Purchase of hubbell water heater

The Manchester Water and Sewer Department is conducting a procurement for the purchase of a specific commercial tepid hot water heater through Invitation to Bid #25/26-22, targeting Building 8 located at 120 Thrall Road in Manchester, Connecticut. The procurement seeks one Hubbell 120-gallon commercial water heater, specifically Model EMV120-85-18SLT46 or an approved equivalent, with detailed technical specifications including a 150 psig working pressure, welded steel storage vessel with hydrostone cement tank lining, and heavy-duty copper sheathed 18 kW heating elements. Key procurement dates include a bid release on September 29, 2025, a deadline for questions on October 6, 2025, and a bid response deadline of October 8, 2025, at 11:00 am. The bid will be opened virtually via Zoom, with the Town handling installation separately. Evaluation criteria suggest the Town reserves the right to reject any bid and make awards based on the best interest of the municipality, with a focus on meeting precise technical requirements and warranty specifications, including a 5-year non-prorated factory tank warranty and a 1-year electrical component warranty.

The procurement documentation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, such as disadvantaged business enterprises. The bidding process is entirely electronic, conducted through the Town of Manchester's OpenGov procurement portal, requiring vendors to register and submit all documentation online. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requiring integration. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the procurement appears to be a targeted equipment replacement with a clear focus on obtaining a specific water heater model that meets precise technical specifications. Vendors are required to maintain firm pricing, with no allowances for tariff increases without prior written agreement from the municipality. The procurement is geographically limited to Hartford County, Connecticut, and is specifically for the Manchester Water and Sewer Department's infrastructure needs.