Vaughan Chopper and Triton Pumps, Parts, and Service

Sarasota County is pursuing a sole source procurement with FJ Nugent & Associates, Inc. for Vaughan Company's Chopper and Triton pumps, parts, and service for its public utilities department. The procurement specifically covers specialized pumps designed to handle thick sludges, large or stringy solids, shear sensitive fluids, and delicate or highly abrasive materials flowing through collection systems. The solicitation, designated as ISS-406, was released on February 20, 2025, with a response deadline of February 24, 2025, at 5:00 pm, requiring electronic submission through the ProcureNow portal. While the procurement is currently positioned as a sole source contract, Sarasota County remains open to alternative vendors who can demonstrate equivalent product and service capabilities, potentially converting the procurement to a competitive solicitation. The contract term is set for three years, from 04/06/2025 through 04/05/2028, with vendors required to complete the Intent to Sole Source Response form if interested in providing similar goods or services.

The procurement does not explicitly outline set-aside designations or restrictions for specific enterprise types. FJ Nugent & Associates, Inc. is currently identified as the authorized and appointed representative for Vaughan Company in Florida for sales, service, and parts. The existing infrastructure involves specialized pump systems that would require a complete redesign if replaced, which substantiates the sole source justification. The estimated annual expenditure is $50,000, with a total contract expenditure not to exceed $150,000 over the three-year period. The solicitation includes comprehensive terms and conditions covering compliance requirements, insurance provisions, public records obligations, and Florida-specific statutory considerations. Vendors are expected to demonstrate product compatibility with existing equipment and the ability to provide specialized pump maintenance and service solutions for Sarasota County's public utilities infrastructure.