Active SLED Opportunity · SOUTH CAROLINA · LANCASTER COUNTY
AI Summary
Lancaster County seeks bids for new fire rescue equipment meeting NFPA and OSHA standards to enhance firefighter safety and emergency response. The award goes to the lowest responsible bidder. Submission is via the county's online portal by August 3, 2026.
Lancaster County is seeking competitive bids from dependable vendors to provide a wide range of general fire rescue equipment that keeps our first responders safe and ready. We’re looking to purchase items that meet current NFPA, OSHA standards and detailed specs listed in the bid packet.
The selected vendor shall provide equipment that meets all applicable federal, state, local and industry standards, including relevant National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements where applicable. All equipment must be new, unused, and delivered in accordance with the specification, quantities, and performance requirements outlined in this solicitation document’s.
This procurement is intended to enhance operational readiness, firefighter safety, and emergency response capabilities by ensuring access to reliable high-quality fire rescue equipment.
This IFB is a chance to work with a dedicated public safety team that depends on reliable gear every day. The award will go to the lowest responsible bidder(s) who meets all product specifications, delivery requirements, and contract terms. We appreciate your interest in supporting our fire department and look forward to reviewing your bid.
Once awarded, the successful Vendor(s) may be required to provide valid proof of insurance within ten (10) days from Notice of Award and prior to commencing any work, including the following: Worker’s Compensation, General Liability and Auto Liability.
With this Invitation for Bid (IFB), Lancaster County is searching to secure bids from qualified contractors to purchase fire rescue equipment as listed in the Pricing Proposal section of the online bidding portal. An excel spreadsheet is also provided in the attachments portion for your convenience if needed.
The awarded vendor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and related services necessary to provide the items listed in the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet identifies the required equipment.
*Note - Gear specifications will be provided for Vendors needing that information. Please post the request under the questions section.
The County of Lancaster, South Carolina (“County”) is requesting sealed Offers from qualified firms (“Vendor”) forLancaster County Fire Rescue Equipment for FY 2026/2027 2026-IFB-064 . Lancaster County Procurement shall receive offers in accordance with “Offer Submittal Section" (below) until the date and time listed on the cover page of this solicitation. A public announcement of all offers to this solicitation shall follow by reading thereafter. Responses to this solicitation will be used to determine which Vendor is capable of performing this solicitation’s scope of work in a manner determined that best meets the needs of the County for this individual solicitation.
Each Offer must meet all terms, conditions, and specifications of this solicitation in order to obtain contract award. By virtue of submission, Vendor acknowledges agreement and acceptance of all provisions except as those expressly consented in this solicitation. Non-substantial deviations may be considered, provided Vendor submits a full explanation and justification of proposed deviations. Whether any such proposed deviation is deemed non-substantial will be determined by the County in its sole discretion.
The Procurement Code regulates all pre-contract communications with vendors and Procurement personnel must manage and/or witness. All inquiries regarding this solicitation shall be addressed ONLY through the Question/Answer section of this solicitation located in the online portal. Any vendor communication after the deadline for inquiries is strictly prohibited. The deadline for inquiries will be the date and time listed on this solicitation. All responses will be publicly available following the inquiry period via the solicitation listing on the Lancaster County website or as an addendum. The County reserves the right to decline to respond to any questions if, in the County’s assessment, the information cannot be obtained and shared with all Vendors in a timely manner.
All submitted Offers are to be opened on the designated date and time listed on the front page. All Offers will be publicly acknowledged, recorded, and thereafter evaluated for appropriate levels of responsiveness and responsibility. The contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the request for bids. Upon determination of a winning Offer, a Notice of Award shall be issued and the successful Offer will be publicly posted on the County website and the successful Vendor will receive a contract.
All equipment provided under this solicitation shall:
• Be new, unused, and of current production.
• Vendor must be an authorized dealer or manufacturer of the products offered.
• Meet or exceed the specifications identified in the bid documents.
• All gear must come with appropriate compliance labeling and documentation
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, and industry standards, including NFPA requirements where applicable.
• Include all standard accessories and components necessary for complete and intended operation.
• Be delivered to the location(s) specified when ordered.
