Vaughan Chopper and Triton Pumps, Parts, and Service

Sarasota County is pursuing a sole source procurement for Vaughan Company's Chopper and Triton pumps, parts, and service through FJ Nugent & Associates, Inc. The procurement specifically targets specialized pump systems designed for handling thick sludges, large or stringy solids, shear sensitive fluids, and delicate or highly abrasive materials within the county's wastewater collection system. The solicitation was released on February 15, 2024, with a deadline for questions on February 20, 2024, and a final response deadline of February 21, 2024, at 5:00 pm. All responses must be submitted electronically through the ProcureNow portal. The county has indicated that while this is currently a sole source procurement, they remain open to alternative vendors who can demonstrate the ability to provide equivalent or substantially similar products and services. Vendors interested in challenging the sole source status must complete an Intent to Sole Source Response form and submit documentation supporting their capability to meet the specialized pump system requirements.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The current incumbent vendor is FJ Nugent & Associates, Inc., who is the authorized and appointed Vaughan Company representative for sales, service, and parts in Florida. The contract period runs from 04/06/2023 to 04/05/2024, with an estimated expenditure range not to exceed $150,000. Sarasota County has determined that changing to another pump system would require a complete redesign due to specific product compatibility with existing equipment. The procurement covers pump and motor maintenance service contracts for units not under warranty, with budgeted expenditures authorized up to $150,000 prior to final authorization. The county reserves the right to cancel the sole source procurement and pursue a competitive solicitation if alternative vendors can demonstrate equivalent capabilities.