RFP: Sprinkler Inspection, Testing, Service and Repair

Request for Proposal
Carteret County Government
Sprinkler Inspection, Testing, Service and Repair
Issued: June 12, 2026
Submission Deadline: June 25, 2026 by 10:00 AM, EST.

Carteret County Request for Proposals
Sprinkler Inspection, Testing, Service and Repair
I. Purpose
Carteret County General Services (GS) is seeking proposals for both testing and inspection as well as service and repair
of sprinkler systems. Part A of this proposal includes periodic testing of fire sprinkler and associated systems owned by
Carteret County. Part B includes as-needed service and repair of sprinkler systems. This RFP describes the vendor
requirements and scope of work to be performed.
A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on-site on June 18, 2026 at 8:30 AM local time. The meeting will
begin at the County General Services Building at 5231 Business Dr. Newport, NC. Interested contractors are encouraged
to attend.
II. Vendor Requirements
The vendor shall comply with the following basic requirements:
1. The vendor should have any training or license required to provide inspection and service of sprinkler systems.
2. Inspectors working in County buildings shall be NISET certified and trained to inspect all types of sprinkler
systems owned by Carteret County in accordance with applicable NFPA Codes and manufacturer's
requirements and OSHA requirements. Subcontractors are allowed where necessary, but shall be approved by
Carteret County.
3. Service workers through the vendor should be NISET certified and trained to work on sprinkler systems being
serviced. Subcontractors are allowed where necessary.
4. The vendor shall be capable of performing all quarterly inspections within a 1 week period.
5. The vendor shall provide 24 hour service and be capable of responding to an emergency within 3 hours of an
emergency call.
III. Scope of Services
Part A
Inspection and Testing:
The inspections consist of annual, quarterly and semi-quarterly inspections as specified for wet, dry and pre-action
sprinkler systems, FM-200 systems, and fire pump systems at Carteret County facilities. The vendor shall be
responsible for inspection of these systems to NFPA standards as well as Carteret County requirements and provide
reporting to local authority having jurisdiction as required. See the appendix for a facility list, type of sprinkler systems,
and a previous report with all devices currently tested. The information is provided for convenience; however the
vendor is responsible for confirming any information needed to provide a unit cost for the inspections.
The vendor shall be responsible for the following inspections and reporting associated:
1. Annual Sprinkler Inspections include:
a. Wet Sprinkler Systems
b. Dry Sprinkler Systems
c. Pre-action Sprinkler Systems
d. Fire Pump Systems
e. Backflow Testing
2. Quarterly Inspections include:
a. Wet Sprinkler Systems
b. Dry Sprinkler Systems
c. Pre-action Sprinkler Systems
3. Semi-annual inspections include:
4. Five year testing and inspections include:
a. Wet Sprinkler Systems
b. Dry Sprinkler Systems
c. Pre-action Sprinkler Systems