• Bids must align with detailed product specifications provided in the bid packet
If selected for award, the successful Vendor(s) will be required to submit a completed IRS Form W-9, or to resubmit IRS Form W-9 if form on file is not current with the County. If applicable, a Lancaster County MBE/WBE Affidavit should be completed
For requests for proposals, and request for statement of qualifications cost proposal may or may not be a factor in selection, based on the selection criteria. Lancaster County shall make award determination to the Offer deemed most advantageous to the County. Upon determination of a winning Offer, a Notice of Award shall be issued and the successful Offer will be publicly posted on the County website and the successful Vendor will receive a contract.
The successful Vendor(s) will be required to assume sole responsibility for the complete efforts as they pertain to this solicitation. The County will consider the Respondent to be the sole point of contact concerning all contractual matters as they pertain to this solicitation.
Bidders shall submit pricing for the items through the portal or by uploading the attached spreadsheet and shall clearly identify any exceptions, substitutions, or deviations from the stated specifications. Substitutions will only be considered if expressly permitted and approved by the County. If you have a substitution, please post the question in the portal.
Please submit your detailed quote by completing the pricing table on the eProcurement portal.
Acknowledgement of Addenda.
Notifications for this solicitation, including addenda, can be found via Lancaster County's eProcurement Portal. Vendors must acknowledge receipt of addenda via Lancaster County's eProcurement portal. By acknowledging addenda, vendors are also acknowledging that they have read all questions and answers in the Q&A portal.
By way of submission, the vendor attests that the individual or firm listed on the submission documents holds the licenses and/or certifications required to complete the project. Proof of such license/certification will be submitted to Lancaster County immediately upon request.
Lancaster County reserves the right to reject any or all Offers, to cancel a solicitation, to negotiate specific terms, conditions, and/or provisions on any contract that may arise from this solicitation or, to waive any informalities or irregularities therein as in the best interest of Lancaster County. No contractual obligation or liability on the part of the County shall exist unless and until a final contract is executed.
Ambiguous bids, which are uncertain as to terms, delivery quantity or compliance with specifications may be rejected or disregarded if such action is in the best interest of the county.
If any part of the scope of work for this solicitation is to be subcontracted, the prime contractor shall identify the subcontracting organization and any contractual agreements made with the same. All subcontractors must be approved, in writing, by the County. The County reserves the right to reject any or all subcontractors and to require substitution of a qualified replacement to participate in the scope of work as specified herein.
This solicitation is intended to promote competition. If any language, specifications, terms and conditions, or any combination thereof restricts or limits the requirements in this solicitation to a single source, it shall be the responsibility of the interested vendor to notify the Procurement Department in writing within ten (10) days prior to the opening date. The solicitation may or may not be changed but a review of such notification will be made.
The Vendor(s) responsible for contractual services shall not be liable for any excess cost(s) if the failure to perform the contract arises out of any cause beyond control and without fault or negligence of the responsible party. Such causes may include, but are not limited to, acts of God or public enemy, acts of Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, or embargoes; but in every case, the failure to perform must be beyond the control and without fault of the Vendor(s) responsible for any aforementioned contractual services. Written notice must be made to Lancaster County immediately upon any unforeseen delay, whether excusable or not. Notice must include reason for delay and additional time and/or compensation requested.
In the case of default by the contractor, the county reserves the right to purchase any or all items in default in the open market, charging the contractor with any excessive costs. Should such charge be assessed, no subsequent bids of the defaulting contractor will be considered until the assessed charge has been satisfied.
When price is a determining factor, unit prices will govern over extended prices unless otherwise stated in this solicitation.
Ownership of all data, material, and documentation originated and prepared for the County pursuant to this solicitation shall belong exclusively to Lancaster County.
