Diesel particulate filter cleaning system, purchase and

Palm Beach County, Florida issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) 17-040-AW for the purchase and installation of two complete Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cleaning systems designed to clean diesel particulate filters on County-owned buses. The procurement sought a turnkey solution consisting of a pneumatic DPF cleaner with automatic and manual override modes, a dust and fumes collector with HEPA filtration, an air flow test bench calibrated for measuring cleaning success, a thermal cleaner capable of processing two filters every 24 hours, and a 30 HP air compressor rated at 125 CFM at 125 PSI. All equipment was required to be new, unused, and of current manufacture. Bidders were required to submit responses by April 27, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. local time to the Palm Beach County Purchasing Department, with the successful bidder required to complete installation within thirty days after receipt of purchase order. The contract required submission of three references demonstrating similar goods and services provided within the past three years, along with descriptive literature, cut sheets, and specifications matching the offered manufacturer and model numbers. Pricing was to be provided on a firm, fixed basis with prices remaining firm for ninety days from bid submission, and warranty coverage of one year minimum from delivery and acceptance was required with on-site repair or replacement at no additional cost. Training materials and on-site training at two locations were mandatory, with all costs included in the bid price.

The solicitation did not apply Local Preference, Glades Local Preference, or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) ordinances; however, the contract was funded through a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant under Master Grant Agreement FTA MA (21) dated October 1, 2014, requiring compliance with federal procurement regulations including Buy America provisions for steel and iron products, lobbying restrictions for contracts exceeding $100,000, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation requirements. The successful bidder was required to provide comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability of $500,000 per occurrence, Business Auto Liability of $500,000 combined single limit, and Workers' Compensation insurance. Two addenda were issued on April 25, 2017 and May 1, 2017 to clarify specifications and technical requirements for the equipment. However, the procurement opportunity was canceled on May 16, 2017 prior to award, terminating all further action on the solicitation and bidding requirements. No specific budget range or award value was disclosed in the available documentation.