Fire Hydrant and Valve Inspection and Maintenance

Sarasota County is seeking a qualified contractor for Fire Hydrant and Valve Inspection and Maintenance services through Invitation for Bids (IFB) #252670MR. The procurement covers comprehensive infrastructure maintenance, including 5-year fire hydrant main capacity flow tests, annual fire hydrant inspections with flushing, and valve inspections across Sarasota County and Siesta Key CDP. Vendors must demonstrate at least 7 years of experience in fire hydrant and valve inspection, with a minimum of two professional references covering specific service categories. The contract will initially span three years, with an accelerated maintenance schedule targeting twice the standard maintenance volume in the first contract year. Key deliverables include detailed GPS mapping, infrastructure condition documentation, cleaning, exercising, and testing of valves and hydrants. Bidders must submit comprehensive pricing schedules with rates for standard business hours, after-hours, and emergency repair services. The bid submission deadline is February 5, 2025, with the opportunity originally posted on February 18, 2025.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. However, local and American business preferences are suspended due to grant funding requirements. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and business automobile liability with specified minimum coverage amounts. The county will utilize Maximo, a computer-based work management system, for tracking work orders and performance reporting. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the extensive scope of work suggests a significant municipal infrastructure maintenance contract. Prospective bidders will need to demonstrate technical capability, professional experience, and financial stability to successfully compete for this contract. The procurement process emphasizes technical competence, operational reliability, and systematic infrastructure maintenance across Sarasota County's water infrastructure network.