NFPA Inspection and Repair Service

Appalachian State University (Watauga County, North Carolina) is requesting proposals for comprehensive life safety NFPA inspection and repair services under RFP #55-081726, with proposals due September 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET. The vendor must maintain an office within 120 miles of the university and hold current NICET and NFPA certifications across all relevant disciplines—the primary capability filter.

The scope spans annual NFPA 25 inspections of sprinkler systems and fire pumps (wet, dry, pre-action, and deluge configurations); semi-annual inspections of clean agent systems, kitchen extinguishing systems, and dry chemical systems; annual NFPA 72 fire alarm system inspections including all components, tamper switches, flow monitoring, coiling fire doors, detectors, horns, sirens, strobes, and pull stations; annual inspections of approximately 2,700 portable fire extinguishers with maintenance, repair, replacement, and recharging; and emergency exit and lighting inspections with maintenance and repairs. The vendor must provide deficiency reports and repair quotes in a timely manner and be certified to perform repairs as needed. Inspections are scheduled May 15–August 15 annually.

The contract carries an initial one-year term with options for two additional one-year renewals at the university's discretion, with written notice of renewal required 60 days before each term end. Pricing must cover 58 identified campus buildings plus the Hickory Campus location, with separate hourly rates for sprinkler and alarm system repairs and per-unit costs for fire extinguisher inspections. The vendor must demonstrate at least ten years of experience in university or similar settings, provide financial stability certification, and complete background checks on all employees at vendor expense. The evaluation uses a best-value approach prioritizing technical approach, qualifications, and experience over pricing. All technicians must submit current NICET and NFPA certifications with the proposal. Non-mandatory site visits were held August 8 and 25, 2026 in Boone. Vendors must register with the North Carolina Secretary of State and the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP); proposals are submitted electronically only with no e-Procurement fee.