Battery Backups

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has issued an Invitation to Quote (ITQ) No. 24267-ITQ-DST for battery back-ups to be utilized in 219 self-operating cafeterias within the Student Nutrition Services (SNS) department. The procurement specifically seeks qualified vendors to provide APC Battery Back-up ES 550VA 120 Volt Standby UPS units with eight outlets, with an estimated annual usage of 150 units. Technical specifications include a 330-watt KW rating, lead acid battery type, 550 VA rated power, and specific dimensional requirements. Vendors must submit detailed pricing in an Excel spreadsheet, including all labor, supervision, equipment, travel, and incidental costs, with a firm fixed price per unit inclusive of delivery costs. The solicitation's last day for questions was November 7, 2024, at 4 PM, with proposals due on November 21, 2024, at 4 PM. HCPS will evaluate bids based on price, specification compliance, and past performance, with the ability to award to multiple vendors or reject all proposals. The contract will automatically terminate upon reaching $50,000 in expenditures or after receiving the stated commodities and services.

The procurement allows for potential vendor diversity, with opportunities for small businesses and those with diverse ownership classifications. Vendors must provide comprehensive documentation including licenses, insurance proof, warranty information, and various certifications. The solicitation includes a Vendor Affidavit addressing human trafficking prevention, requiring contractors to certify they do not engage in coercive labor practices. Potential contractors must comply with USDA funding requirements, including Buy American provisions, equal employment opportunity standards, and civil rights compliance. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly stated, the procurement encourages vendor diversity, with optional self-identification for minority-owned, women-owned, or service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. The contract allows for potential price adjustments after the initial year, subject to HCPS approval, with requests requiring manufacturer documentation. The payment terms are net 45 days, and the contract includes provisions for various payment methods including check, Visa, and ACH. The estimated budget is not explicitly stated, but the contract will terminate upon reaching $50,000 in expenditures.