Ultraviolet Disinfection Upgrade and Refurbishment

Sarasota County is conducting a sole source procurement for an ultraviolet disinfection upgrade and refurbishment project at the Siesta Key Waste Water Treatment Plant. The procurement specifically targets the replacement and upgrade of an InLine 7500 unit manufactured by Nuvonics (formerly Aquionics Inc.). Environmental Equipment Services, LLC has been identified as the sole authorized representative for this municipal equipment and service in Florida. The solicitation requires electronic submission through https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/scgov, with responses due by August 5, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Key objectives include upgrading the existing UV disinfection system to maintain regulatory compliance for wastewater treatment and ensure proper filtration before discharge into the bay. The county reserves the right to convert to a competitive solicitation if other vendors can demonstrate the ability to provide substantially similar products or services. Potential respondents must be specifically authorized by Nuvonics to sell these products and services.

The procurement is restricted to vendors authorized by Nuvonics, effectively limiting potential respondents to Environmental Equipment Services, LLC as the sole authorized representative in Florida. The solicitation includes provisions for vendor compliance with state regulations, including employment eligibility verification and public records requirements. The estimated expenditure for the fiscal/contract year is $180,000, falling within the $150,001 - $250,000 budget range. The sole source justification is predicated on the proprietary design of the existing UV disinfection system, with arguments that using equipment from another manufacturer could compromise system functionality, invalidate existing warranties, and potentially breach regulatory standards. The procurement aims to maintain the critical infrastructure of the Siesta Key Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring continued effective water treatment and regulatory compliance. Additional contract requirements include adherence to specific state regulations and potential restrictions on contracting with companies engaged in certain boycotts or with specific international business operations.