Life Safety System Testing and Preventative Maintenance Services

The City of Columbus is seeking proposals under a Best Value Procurement to establish a Universal Term Contract for Life Safety System Testing and Preventative Maintenance Services for buildings managed by the Facilities Management Division. The scope of work includes annual smoke and fire alarm testing, inspection and repair, sprinkler and standpipe testing, fire pump and suppression testing, backflow prevention services, kitchen hood and exhaust system services, and fire system monitoring. The resulting contract will span four years from execution through December 31, 2030, with an option for a one-year extension. Services will be performed across various city-owned facilities in Ohio and must adhere to all National Fire Protection Association codes, as well as OSHA and EPA standards. Key performance requirements include dispatching emergency services within one minute and notifying city designees within three minutes of a signal. The selection process is based on a weighted evaluation of competence, ability, quality, and past performance rather than the lowest bid. Competence is weighted at 35 points, ability at 30 points, quality and feasibility at 20 points, and past performance at 15 points. Cost is not scored in the initial phase; only the highest-scoring technical offerors will be invited to submit cost proposals. Proposals must be submitted in PDF format via the designated portal by October 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM EDT. Awarded vendors must maintain required liability insurance and adhere to strict non-disclosure agreements regarding city information.