The lowest local responsible and responsive Vendor who is within three (3) percent, with a cap of six thousand dollars ($6,000.00), of the lowest non-local responsible and responsive Vendor, may match the Offer submitted by the non-local responsible and responsive Vendor and thereby be awarded the contract. The local preference as set forth in this section shall only be applied to responses to solicitations of written quotes and invitations to bid in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00). The local preference, as set forth in this section, shall only be given to local responsible and responsive Vendors who have a physical business address located and operating within Lancaster County for a minimum of six (6) months prior to the solicitation of quotes and/or Offer. Vendor shall also have met all other requirements of the solicitations, including, without limitation, payment of all duly assessed state and local taxes. If state or federal guidelines prohibit or otherwise limit local preference, then the County shall not use local preference in awarding the contract. If there are multiple responsible and responsive Vendors who meet the local preference guidelines as set forth in the section, the County shall use standard procurement practice and procedure as set forth in the article to determine the priority of selection. The local preference as set forth in this section does not waive or otherwise abrogate the County's unqualified right to reject any and all bids or proposals or accept such Offers, as appears in the County's best interest.
The Contract for this solicitation must be valid from date of signature or initial Purchase Order issuance and must remain valid until all services are rendered complete. Breach or non-performance of any Contract term will constitute cause upon which the County may immediately terminate the contract by written notice. Termination states that shall a dispute arise, and if, after good faith effort at resolution the dispute is not resolved, either party may terminate the contract by providing thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. Termination may include:
No contract or agreement resulting from this solicitation shall be subject to any terms involving auto-renewal.
All agreements shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Laws of the State of South Carolina and parties irrevocably submit to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of, or the federal courts in, South Carolina.
All submissions of responding Vendors are subject to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, S.C. Code Annotated Sections, 3-4-10, et seq. Any commercial or financial information that is deemed as privileged and confidential must be visibly and clearly marked as “CONFIDENTIAL” by Vendor and must be applied to each specific part of an Offer deemed as such. Failure to do so may result in disclosure of submitted information as a determinant to uphold compliance to Federal and State information laws as they pertain to the access of public procurement information. The county reserves the right to determine whether this information should be exempt from disclosure and no legal action may be brought against the county or its agents for its determination in this regard.
Questions or problems arising after award of this contract shall be directed to the Purchasing Director, located at 1228 Colonial Commons Ct, Suite 102, Lancaster, SC 29720, or by calling (803) 416-9963. The County Administrator or authorized designee must approve all change orders in writing. No contract or its provisions may be assigned, sublet, or transferred without the written consent of the County. Lancaster County shall not be bound to any change in the original contract unless approved by the County Administrator or authorized designee.
By submitting an Offer, any Vendor or any authorized agent of any Vendor, is expected to comply with the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). This act, with certain limitations, requires the verification of the employment status of all individuals who were hired on or after November 6, 1986 by the Vendor, as well as any subcontractors. The usual method of verification for this information would be through the Employment Verification (I-9) Form. With any submitted Offer, Vendor hereby certifies without exception that they have complied with all federal and state laws relating to immigration and reform and will continue to comply throughout the duration of any awarded contract(s). Any misrepresentation in this regard or any employment of persons not authorized to work in the United States constitutes a material breach and, in Lancaster County’s discretion, may subject any contract to termination and applicable damages. At the County’s request, Vendor may be requested to produce any documentation or other such evidence to verify the Vendor’s compliance with any provision, duty, certification, or like while under contract.
Section 8-13-705 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina states: offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving anything of value to influence action of public employee, member or official, or to influence testimony of witness; exceptions; penalty for violation; shall be subject to punishment provided by section 16-9-210 and section 16-9-220.
The county reserves the right to waive any instruction to bidders, general or special provisions, general or special conditions or specifications deviation if deemed in the best interest of the county.
Contractor agrees not to refer to award of this contract in commercial advertising in such a manner as to state or imply that the products or services provided are endorsed or preferred.
Each bidder shall fully acquaint himself with conditions relating to the scope and restrictions attending the execution of work under the conditions of this bid. It is expected that this will sometimes require on-site observation. The failure or omission of a bidder to acquaint himself with existing conditions shall in no way relieve him of any obligation with respect to this bid or to the contract.
Vendors are prohibited from contacting any appointed official, elected official, consultant, or employee of Lancaster County, directly or indirectly, concerning any active or future solicitations. Any communication concerning solicitations are to be through the Procurement Office. Any vendor found in violation of this clause shall be suspended or debarred from participating in this or future Lancaster County solicitations.
We have read the attached bid document and fully understand its intent. We certify that we have adequate personnel and resources to fulfill any items that we place a bid on.
