Batteries, alkaline and lantern, purchase of

Palm Beach County's Board of County Commissioners Purchasing Department issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ #700122/KP) for the purchase of alkaline and lantern batteries under a term contract. The procurement solicits quotations for eight battery items: AA alkaline batteries in 24-unit packages with specified brand requirements (Duracell or Eveready Energizer only, no substitutions); D, 9-volt, and C alkaline batteries in six-packs; AA and AAA alkaline batteries in eight-packs; and 6-volt lantern batteries with both spring and screw terminals. Estimated annual quantities range from 51 units for one lantern battery item to 4,598 packs for AA eight-packs. The original submission deadline was June 20, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. Palm Beach County time, but was extended to June 23, 2017, with responses accepted via fax or email. The successful bidder will receive a twelve-month initial contract with the option to renew for four additional twelve-month periods, subject to mutual written agreement and fund appropriation, with deliveries required within ten calendar days of receiving a term contract delivery order to the County's purchasing warehouse. Pricing must be firm and fixed per unit with no escalation clauses, with F.O.B. destination to the County's warehouse and the vendor retaining title and assuming all transportation responsibility and risk. Award will be made on an item-by-item basis to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, though the County reserves the right to reject bids resulting in awards under $1,000 or excessive administrative complexity.

All vendors must register in the County's Vendor Self Service system and maintain compliance with County non-discrimination policies, criminal history records check requirements, and drug-free workplace certification. For Items 2 through 8, equivalent manufacturer brands are acceptable if detailed descriptive literature is provided; failure to submit matching literature will result in bid rejection. Palm Beach County offers a 5% local preference to vendors with a permanent place of business in Palm Beach County or the Glades, contingent upon submission of a valid Business Tax Receipt and completed Certification of Business Location form. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or other restricted vendor categories were identified in the solicitation documents. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure integration requirements were noted. The RFQ does not specify an overall budget range or award value, as awards will be made on an item-by-item basis to the lowest responsive bidders, with the County retaining discretion to reject any awards deemed administratively impractical.