Inspections:
The vendor shall perform the following services, including but not limited to, during the inspection unless the step is
superseded by code driven requirements.
1. Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems
a. Quarterly
A full flow test shall be made through the system main drain, when possible.* The static and residual
flow pressures will be recorded. Test for proper operation the mechanical condition of system
components, including the alarm valve clapper, pilot valve, and retard chamber. The system shall be
flushed trough the inspectors test valves, to insure proper water quality and delivery through the
system. All local and supervisory alarms shall be tested for proper operation. All sprinkler system
control valves that are equipped with electric tamper switches shall be functionally tested by operating
the control valve sufficiently to operate the switch. The condition and position of all sealed control
valves shall be checked and, if necessary, new seals will be installed and recorded. The condition of the
Fire Department connection shall be checked, including caps, gaskets, clappers, and ball drips. The
availability of spare sprinkler heads and wrenches will be verified. All gauges will be checked.
b. Annually
In addition to the above; make a thorough visual inspection of all system components, where possible,
to include checking distribution piping for mechanical damage, loose hangers and leaks. Sprinkler heads
shall be cleaned and visually checked for obvious mechanical damage, leaks, corrosion, loading,
obstruction, proper position, and any other obvious factors which may impair the sprinkler system. All
sprinkler system control valves shall be fully operated, tested for proper operation and lubricated. All
anti-freeze systems will be checked for freezing point of the solution.
c. Every Five Years
All necessary inspections and testing required in 5 year intervals shall be completed according to the
applicable NFPA standards.
*Exception: When weather conditions or other circumstances prohibit discharging water, this part of
the test procedure will be modified or postponed until the next regularly scheduled inspection.
2. Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
a. Annually
A full flow test shall be made through the system main drain, when possible.* The static and residual
flow pressures will be recorded. Priming water levels shall be checked and adjusted if necessary. Air
pressure shall be checked. Air compressor (if applicable) shall be tested for proper operation, condition,
and automatic sequencing. The oil level and belt condition shall also be checked. Condensation shall be
drained from the holding tank. The quick opening device shall be tested for proper operation, serviced
and reset. All known auxiliary drain valves shall be drained. All local and supervisory alarms shall be
tested for proper operation. All sprinkler system control valves that are equipped with electric tamper
switches shall be functionally tested by operating the control valve sufficiently to operate the switch.
The condition and position of all sealed control valves shall be checked and, if necessary, new seals will
be installed and recorded. The condition of the Fire Department Siamese connection shall be checked,
including caps, gaskets, clappers, and ball drips. The availability of spare sprinkler heads and wrenches
will be verified. All gauges will be checked.

The quick opening devices (if so equipped) will be trip tested, cleaned, inspected, reset and checked for
air leaks. The control valve will be sealed in the proper position and the device will be left in normal
service.
In addition to the above; make a thorough visual inspection of all system components, where possible,
to include checking distribution piping for mechanical damage, loose hangers and leaks. Sprinkler heads
shall be cleaned and visually checked for obvious mechanical damage, leaks, corrosion, loading,
obstruction, proper position, and any other obvious factors which may impair the sprinkler system. All
sprinkler system control valves shall be fully operated, tested for proper operation and lubricated. A
standard partial trip test of the dry pipe valve shall be performed. The interior condition of the valve,
clapper, latching devices, velocity check valve and facings shall be checked. The operation and condition
the valve will be recorded.
b. Every Five Years
All necessary inspections and testing required in 5 year intervals shall be completed according to the
applicable NFPA standards.
*Exception: When weather conditions or other circumstances prohibit discharging water, this part of
the test procedure will be modified or postponed until the next regularly scheduled inspection.
3. Pre-action Sprinkler Systems
a. Quarterly
A full flow test shall be made through the system main drain, when possible.* The static and residual
flow pressures will be recorded. Priming water levels shall be checked and adjusted if necessary. Air
pressure shall be checked. Air compressor (if applicable) shall be tested for proper operation, condition,
and automatic sequencing. The oil level and belt condition shall also be checked. Condensation shall be
drained from the holding tank. The quick opening device shall be tested for proper operation, serviced
and reset. All known auxiliary drain valves shall be drained. All local and supervisory alarms shall be
tested for proper operation. All sprinkler system control valves that are equipped with electric tamper
switches shall be functionally tested by operating the control valve sufficiently to operate the switch.
The condition and position of all sealed control valves shall be checked and, if necessary, new seals will
be installed and recorded. The condition of the Fire Department Siamese connection shall be checked,
including caps, gaskets, clappers, and ball drips. The availability of spare sprinkler heads and wrenches
will be verified. All gauges will be checked.
*Exception: When weather conditions or other circumstances prohibit discharging water, this part of
the test procedure will be modified or postponed until the next regularly scheduled inspection.
Functional test of manual stations. All smoke detectors will be visually inspected in place to identify
missing detectors, obstructions, dirty or damaged detectors and improperly located detectors.
b. Annually
In addition to the above; make a thorough visual inspection of all system components, where possible,
to include checking distribution piping for mechanical damage, loose hangers and leaks. Sprinkler heads
shall be cleaned and visually checked for obvious mechanical damage, leaks, corrosion, loading,
obstruction, proper position, and any other obvious factors which may impair the sprinkler system. All
sprinkler system control valves shall be fully operated, tested for proper operation and lubricated. A full
flow trip test of the deluge/pre-action valve shall be performed, if conditions permit. The interior
condition of the valve, clapper, latching devices, velocity check valve and facings shall be checked. The
operation and condition the valve will be recorded. All smoke detectors will be operationally tested.
c. Every Five Years
All necessary inspections and testing required in 5 year intervals shall be completed according to the
applicable NFPA standards.
4. Fire Pumps Systems

