Fire Alarm Testing

Chelsea Housing Authority is requesting proposals for fire alarm testing, inspection, and repair services across 25 CHA-owned residential and administrative properties in Chelsea, Massachusetts, with sealed proposals due August 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM and a pre-bid walk-through on August 5 at 10:00 AM.

This is a pass/fail compliance procurement with restrictive minimum qualifications: vendors must hold an active Massachusetts Fire Alarm Systems Contractor license, demonstrate five years of continuous fire alarm service experience in Massachusetts, provide three verifiable public-sector references, maintain 24/7 dispatch capability, employ at least two W-2 technicians trained on multiple panel manufacturers including Edwards EST-3, and hold OSHA-10 certification for all field technicians. Insurance requirements are $2 million general liability, $1 million auto liability, and $1 million professional liability with CHA named as Additional Insured.

The scope encompasses annual functional testing of all fire alarm devices, visual inspection of wiring and components, battery testing and replacement, sensitivity testing of smoke detectors, AHJ coordination and filings, and emergency and non-emergency repair services with response times of 2 hours for emergencies and 24 hours for non-emergencies. All work must comply with NFPA 72, Massachusetts state codes (527 CMR), and Authority Having Jurisdiction requirements. The RFP notes substantial existing portfolio deficiencies including aged batteries, recalled heat detectors, and device failures, particularly at Margolis Apartments; the awarded vendor must deliver a comprehensive compliance assessment and prioritized remediation plan within ninety days of commencement.

The contract spans a one-year base term commencing September 2, 2026, with two optional one-year renewal periods exercisable at CHA's sole discretion. Estimated annual cost is $40,000–$60,000 ($120,000–$180,000 over three years). Vendors submit a lump-sum price for annual inspections and separate hourly labor rates for repairs, trip charges, and parts markup capped at 10% above verifiable supplier cost. Repair authorization per occurrence is limited to $1,000 without prior written purchase order. Annual price escalation for option years is limited to the lesser of 3% or the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. All work is subject to Massachusetts prevailing wage law with applicable DLS wage rates; vendors must submit weekly certified payroll reports. Written questions are due August 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Notice of Award is anticipated August 31, 2026.