Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems and Fire Extinguisher Services - Grant Funded

Collier County's Board of County Commissioners is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive vehicle fire suppression systems and fire extinguisher services for the Collier Area Transit (CAT) bus fleet through Solicitation No. 25-8428. The procurement involves inspection, certification, maintenance, repair, and support services for 54 buses equipped with two primary fire suppression system types (Amerex and Fogmaker) and 80 portable fire extinguishers. The contract term is three years with two optional one-year renewals, with all work to be performed at the CAT Maintenance Facility in Naples, Florida. Bids are due on October 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST and must be submitted through the county's online bidding system. Vendors must provide detailed service capabilities for annual, five-year, and twelve-year inspections, with repair parts allowed a markup not exceeding 10%, and all repairs requiring prior written approval. The county reserves the right to award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor, potentially selecting primary, secondary, and tertiary awardees per category. The solicitation is grant-funded through the Federal Transit Authority and requires strict compliance with federal contract provisions.

The procurement does not appear to have specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but vendors must meet several critical compliance requirements. Potential bidders must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, provide proof of immigration law compliance, and submit comprehensive insurance documentation, including worker's compensation, general liability, and automobile liability coverage. Performance and payment bonds are required for projects exceeding $200,000, and vendors must be underwritten by a surety authorized to do business in Florida with specific rating requirements. Historically, county departments have spent approximately $40,000 annually for these services, though this may not indicate future spending patterns. Vendors must complete multiple certification forms, including conflict of interest and vendor declaration statements, and comply with detailed federal contract provisions. The solicitation allows for price increase requests prior to contract renewal, with vendors required to submit comprehensive documentation at least 120 days before the renewal date. Importantly, the county reserves the right to unilaterally terminate contracts with vendors who do not meet all specified requirements.