Backflow prevention device testing services

The Manchester Water and Sewer Department is seeking a vendor to perform comprehensive backflow prevention device testing services through Request for Proposal #23/24-25. The project requires testing approximately 300 backflow devices and conducting 130 annual and 5-year cross connection surveys, with mandatory reinspection of any identified violations. Key deliverables include managing and scheduling appointments, providing transportation to testing sites, using fully calibrated testing equipment, and potentially recommending new devices or providing employee training in cross connection survey and backflow testing certification. The evaluation criteria for this contract will be weighted as follows: 50% for quality and thoroughness of the proposal, 20% for pricing, 20% for relevant experience, and 10% for references and recognition. Vendors must submit their electronic proposals through the Town of Manchester's OpenGov Portal by October 17, 2023, at 11:00 am, with all testing and documentation to be completed by December 31, 2023, and the annual report submitted for review and signature prior to March 1, 2024.

The contract opportunity includes specific wage and compliance requirements, with vendors required to adhere to the Manchester Living Wage Ordinance, which mandates paying eligible employees a living wage of $16.59 per hour with comprehensive health care benefits or $24.59 per hour without such benefits for contracts exceeding $25,000. Bidders must complete a Living Wage Certification Form, indicating their status as a "Covered Employer" and demonstrating compliance with local wage standards. Insurance requirements are extensive, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and excess coverage, with the town to be named as an additional insured. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the procurement appears open to qualified vendors who can meet the technical and wage requirements. Although the exact contract value is not specified, the scope of services suggests a moderate-sized municipal contract focused on ensuring water system safety and compliance through rigorous backflow prevention device testing and cross-connection surveys.