Sole Source - Water Pumps

The City of Fort Myers issued a sole source procurement notice dated October 21, 2024, for the acquisition of a specific water pump model (Carter & Verplanck, Inc., Model 10EML, 4-stage vertical centrifugal pump) to replace an aging pump and support new bio solids processing equipment at the South Wastewater Plant in Florida. This procurement is conducted under Florida State Statute 287.057(3)(c), allowing sole source negotiation without formal competitive solicitation due to the vendor’s exclusive source status. Carter & Verplanck, Inc., authorized by Flowserve Corporation as the sole sales representative for this geographic location, is identified as the exclusive supplier. The company provided a detailed quotation including specifications for materials such as nickel aluminum bronze impellers, stainless steel shafts, and specific coatings, with a delivery lead time estimated at 26 weeks and a quoted price of $81,508 excluding testing, spare parts, accessories, taxes, and duties. The order will be managed with a “NO VALUE” designation, highlighting that no competitive bids or submissions are required, although suppliers believing they can furnish equivalent products may submit qualifications by November 4, 2024, strictly via email. The contract terms emphasize technical compliance with specified flow rates (500 GPM at 159 feet head), component materials adhering to ASTM/ANSI standards, and delivery performance at the Fort Myers facility. Inspection is assumed to occur at the manufacturing site with final acceptance at the destination plant. No formal packaging, marking, or federal contract clauses such as those under FAR were incorporated, reflecting the local government sole source approach rather than a federal procurement model. Payment and invoicing details are minimal, with communication routed through identified procurement representatives. The acquisition lacks competitive evaluation factors, price adjustment options, or detailed socioeconomic considerations, focusing on vendor exclusivity and critical functional requirements that justify the sole source status under applicable Florida law.