Fire Protection Systems Testing, Inspection & Maintenance Services

Portsmouth City Public Schools is requesting sealed proposals for comprehensive fire protection systems testing, inspection, and maintenance services across 25 facilities under RFP due October 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site visits on October 6, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. at Churchland High School. Portsmouth Public Schools has established a 5% M/WBE subcontracting goal.

Services encompass fire alarm system testing and inspection per NFPA 72, sprinkler systems per NFPA 25, portable fire extinguishers per NFPA 10, kitchen hood systems per NFPA 17A, and emergency lighting per NFPA 101, including all labor, materials, parts replacement, and 24/7 emergency response. The awardee must maintain a staffed office during normal business hours with emergency availability, respond to normal service calls within 24 hours and emergency calls within two hours, and source replacement parts within 24 hours. The contractor shall provide 16 man-hours of annual training on installed systems and warrant all equipment and workmanship for one year from completion.

Contractor qualifications include a Class A Virginia contractor's license with FAS, FSP, SPR, FAE, and ESC classifications; a minimum of five years in the fire alarm industry with at least 15 technicians at the local office; and two NICET-certified personnel at the highest level in Fire Alarm Protection. References demonstrating experience with comparable contracts are required.

The contract term runs from award through December 31, 2028, with three optional one-year renewal periods. Price escalation for renewal terms shall not exceed 5% annually and must be based on the Consumer Price Index-All Urban Consumers. Proposals must include detailed cost information for annual pricing, normal and night/weekend labor hours, parts costs, and testing and inspection fees.

Evaluation criteria: qualifications and experience (40%), specific methodology and work plan (30%), and price (30%). Portsmouth Public Schools may select multiple qualified offerors. Questions are due October 7, 2026.