IFB-604673-23/LNF - Term Contract for Purchase of Sodium Hydroxide

Seminole County is conducting an Invitation for Bid (IFB-604673-23) for a term contract to purchase sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) for the County Environmental Services Department. The procurement seeks a contractor to supply 56,000 gallons of 25% membrane grade sodium hydroxide, with delivery specified to the Southeast Regional Water Treatment Facility in Winter Park. The bid was released on November 17, 2023, with a question submission deadline of December 1, 2023, and a proposal submission deadline of December 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Bids must be submitted electronically through the county's e-procurement portal. The evaluation criteria are heavily price-focused, with 98% of the scoring based on the lowest price, and the remaining 2% split between the bidder's performance capability and reference checks. Bidders must provide a unit cost per gallon and comply with specific delivery requirements, including emergency response protocols and quality certifications such as ANSI/NSF Standard 60 for drinking water treatment chemicals.

The contract does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The proposed agreement is structured as a three-year term contract with options for two additional one-year renewals, featuring a probationary first three months during which Seminole County can terminate the contract with or without cause. Contractors must maintain multiple insurance types, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, and Business Auto Policy, with specified minimum coverage amounts. The contract requires use of the E-Verify system for work authorization verification and prohibits employing unauthorized aliens. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract allows for potential price adjustments based on indexes like the Employment Cost Index or Producer Price Index. Payment will be made monthly based on the percentage of materials actually provided, not exceeding the negotiated fixed fee amount in each purchase order. The draft agreement suggests a flexible procurement approach that allows Seminole County to issue individual purchase orders as needed by the Water Utility Operations Division.