Tapping Sleeves

The City of Madison Finance Department's Purchasing Services, on behalf of the Madison Water Utility, issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for tapping sleeves, specifically seeking carbon steel mechanical joint (MJ) outlet tapping sleeves in ten different configurations. The procurement includes various sizes ranging from 6"x6" to 20"x6", with quantities totaling 54 units across different specifications. Acceptable manufacturers include Smith-Blair #622 and Ford Meter Box FTSC style tapping sleeves, with equivalent alternatives allowed. The RFQ was released on March 14th, 2023, with quotations due on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 at 2:00 PM CST. Questions were required to be submitted by Monday, March 20th, 2023, with answers provided by Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023. Evaluation criteria will consider multiple factors including cost, quality, warranty, delivery, past performance, and service capability. All quoted prices must be delivered prices including shipping, FOB Madison to the Madison Water Utility, with bidders required to specify delivery timeframes and confirm price firmness for one year.

The solicitation applied a local vendor preference purchasing policy that provides scoring advantages to local suppliers registered by the bid's due date. Four vendors submitted bids: First Supply (awarded vendor), Ferguson, Tiles in Style, and an unnamed fourth bidder. The total contract award went to First Supply at $27,913.00, which included a 1% discount and net 30 payment terms. Bid totals from other vendors ranged from $27,093.14 to $54,305.00, demonstrating significant price variation. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned, the local vendor preference policy suggests some preference for local businesses. All unit prices were provided for Smith Blair manufactured products, and bidders were required to submit only one bid response via email. The contract allows for a 90-day bid validity period, providing flexibility for potential negotiations or adjustments.