Backflow Survey and Inspection, Maintenance and Installation Services

Tohopekaliga Water Authority (Toho), an independent special district in Osceola County, Florida, is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB-26-008) for backflow survey and inspection, maintenance, and installation services. The primary services include surveying, inspecting, testing, repairing, installing, and replacing backflow prevention assemblies for approximately 13,500 residential and commercial customers annually, conducting 4,000 site inspections, and performing 4,000 cross-connection inspections on reclaimed water systems. Installation deliverables encompass reduced pressure assemblies, pressure vacuum breakers, double-check assemblies, and dual-check valves ranging from 0.75 inches to 2 inches in size. Qualified bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years' experience with backflow assembly testing, maintenance, and installation, provide three to five references from similar clientele within the past five years, maintain current Florida backflow repair and maintenance certifications for all personnel, and carry general liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000. Additional required qualifications include E-Verify registration, Drug Free Workplace compliance certification, anti-human trafficking affidavit submission, and proof of Florida business registration. Bidding is conducted electronically through Bonfire, with questions due by February 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM, and completed bids due by February 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Toho reserves the right to award the contract to one or more contractors based on the lowest responsive and responsible bid, with evaluation criteria focused on unit pricing for each line item encompassing parts, labor, overhead, supplies, and travel costs.

The procurement contains no specified set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or socioeconomic restrictions; however, all bidders must comply with federal and state employment verification and drug-free workplace requirements. No incumbent contractors or current vendors are identified in the solicitation documents. The initial contract term runs from execution through April 29, 2028, with options for two additional one-year renewal periods and a supplemental extension of up to 90 days at Toho's discretion. While a specific budget range or award value is not stated in the solicitation, the scope—encompassing approximately 13,500 annual assemblies, 4,000 site inspections, and 4,000 cross-connection inspections—suggests a substantial contract value. Funding is contingent upon Toho board appropriation, and the authority reserves the right to terminate the agreement without penalty if sufficient funds are not available. Bidders should note that the contract does not specify a pre-bid conference, and all vendor inquiries must be submitted through the Bonfire vendor discussion portal, with the public bid opening conducted electronically via Microsoft Teams.