Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems and Fire Extinguisher Services

Collier County's Board of County Commissioners Procurement Services Division has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. 24-8299 for Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems and Fire Extinguisher Services, specifically targeting comprehensive inspection, certification, maintenance, repair, and support services for fire suppression systems on the Collier Area Transit (CAT) bus fleet. The procurement covers three primary service categories: Amerex system services, Fogmaker system services, and portable extinguisher services, involving approximately 54 buses with fire suppression systems and 80 portable fire extinguishers. Vendors must provide detailed inspection services including semiannual, six-year, and twelve-year inspections for Amerex systems, and annual, five-year, and ten-year inspections for Fogmaker systems. The bid is due on January 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST, with a proposed three-year contract term and two potential one-year renewal options. Evaluation criteria include the lowest total bid per category, with the county potentially selecting primary, secondary, and tertiary awardees. Repair parts are subject to a maximum 10% markup, and all repairs require prior written approval. The solicitation requires vendors to submit bids electronically through the Collier County Procurement Services Division Online Bidding System.

The contract does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, but vendors must meet comprehensive qualification requirements including E-Verify program compliance, background checks, and specific insurance provisions. Vendors must possess necessary business tax receipts, professional licenses, and comply with county, state, and federal regulations. Insurance requirements are stringent, mandating $500,000 employer's liability, $1,000,000 single limit per occurrence for commercial general liability, and $500,000 automobile liability coverage. The county will name itself as an additional insured, and vendors must provide 30-day cancellation notice. Historically, county departments have spent approximately $40,000 annually for these services, though future spending may vary. The procurement may utilize Federal Transit Authority Funding, which introduces additional federal contract provisions and compliance requirements. Notably, the contract allows for potential multi-contractor awards, providing the county flexibility in service procurement and ensuring competitive pricing and service options.