a. Annually
Before Pump Is Operated:
1. Check drip pockets under packing glands for proper drainage. Note that standing water in drip
pockets is the most common cause of bearing failure.
2. Check packing adjustment - approximately one drop per second is necessary to keep packing
lubricated.
3. Observe suction and discharge gauges. Readings higher than suction pressure indicate leakage back
from system pressure through either the fire pump or jockey pump.
Inspect Fire Pump system:
1. Start pump automatically.
2. Electric pumps shall run 10 minutes minimum at churn
3. Diesel engine pumps shall run 30 minutes minimum at churn
Pump House Conditions:
1. Heat is adequate, not less than 40 degreesF [70 degreesF ] for pump room with diesel pumps without engine
heaters.
2. Ventilating louvers are free to operate.
Pump System Conditions:
1. Pump suction and discharge and bypass valves are fully open.
2. Piping is free of leaks.
3. Suction line pressure gauge reading is within acceptable range.
4. System line pressure gauge reading is within acceptable range.
5. Wet pit suction screens are unobstructed and in place.
6. Pressure relief valve is discharging some water.
Electrical System Conditions:
1. Controller pilot light (power on) is illuminated.
2. Transfer switch normal pilot light is illuminated.
3. Isolating switch is closed - standby (emergency) source.
4. Reverse phase alarm pilot light is off, or normal phase rotation pilot light is on.
5. Oil level in vertical motor sight glass is within acceptable range.
Diesel Engine System Conditions:
i. Fuel tank is two-thirds full.
ii. Controller selector switch is in auto position.
iii. Batteries' (2) voltage readings are within acceptable range.
iv. Batteries' (2) charging current readings are within acceptable range.
v. Batteries' (2) pilot lights are on or battery failure (2) pilot lights are off.
vi. All alarm pilot lights are off.
vii. Engine running time meter is reading.
viii. Oil level in right angle gear drive is within acceptable range.
ix. Crankcase oil level is within acceptable range.
x. Cooling water level is within acceptable range.
xi. Electrolyte level in batteries is within acceptable range.
xii. Battery terminals are free from corrosion.
xiii. Water-jacket heater is operating.
xiv. Observe the time for engine to crank.
xv. Observe the time for engine to reach running speed
xvi. Observe the engine oil pressure gauge, speed indicator, water, and oil temperature indicators
periodically while engine is running.
xvii. Record any abnormalities.
xviii. Check the heat exchanger for cooling water flow.
Observations:
1. Check for unusual noise or vibration.
2. Check packing boxes, bearings, or pump casing for overheating.
3. Record the pump starting pressure.

