LEE hood upgrades

The South Carolina Department of Corrections initiated a Request for Quote (RFQ) solicitation numbered 5400024845 for comprehensive fire hood suppression system upgrades at Lee Correctional Institution located in Bishopville, South Carolina. The project specifically involves repairs and upgrades to kitchen hood fire suppression systems across three separate hoods, requiring full compliance with NFPA 17A, NFPA 96, and manufacturer guidelines. Key deliverables include replacing Automan units, updating piping to code-compliant sizes, replacing nozzles and detection lines, installing microswitches connected to the facility's fire alarm system, and adjusting pull stations to meet ADA height requirements. The solicitation was issued on February 13, 2023, with a submission deadline of February 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., and award notification expected on February 28, 2023. Work is to be performed Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with bidders required to submit line-item pricing for equipment, materials, labor, and service/surcharge for each of the three kitchen hoods.

Vendors claiming South Carolina resident vendor, resident contractor, or resident subcontractor preferences must meet statutory requirements outlined in Section 11-35-1524 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. A state vendor number is mandatory for submission, and award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. In this instance, Pye Barker Fire and Safety, located in Columbia, South Carolina, was awarded the contract with a total value of $16,650.00. The contract covers three specific fire suppression systems: a 12-gallon ANSUL UL-300 R-102 system for Hood #1 (Skillet) priced at $2,925.00, a 6-gallon system for Hood #2 (Kettle) at $1,580.00, and a 3-gallon system for Hood #3 (Oven) at $1,330.00. Additional costs include materials ranging from $1,295.00 to $2,830.00 per hood, uniform labor charges of $65.00 per hood, and service surcharges of $65.00 per hood. Sealed offers were to be submitted to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch either physically or electronically, with a mandatory specification that all prices be submitted in U.S. dollars and exclude sales or use taxes.