DFSJW RFR for Hydrants, Hydrant Parts and Repairs: Stow, Springfield & Bridgewater

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services issued a Request for Response (RFR) for the procurement of hydrants, hydrant parts, repair services, and related accessories across three municipalities: Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater. Responses must be submitted electronically through the COMMBUYS system by April 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM, with an anticipated contract start date of May 1, 2026. The procurement seeks vendors capable of supplying hydrant components compatible with multiple existing manufacturers including Metropolitan, Waterous, American-Darling, American AVK, Clow, and Mueller models, as well as providing on-site repair and maintenance services including excavation and site restoration work. Bidders must meet minimum qualifications including three years of business operation and must submit comprehensive documentation including a Bidder's Response Sheet, Business Reference Sheet, Prevailing Wage Disclosure Form, Non-Collusion Form, Contractor Authorized Signatory Form, and product catalogs with pricing. Evaluation employs a weighted scoring system across four criteria categories: Qualifications and References (weighted 3x, scored 0-3 points based on reference verification and years in business), Price Criteria (weighted 2x, including discount offerings and hourly labor rates ranging from 0-3 points), Warranty Periods for both repairs and parts (weighted 1x, scored based on duration from less than 30 days to greater than 90 days), and Supplier Diversity Program Plans (allocating at least 25% of available points). Hourly labor rates for repair work are subject to Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Laws, with rates established separately for each municipality and varying by trade classification and effective date through 2028; pricing for products shall be structured as a percentage discount off manufacturer's published list price, with all freight and delivery costs absorbed by the vendor. No bidders' conference or site visits are required, and the resulting contract will have an initial two-year term with two optional two-year renewal periods for a maximum total duration of six years.

This procurement is designated as a Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) set-aside targeting businesses with principal Massachusetts locations, fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees, and gross revenues not exceeding $15 million on a three-year average; SBPP-registered vendors providing responsive bids meeting best-value criteria will receive preference over non-SBPP participants. All bidders must commit to a minimum 1% Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) spending with certified diverse businesses and must provide Prompt Payment Discount offerings unless demonstrating undue burden through written documentation. The structure allows for multiple contractor awards, enabling the Commonwealth to engage several qualified vendors for different geographic locations or service requirements. There are no listed incumbent vendors or existing contractors referenced in the solicitation documents. The estimated expenditure is $20,000 for the initial contract period with a total estimated value of $150,000 over six years, though the Commonwealth makes no guarantee of purchase volumes and all acquisitions will be on an as-needed basis; federal grant funds may be utilized for purchases during the contract term. Individual projects under lump-sum pricing arrangements may not exceed $50,000.