NEFSH Life Safety Fire Sprinkler and Mechanical Exhaust Work

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of General Services, is seeking qualified vendors to perform a Life Safety Project at the Northeast Florida State Hospital (NEFSH) located in Baker County. The procurement is an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for comprehensive utility and infrastructure modifications, specifically focusing on fire sprinkler installation and mechanical exhaust system upgrades across multiple buildings. The project scope includes installing sprinkler systems and performing mechanical work on Buildings 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 17 as the base bid, with optional alternates for Buildings 36A, 36B, 36D, 57, and 58. Vendors must complete full demolition and construction work to ensure proper installation, with buildings being emptied sequentially during the project. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for November 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Maintenance Building #19, with written questions due by November 25, 2024, and final bids required electronically by December 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. The anticipated contract start date is December 27, 2024, with a one-year term and substantial completion required within 540 days for the base bid or by December 31, 2026.

The DCF encourages participation from woman-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned small businesses, establishing target goals of 21% total contract value for certified minority business enterprises (4% African American, 6% Hispanic American, 11% women-owned). For projects exceeding $100,000, vendors must provide a 5% bid guarantee and a 100% performance bond. The project is funded through state Fixed Capital Outlay (FCO) appropriations, with an estimated base bid value around $70,000, potentially increasing with alternate bid items. Contractors must meet specific qualifications, including comprehensive insurance coverage of $200,000 per person/$300,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation coverage, and adherence to strict security protocols for working in an occupied healthcare facility. Liquidated damages of $500 per day will be assessed for project delays, and the contract requires close coordination with facility staff, maintenance of infection control standards, and full restoration of all disturbed areas to their original condition. The Department reserves the right to award the contract to the most responsive and responsible vendor with the lowest bid.