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Award of Term Contract to Fortiline, Inc., for Purchase of Meter Boxes for Utilities Department (Contract No. 22-T00124/JG; Amount: $608,182.00)
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Purchasing and Contracts Department issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. 22-T00124/JG on August 31, 2022, at the request of the Hernando County Utilities Department, to obtain bids for the purchase of meter boxes as needed throughout the year.
The Purchasing and Contracts Department staff placed the legal advertisement in the Hernando Sun, Tampa Bay Times and on the OpenGov website on July 27, 2022. The bid was sent to one thousand nine hundred and nine (1,909) matching vendor/contractors from the website. The bid document was downloaded by thirteen (13) vendor/contractors and eleven (11) bid submissions were received. The Base Bid is the total price for the estimated amounts of meter boxes that will be required by the Utilities Department over the next two (2) years.
BIDDER BASE BID
Empire Pipe and Supply $599,856.00*
Core and Main $605,206.00*
Fortiline, Inc. $608,182.00
Ferguson Waterworks $621,816.00
Consolidated Pipe and Supply $637,244.00*
The Avanti Company $777,220.00
Bids were reviewed and evaluated by the Purchasing and Contracts Department to determine if they were responsive. Bids were then reviewed and evaluated by the Hernando County Utilities Department staff for award recommendation based on price, conformance with specifications and the Bidder’s ability to perform the contract in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications required.
*Bids were removed from consideration by the department for Consolidated Pipe and Supply, Empire Pipe and Supply and Core and Main for the following reasons:
1) The ITB states, “For Providing DFW Plastics, Inc., meter boxes for the Hernando County Utilities Department.” The above vendors submitted bids containing Sigma boxes with Nicor Lids, not DFW Plastics, Inc., boxes and lids as requested.
2) The ITB Pricing Proposal states the DFW Plastics, Inc., part numbers, “or equivalent.” The purpose of this language is because specific DFW Plastics, Inc., part numbers were provided and if DFW Plastics, Inc., no longer manufactured that particular item or changed the part number, the department wanted the equivalent DFW Plastics, Inc., box and lid to the one in the contract.
3) The ITB Technical Specifications states, “The polymer body shall be flared and have a minimum of 3/8” wall thickness.” The bids submitted containing the Sigma boxes are not flared boxes, they are straight wall boxes.
A Notice of Intent to Award the contract to Fortiline, Inc., dated October 6, 2022, was posted to the OpenGov website and posted to the Hernando County Administration electronic public bulletin board.
The Chief Procurement Officer has reviewed this requirement for conformance to Procurement Ordinance and Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funds of $304,091.00 are available from Hernando County Utilities Department Account No. 4121-07201-5305280 - Uncap Improv Meters and 4111-07111-5305280 - Uncap Improv Meters.
LEGAL NOTE
In accordance with Part II, Chapter 2, Article V of the Hernando County Code of Ordinances.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Board approve the award of Contract No. 22-T00124/JG for the purchase of meter boxes as needed to Fortiline, Inc., for an initial two (2) year term in the estimated base bid amount of $608,182.00 (estimated annual amount of $304,091.00). It is further recommended the Board approve the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to renew the contract with the same pricing and terms and authorize the CPO to approve change orders as they become necessary and required.
There is one (1) twelve (12) month unilateral renewal option available in accordance with Contract condition/provision on Paragraph 8.1.3, Page 13 of the contract.