NOI 01-25 Notice Of Intent Neptune Water Meter Award

New Smyrna Beach Utilities (NSBU) in Volusia County, Florida, intends to award a sole-source procurement for Neptune Water Meters to Ferguson Water Works dba Sunstate Meter & Supply. The procurement is being conducted under NSBU's Purchasing Manual Section 5 and State of Florida Statute 287.057(5)(3)(c), with interested firms able to submit written responses by January 26, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST to Caleb Fisher via Vendorlink or email. The specific procurement involves residential and commercial water meters with key objectives including standardizing meter infrastructure and ensuring safety through lead-free bronze body meters that meet NSF/ANSI 61 Certifications. NSBU has historically purchased Neptune Water Meters from this vendor for the past decade and is seeking to continue this relationship based on the vendor's proven performance and exclusive distribution rights. The evaluation appears focused on verifying the sole-source justification, with responses considered primarily to determine whether a competitive procurement is necessary.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Ferguson Water Works is identified as the sole authorized Neptune Distributor with a resell supply agreement covering all Florida counties and serving municipalities, private water companies, contractors, and plumbers. The incumbent vendor is effectively the only potential contractor due to the sole-source nature of the procurement. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the document notes that purchases exceeding $75,000 will require forwarding to the Utilities Council for approval by resolution, suggesting potential budget thresholds. The procurement is unique in that it emphasizes product safety, environmental considerations, and long-standing vendor relationship as key justification for the direct award, with an emphasis on the manufacturer's lead-free bronze meter technology as a critical differentiator.