Ferric chloride solution 37% - 42%, purchase and delivery

Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners' Purchasing Department issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #19-072/MB for the purchase and delivery of Ferric Chloride Solution with a concentration of 37%-42% to be used as a flocculent aid at the County's Water Treatment Plant, System #8, located at 1500 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach, Florida. The solicitation encompasses an estimated quantity of 289,000 gallons over a 12-month initial contract period, with the option to renew for four additional 12-month periods subject to mutual written agreement and appropriation of funds. Bidders were required to submit sealed bids by July 11, 2019, at 4:00 p.m., with pricing submitted as a firm, fixed unit price per gallon inclusive of all delivery and unloading charges on an F.O.B. destination basis, and deliveries must be completed within five calendar days of receiving a delivery order between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays only. The product must comply with NSF standards and AWWA B407-05 specifications, including requirements for 37%-42% ferric chloride by weight, acceptable free acid levels as HCl, and insoluble matter under 8 PPM, with a required four-inch, 4-bolt flange connection for product dispensing. Bidders must provide three references demonstrating similar goods or services provided within the past three years, current descriptive literature and product specifications, and evidence of applicable certifications and licenses. Required insurance includes Commercial General Liability Insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence, Business Auto Liability Insurance of at least $500,000 combined single limit, and Workers' Compensation Insurance in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 440.

The solicitation includes local preference provisions offering a 5% preference to businesses based in Palm Beach County, along with equal business opportunity requirements and drug-free workplace certification provisions. There is no indication of set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or women-owned businesses in the available documentation. No incumbent vendors or current contractors were identified in the solicitation materials. The County reserves the right to add or delete delivery locations during the contract term based on the unit price per gallon offered and retains the discretion to accept or reject any or all bids submitted. The specific award value or budget allocation was not disclosed in the solicitation; however, the estimated volume of 289,000 gallons over 12 months provides a baseline for potential contract value calculations based on submitted unit pricing. The County also reserved the right to inspect bidder facilities to determine performance capability prior to award.