Water heaters

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is requesting quotes for A.O. Smith natural gas and propane water heaters under a one-time buy RFQ, with offers due August 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET and award scheduled for August 27, 2026.

Bidders may claim South Carolina Resident Vendor Preference, South Carolina End-Product Preference, or United States End-Product Preference on a line-item basis where statutory requirements are met. Registration with the State of South Carolina to obtain a vendor number is required prior to submission.

The scope comprises three 100-gallon natural gas heaters (BTR-400AN model) and two 100-gallon propane heaters (BTR-400ALP model), each with associated South Carolina waste fees and A.O. Smith Quick Ship fees. All units must be ASME-certified glass-lined commercial heaters with 300,000 to 400,000 BTU/HR capacity, 350 to 450 gallons first-hour delivery at 100-degree rise, 296 to 390 GPH recovery rate, 150 PSI working pressure, automatic flue damper, AGA/ASME safety relief valve, anode rod corrosion protection, and 80% or greater thermal efficiency. Delivery shall occur within 30 days after receipt of purchase order to SCDC Facilities Management at 4322 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, with terms F.O.B. Destination and standard manufacturer's warranty upon delivery.

Pricing must be submitted as fixed unit prices for each line item, with extended prices calculated by quantity times unit price. Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with only one offeror receiving the contract. Offers must be submitted in sealed packages to the South Carolina Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch at 4530 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, accompanied by signed Cover Page and Page Two. Nonresident contractors may be subject to 2% withholding tax requirements under South Carolina Code Section 12-8-550 unless proper registration exemptions are obtained.