AquaDisk Equipment

Sarasota County is pursuing a sole source procurement for AquaDisk equipment from Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. (AASI), specifically targeting wastewater treatment technologies for the Venice Gardens Water Reclamation Facility. The procurement involves AquaDisk Cloth Media Filter and AquaDiamond Cloth Media Filter equipment, with a focus on specialized filtration technologies that are patented and proprietary. The solicitation, identified as 2024-ISS-288, seeks to renew an existing contract for three years, from 09/27/2024 through 09/26/2027. Key procurement dates include a release date of August 8, 2024, a deadline for questions on August 9, 2024, and a response deadline of August 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Responses must be submitted electronically through the ProcureNow portal, with the county reserving the right to convert to a competitive solicitation if other vendors can demonstrate the ability to supply similar products or services. The procurement specifically requires vendors to provide replacement cloth and associated equipment compatible with the existing AquaDisk system, with a critical emphasis on maintaining the current facility's operational infrastructure.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational respondents. However, the solicitation explicitly states that Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. is the exclusive original equipment manufacturer and vendor for these filtration systems. The estimated expenditure is $50,000.00 per fiscal year, with budgeted funds subject to availability and potential termination under specific circumstances. The county has justified the sole source procurement based on the facility's decade-long use of AquaDisk equipment and a recent capital improvement project that expanded the Aqua-Aerobic system. Switching to another system would require a complete engineering redesign and remodel, making AASI the most viable vendor. Potential respondents must agree to specific terms, including a no-lobby affirmation, compliance with public records laws, and various state and federal regulations. The procurement covers replacement parts and equipment necessary for the continuous 24/7 operation of the wastewater treatment facility.