NEFSH Life Safety Fire Sprinkler and Mechanical Exhaust Work

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking qualified vendors to perform utility and infrastructure modifications at the Northeast Florida State Hospital, specifically to supply and install fire sprinklers and upgrade mechanical exhaust systems across multiple buildings. The Invitation to Bid (ITB) requires the selected vendor to complete demolition and construction to ensure proper installation of life safety systems. The project includes a base bid for fire sprinkler work in Buildings 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9, along with 18 additive alternates for additional buildings and mechanical work. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for September 10, 2024, with written questions due by September 20, 2024, and bid submissions required by October 28, 2024. The anticipated contract start date is November 11, 2024, with a one-year contract duration, and the entire project must be completed before December 31, 2026. The vendor will be responsible for securing necessary permits, providing labor and materials, and completing work within specific timelines - 180 days for the base bid and 30 days per building for alternates, with the Department allowing access to two buildings at a time and 10-day intervals between building occupancy.

The ITB encourages participation from woman-, veteran-, and minority-owned small businesses, with specific provisions to support these business categories. The project is funded through state Fixed Capital Outlay (FCO) appropriations, and the Department will not fund startup activities, readiness costs, or cost-of-living increases. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the solicitation includes a $70,000 bid alternate for additional compliance requirements related to AHCA, SFM, Building Code, and Security standards. Vendors must meet minimum financial, technical, and licensing requirements, and will be evaluated based on responsiveness and the lowest bid submitted. The project does not utilize Davis-Bacon wages, and the Department will provide civil plans showing underground fire protection piping. While a precise budget is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project - involving multiple buildings and extensive life safety modifications - suggests a significant investment, with the potential for substantial contract value across the base bid and alternate options.