4. Electrical system procedure:
5. Observe the time for motor to accelerate to full speed.
6. Record the time controller is on first step (for reduced voltage or reduced current starting).
7. Record the time pump runs after starting (for automatic stop controllers).
In addition of the above: Make a thorough visual inspection of all system components to verify that the
pump assembly appears to be in normal operating condition and free from physical damage. Verify
pump house conditions. Check adequacy of suction supply pressure. Verify that he controller is in the
proper position. If appropriate, check the transfer switch position and the reverse phase alarm, and
diesel fuel. Perform a no-flow test by starting the pump automatically. Electric pumps will be run for 10
minutes. Diesel pumps will be run for a minimum of 30 minutes. All local and supervisory alarms shall
be tested for proper operation. All sprinkler system control valves that are equipped with electric
tamper switches shall be functionally tested by operating the control valve sufficiently to operate the
switch. The condition and position of all sealed control valves shall be checked and, if necessary, new
seals will be installed and recorded.
In addition to the above; test for proper operation the mechanical condition of system components.
Control valves shall be fully operated, tested for proper operation and lubricated. Test each pump
assembly under minimum (no-flow), rated (100%), peak (150%)^ flows of the fire pump by controlling
the quantity of water discharged through approved test devices.* The pertinent visual observations and
measurements will be documented. Test results shall be the basis of determination of the adequacy of
the pump assembly. Test curve will be compared to past test and unadjusted field acceptance curve, if
available.
* Degradation in excess of 5 percent of the pressure of the initial unadjusted acceptance test curve
or nameplate shall require an investigation to reveal the cause of degraded performance.
* Current and voltage readings whose product does not exceed the product of the rated voltage
and rated full-load current multiplied by the permitted motor service factor shall be considered
acceptable.
* Voltage readings at the motor within 5 percent below or 10 percent above the rated (i.e.,
nameplate) voltage shall be considered acceptable.
*Exception 1: When weather conditions or other circumstances prohibit discharging water, this part of
the test procedure will be modified or postponed until the next regularly scheduled inspection.
^Exception 2: If available suction supplies do not allow flowing 150% of the rated pump capacity, the
fire pump shall be operated at maximum allowable flow. This reduced capacity shall not constitute a
noncompliance test.
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria Points
Qualifications and Experience 30
Ability to Meet Scope and Response Requirements 30
References and Past Performance 20
Pricing and Overall Value 20
Total 100
The contract may be awarded to the responsible proposer receiving the highest score based on the County's evaluation of the
proposals. Carteret County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, request clarifications, negotiate with
proposers, and award the contract in the best interest of the County.
Carteret County Requirements:
1. The vendor shall supply a schedule of all tests to be completed over the year within the first month of the
contract and every upon contract renewal. Updated schedules should be provided as needed. This schedule
shall include the type of test, building name, date and time.

2. Proposed schedules are tentative and subject to change due to situations out of our control. The County
reserves the right to reschedule inspections at any time and at no additional cost, but will make every effort to
redirect to other buildings in situations where the vendor is on-site and unable to perform the scheduled
inspection.
3. Inspections must be performed as listed on pricing sheet. All fire pump testing is to be done 6 pm. to 6am M-F
or weekends with advance notice.
4. The vendor is to coordinate with the General Services Designee at least 5 business days in advance of the
planned inspection to confirm the schedule.
5. County staff must be on site when inspections take place. County staff will provide building access for the
inspections and to assist inspections by staffing the fire panel. The vendor should supply a communication
device (for instance, handheld radios) to facilitate communication back to the fire panel during the inspection.
6. The vendor shall confirm that all elevator and UPS trips are bypassed during the inspections. Most elevators
are required to "shunt trip" electrical power sources when the sprinkler system activates. Before the sprinkler
systems are tested, the vendor should confirm the elevators have been placed in bypass to avoid trapping
anyone in the elevators. In addition, computer rooms may be equipped to activate EPO circuits or UPS shunt
trip power in the event of sprinkler activation. The vendor should confirm this equipment has also been
bypassed.
7. An employee from the vendor must be onsite during all inspections. While subcontractors can perform work
in this scope, the vendor must also be on-site while the subcontractor is performing services and the vendor is
responsible for submitting shutdown forms and coordinating with County personnel, not the subcontractor.
8. The vendor shall provide the General Services Designee with all inspection reports generated. Reports shall
include the location of each test and the time and date of inspection performed. Reports shall be
electronically submitted in PDF format along with the quarterly invoice.
9. An invoice shall be delivered in PDF format by email to the General Services Designee quarterly. Pricing should
be separated by building with the appropriate Work Order Number referenced. The work order numbers are
obtained from the General Services Designee.
10. The vendor shall notify General Services Designee of any unit found to be defective or inoperable prior to
submitting the results to the AHJ.
Part B
As-needed Service and Repair
The vendor shall provide service to sprinkler systems including emergency response service when necessary and with
prior approval from Carteret County General Services. These services will be provided on an hourly rate. These
services are independent and separate from inspection services.
An addition, the vendor must be able to provide 24/7 emergency response with an emergency on-call service and
sufficient expertise and capacity to respond to any County emergency request.
Service, repair, and Emergency response shall be specified at an all-inclusive hourly rates.
IV. Pricing
Vendor shall provide total cost per attached list and be all-inclusive. Vendors' pricing, per unit, shall include all of the
vendors' related cost to include but not limited to reporting fees, insurance, depreciation, trip related charges, fuel
surcharge and mileage. Hourly service rates shall also be all-inclusive.
The five-year testing is included as an Add Alternate to this bid.

