Tapping sleeves

The City of Rochester's Bureau of Purchasing has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. 523630 for Tapping Sleeves, specifically targeting two primary product categories: Cast Iron/Ductile Iron Tapping Sleeves and Stainless Steel Tapping Sleeves. The procurement seeks tapping sleeves in various diameters ranging from 4" to 30", with strict technical requirements mandating all products be certified compliant with ANSI/NSF-61 standards by a third-party laboratory. Key technical specifications include detailed requirements for material composition, pressure ratings, gasket specifications, and coating standards. The bid was released on August 11, 2025, with proposals due on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., to be opened via Zoom. This is a term contract with an initial one-year period commencing on the award date and ending August 31, 2026, with potential extensions for up to three additional years in one-year increments. The City will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, evaluating comprehensive pricing submissions for each tapping sleeve size and type.

The procurement includes a potential 5% price advantage for New York State certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), which may provide a competitive edge for qualifying vendors. Bidders must submit a comprehensive pricing schedule, include a W-9 form, and comply with equal employment opportunity regulations. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the City reserves the right to negotiate pricing and reject any or all bids. The solicitation does not guarantee specific order quantities, indicating potential flexibility in procurement. Vendors must demonstrate technical capability, compliance with specified standards, and provide detailed product specifications. The procurement appears focused on establishing a flexible, competitively priced supply contract for critical water infrastructure components, with an emphasis on supporting local and diverse business participation.