We certify that all documents contained herein shall be considered part of the entire IFB and that the complete document submitted shall be considered a legally binding document.
It is preferred that vendors upload their pricing in Section 4 "Pricing Proposal." However, if you are unable to enter pricing through Section 4, please upload the Excel Spreadsheet here.
If you answered yes to the previous question, please upload a list of the subcontractors (Electronic Attachment A)
I have reviewed and agree to the terms of the County's Standard Contract.
I have reviewed and agree to the terms of the County's Terms and Conditions
Vendor agrees not to refer to award of this contract in commercial advertising in such a manner as to state or imply that the products or services provided are endorsed or preferred. PLEASE CONFIRM
Please confirm that by submitting an offer, you are agreeing to all conditions and provisions of this solicitation and you agree to hold the bid prices constant throughout the contract period (minimum of 365 days from signed contract).
Vendors are prohibited from contacting any appointed official, elected official, consultant, or employee of Lancaster County, directly or indirectly, concerning any active or future solicitations. Any communication concerning solicitations are to be through the Procurement Office. Any vendor found in violation of this clause shall be suspended or debarred from participating in this or future Lancaster County solicitations.
Please provide your comany's Tax Payer ID number.
PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY
As defined via MBE/WBE affidavit in attachments section.
Only If you selected MBE or WBE status please complete and upload the MBE/WBE affidavit document from the ATTACHMENT section.
Upon award of contract under this response, the person, partnership, association or corporation to whom the award is made must comply with the laws of South Carolina which require such person or entity to be authorized and/or licensed to do business with this State. Notwithstanding the fact that applicable statutes may exempt or exclude the successful bidder from requirements that it be authorized and/or licensed to do business in this State, by submission of this signed response, the responder understands and agrees to be bound to the jurisdiction and process of the courts of the State of South Carolina, as to all matters and conflicts or future conflicts under the contract and the performance thereof, including any questions as to the liability for taxes, licenses, or fees levied by the State.
The contractor may become involved in situations where a conflict of interest could occur due to individual or organizational activities within the County. The vendor, by submitting a response, is in essence assuring the County that the company, and/or subcontractors, is in compliance with all federal, state, and local conflict of interest laws, statutes, and regulations.
The undersigned state that they are authorized to make this affidavit for their company, its owner(s), and its officers. I am the individual responsible in my company for the price(s) and amount(s) contained in the Response and the preparation of the Bid. I state that:
1. The price(s) and amount(s) of this Bid Response have been arrived at independently and without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other Provider, potential Provider, Proposal, or potential Proposal.
2. The vendor has not disclosed and will not disclose the price(s) nor the amount(s) of this Bid Response to any other company or individual who is a Provider, potential Provider, Proposal, or potential Bidder.
3. No attempt has been made nor will be made to induce any company or persons to refrain from submitting a Bid for this IFB contract, or to submit a price(s) higher than the price(s) in this Bid, or to submit any intentionally high or non-competitive price(s) or other form of complementary Bid.
4. My company's Bid response is made in good faith and is not pursuant to any agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any company, firm, or person to submit a complementary or non-competitive Bid.
5. That the undersigned is informed of all the relevant facts surrounding the preparation and submission of this bid; that the undersigned knows and represents and warrants to Lancaster County that these are prepared and submitted without collusion with any other person, business entity, or corporation; and that the company submitting this bid is the only person, business entity or corporation with any interest in the resultant contract.
6. My company, its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, and employees are not currently under investigation by any government agency and have not in the last three years been convicted or found liable for any act prohibited by state or federal law in any jurisdiction involving conspiracy or collusion concerning this Proposal, or any public contract.
The undersigned hereby certifies on behalf of the company listed below that it is in full compliance with the requirements set forth in Title 44, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, Chapter 107, Paragraph 47 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690, title V, Sec. 5153, as amended by Public Law 105-85, Div. A, Title VIII, Sec. 809, as codified at 41 U.S.C. § 702) and Department of Commerce implementing regulations published at 15 CFR Part 29, “Government-wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance)” (published in the Federal Register on November 23, 2003, 68 FR 66534).
If you have any deviations from this solicitation or any additional information, upload here.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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