Inspection services should be bid as a complete package. The vendor must provide pricing on all inspections for all
buildings listed. No partial submissions accepted.
V. Contract Selection and Duration
The contract will be awarded for a one year period. The contract may be renewed on an annual basis as needed,
assuming successful negotiations with Carteret County General Services prior to the end of the existing contract. The
total number of times the contract may be renewed is limited to four (4) one year renewals. It is expected and will be
negotiated, at contract renewal, between Carteret County and the vendor that each one-year renewal will allow for a
price and scope adjustment to the contract. Scope adjustments will be prorated based on pricing sheet if added during
contract year. Price adjustment of cost on renewal must not to exceed the Bureau of Labor Employment Cost Index or
five percent (5%), whichever is less. The Bureau of Labor Employment Cost Index refers to the value stated for state and
local government workers, not seasonally adjusted, and for the 12 months prior to the time of the contract renewal.
The total compensation paid under this contract, including inspection, testing, service, repair, emergency response, and
any authorized additional services, shall not exceed $15,000 annually without prior written approval and amendment by
Carteret County.
The County will choose a single vendor to provide inspection and testing services and reserves the right to implement
multiple service agreements for as-needed service and repair.

Part A: Inspection and Testing
Pricing Sheet (1 of 4)
Unit Costs
1. Vendor shall provide total cost and be all-inclusive. Vendors' pricing, per unit, shall include all of the vendors'
related cost to include but not limited to reporting fees, insurance, depreciation, trip related charges, fuel
surcharge and mileage. * Inspections must be performed as listed on pricing sheet. All fire pump testing is to
be done 6 pm. to 6am M-F or weekends with advance notice.
Inspection Annual Quarterly Semi-Annual Pre-action
Building Name Hours* Inspection Inspection Fire Pump Testing
General Services Anytime $ $ $
Peer Recovery Anytime $ $ $
Historic Courthouse Anytime $ $ $
Detention Center (Fire Hoses) Anytime $ $ $
Subtotal $ $ $
Total $ $ $
Part A: Inspection and Testing
Pricing Sheet (2 of 4) - ADD ALTERNATE
Unit Costs
Vendor shall provide total cost and be all-inclusive. Vendors' pricing, per unit, shall include all of the vendors' related cost to include
but not limited to reporting fees, insurance, depreciation, trip related charges, fuel surcharge and mileage. *Inspections that
involve an business interruptions will occur after normal business or weekends.
Five Year
Building Name Inspection Hours* Inspection
General Services Anytime $
Peer Recovery Anytime $
Historic Courthouse Anytime $
Detention Center (Fire Hoses) Anytime $
$
Subtotal $
Total $
No service, repair, or emergency response work, other than actions necessary to mitigate an immediate life-safety
emergency, shall be performed without prior authorization from the General Services Director or designee. The County
shall not be responsible for payment of unauthorized work.

Part A: Unit Pricing
Pricing Sheet (3 of 4)
Unit Costs
Vendor shall provide total cost per attached list and be all-inclusive. Vendors' pricing, per unit, shall include all of
the vendors' related cost to include but not limited to reporting fees, insurance, depreciation, trip related charges,
fuel surcharge and mileage. Subcontractor markup includes any inspection subcontractors.
Additional Buildings
New buildings can be added to the contract at the following unit cost.
Fire Pump
Diesel Annual Cost $ ______________________________
Electric Annual Cost $ _______________________________
Wet Sprinkler System
Annual Cost per riser $ _____________________________
(includes all inspections required annually including quarterly and annual inspections)
Additional Inspection Services
Hourly Rates for inspection services not included in the building inspections.
Inspection (Monday - Friday, 6pm to 6am)
Technician / Foreman
Standard Hourly Rate $ ______________________________
Overtime Hourly Rate $ _______________________________
Helper
Standard Hourly Rate $ ______________________________
Overtime Hourly Rate $ _______________________________