units), normal business hours repair services (estimated at 500 hours), and parts replacement services (estimated at $30,000), with all rates remaining binding for the entire contract term including any extensions. Liquidated damages of $250 per working day apply for delays in project completion beyond the specified timeframe.