Fire Protection Systems Testing, Inspections & Maintenance Services

Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) in Portsmouth, Virginia is requesting proposals for Fire Protection Systems Testing, Inspections & Maintenance Services across 25 school locations, with proposals due October 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and a mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site visit on October 6, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. at Churchland High School. PPS has established a 5 percent M/WBE participation goal as prime contractors or subcontractors, with all M/WBE forms required to be submitted with proposals.

The contractor must hold a Virginia Class A Contractor's license with service classifications FAS, FSP, SPR, FAE, and ESC. The contractor must maintain a local staffed office within 40 miles of the schools with 24/7 emergency service availability and employ at least 15 technicians with minimum five years' industry experience, including at least two NICET-certified personnel at the highest level in Fire Alarm Protection. Services encompass fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, kitchen hood suppression systems, and emergency lighting. Pricing shall be submitted as an all-inclusive annual cost covering labor, materials, parts, and all associated expenses. Emergency service response is required within two hours; normal service response within 24 hours. The contractor must provide 16 man-hours of annual training on installed systems and comply with all applicable NFPA standards and Virginia fire codes.

The contract runs from award through December 31, 2028, with three optional one-year renewal periods. Price increases for renewal terms are limited to the Consumer Price Index-Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers category increase, not to exceed 5 percent annually. PPS reserves the right to award to multiple offerors and may terminate the contract with 60 days' written notice after the initial 12-month period.

Evaluation criteria weight qualifications and experience at 40 percent, methodology and work plan at 30 percent, and price at 30 percent. Questions are due October 7, 2026. All bidders must submit debarment certifications, contractor employee background certifications, and M/WBE documentation as specified in the procurement forms. Acceptable M/WBE certifications are issued by Virginia's Department of Minority Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprise Council, or Carolina-Virginia Supplier Diversity Council.