US&R Rescue Strut System Paratech Equipment - Tampa Bay Area Cooperative

Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay Area Cooperative are soliciting bids for a US&R Rescue Strut System Paratech Equipment procurement, specifically targeting Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) operations. The solicitation seeks to replace a 20-year-old rescue strut system for the Technical Rescue Team (TRT), which includes Pinellas County and the cities of Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, and St. Petersburg. The procurement covers 33 specific Paratech equipment items, including rescue strut systems, extensions, base plates, controllers, and accessories, with a critical requirement that all items must be new, current model, and fully compatible with the county's existing inventory. The bid was issued on June 3, 2025, with a question submission deadline of June 9, 2025, and a proposal submission deadline of June 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm. All bids must be submitted electronically via OpenGov and will be subject to review by county staff and the Technical Rescue Team. The equipment must meet FEMA standardization for urban search and rescue operations, with a focus on providing tools for managing complex structural collapse scenarios. The contract term is 12 months from the award date, with no guaranteed purchase volumes.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement appears open to vendors capable of providing the exact Paratech items specified in the bid documents, with a strong emphasis on technical compatibility and compliance with FEMA standards. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the comprehensive nature of the equipment list suggests a significant investment in technical rescue capabilities. The contract is part of an interlocal agreement that requires maintaining preparedness and equipment for complex rescue situations across multiple jurisdictions. The county reserves the right to accept or reject bids based on compliance with detailed specifications, and bidders must provide a Human Trafficking Affidavit as part of their submission. The procurement is structured to ensure the Technical Rescue Team has modern, consistent equipment across participating jurisdictions, with a focus on operational readiness and standardization of rescue equipment.