RFQ - Water Mist Fire Suppression Testing and Inspection

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
Department: Network Services
Requisition: Fire Suppression Testing and Inspection
Deliver Completed Bid to:
Tennessee Tech University Date: April 22, 2026
Purchasing and Contracts RFQ Coordinator: Tina Girdley
POB 5144; 1 William L Jones Dr. Phone: 931-372-6350
Derryberry Hall, Suite 301 Email: tgirdley@tntech.edu
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
Fax: 931-372-3727
Bids must be received in the Purchasing and Contracts Office by 3:00 p.m. Central Time on May 19, 2026. Bids may be
mailed, faxed, or electronically submitted via email to the RFQ Coordinator, as noted above.
Bid is subject to the RFQ - Standard Terms and Conditions. By submitting a bid, bidder certifies its agreement to these
terms and conditions, which cannot be waived.
Special Bid Instructions:
1. Indicate any cash/time discounts offered: ________________________________________________________________________
2. To do business with TTU register as a supplier/contractor: https://www.tntech.edu/purchasing/howto.php
3. Bidders who would like to become a registered Diversity Business Enterprise can visit the following link for more information:
https://www.tntech.edu/purchasing/howto.php
4. To view a bid tabulation after intent to award, please visit this link: https://www.tntech.edu/purchasing/bidawards.php. Results are
listed according to fiscal year then by date of bid opening.
THIS IS NOT AN ORDER
REQUEST FOR QUOTATION
Tennessee Technological University ("TTU") is requesting bids from experienced and qualified contractors to
provide inspection, testing, and maintenance services for the TTU ITS Vortex 1500 Hybrid Fire Suppression System
located on campus. The Contract term shall be from date of final signature through five (5) years thereafter.
Prices submitted by Vendor shall remain firm for a period of one (1) year from the effective date of the Contract.
After the initial one-year period, the Vendor may request a price increase only to the extent such increase has
been experienced by the Vendor and can be substantiated in writing. Tennessee Tech reserves the right to accept
or reject any requested price increase and may, at its sole discretion, rebid the Contract.
The use of a brand name does not restrict Bidders to that specific manufacturer. Comparable products that meet
or exceed the stated specifications will be considered. These specifications are intended to establish a minimum
level of quality and performance and are not intended to restrict competition.
Scope of Services

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
Department: Network Services
Requisition: Fire Suppression Testing and Inspection
The selected Contractor shall inspect and service the TTU ITS Vortex 1500 Hybrid Extinguishing System in
accordance with:
* Victaulic Corporation V-1500 Manual (latest edition)
* NFPA 770
* Applicable state and local codes
Inspection Requirements
Weekly inspections (performed by TTU)
Weekly inspections will be performed and documented by TTU ITS personnel or a designated representative.
These include:
* Inspection of nitrogen and water supply lines per NFPA 770
* Review of annunciator's panel history and system status
* Verification that Vortex panels are in normal operating condition
* Inspection of hybrid emitters for damage or obstruction
* Verification of protective caps and clear discharge paths
* Inspection of water tank levels and valve positions
* Verification that valves, drains, and test connections are properly secured
Semi-Annual inspections (Optional)
Semi-Annual Inspections are not required by NFPA or manufacturer standards but may be requested by TTU.
Contractor shall:
* Perform all Weekly Inspection items
* Inspect nitrogen tank pressure and recharge if necessary
* Inspect and refill water storage tanks as needed
* Compare pressure gauge readings annually with a calibrated device
Annual Inspection (Mandatory)
Contractor shall:
* Perform all Weekly and Semi-Annual inspection tasks
* Cycle nitrogen and water valves (no discharge required)
* Drain, inspect, clean, and refill water tanks
* Inspect all hoses and replace if damaged
* Verify proper placement and visibility of warning placards
* Inspect tanks and cylinders for damage
Page 2 of 6

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
Department: Network Services
Requisition: Fire Suppression Testing and Inspection
* Verify operation of discharge solenoid coil
* Inspect and cycle auxiliary valves and related components
Five-Year Inspection (Mandatory)
The Contractor shall:
* Perform all Annual inspection tasks
* Conduct visual inspection of nitrogen cylinders in accordance with NFPA 770 and CGA C-6
* Ensure inspections are completed by qualified personnel
* Document inspection results on cylinder tags and in a formal inspection report
Hose Testing Requirements:
The Contractor shall:
* Test all system hoses at intervals not to exceed five (5) years
* Perform hydrostatic testing at one and one-half (1.5) maximum container pressure at 130 degreesF (54 degreesC)
* Conduct testing in accordance with manufacturer standards
* Inspect hoses for leakage, distortion, or coupling movement during testing
* Mark hoses as "PASSED" or "FAILED" with the test date
* Replace and properly dispose of any hoses that fail testing
Fire Alarm / Detection System Verification
The Contractor shall verify that the Fire Alarm Detection/Release System is operational and properly interfaced
with the Vortex V-1500 Hybrid Extinguishing System. Verification shall include:
* Confirmation that alarm conditions initiate the required release signal to the Vortex panel
* Verification of monitoring functions performed by the Detection/Release panel, including:
o Pressure switches
o Tamper switches
o Vortex panel maintenance switch position
* Review of Detection/Release panel history and reporting of any abnormalities or faults
Clarifications and Exclusions
Exclusions
The following are excluded from this RFQ:
* Weekly inspections and associated documentation, except where required as part of semi-annual, annual,
or five-year inspections
Page 3 of 6

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
Department: Network Services
Requisition: Fire Suppression Testing and Inspection
* Travel time, per-dem, and vehicle expenses, except where specifically included in semi-annual, annual,
and five-year inspection pricing
* Replacement parts, cylinders, hoses, or other materials
* Fire alarm detection devices, equipment, service, programming, or repairs
* Testing, notifications, system disabling, placing systems on test, or coordination required by the Fire
Alarm Detection/Release System
* Full discharge testing (may be provided at an additional cost, including labor and nitrogen refill)
* Transportation, rigging, or lifting cylinders/tanks
* Specialized PPE, training, or site-specific safety requirements beyond standard PPE
Clarifications
* Pricing shall exclude replacement materials, including but not limited to hoses, O-rings, and cylinders
* Semi-Annual and Annual inspection pricing shall include travel and vehicle expenses for completion within
one (1) day
* Five-Year inspection pricing shall include travel and vehicle expenses for completion within two (2) days
* Services requiring additional days shall incur additional travel, vehicle, and per diem costs
* Requirements exceeding applicable codes and standards (including NFPA 770, state, local, or insurance
requirements) may result in additional charges
* Contractor shall provide standard insurance coverage for the duration of the contract
Pricing
Semi-Annual $ ____________
Annual $ ____________
5-Year $ ____________
Evaluation
For evaluation purposes, Tennessee Tech will calculate a Total Evaluated Cost by summing all pricing provided.
Total Evaluated Cost = Semi-Annual + Annual + Five-Year
Award will be made to the lowest priced responsive and responsible Bidder based on this Total Evaluated Cost.
Pre-Bid Meeting
Page 4 of 6

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
Department: Network Services
Requisition: Fire Suppression Testing and Inspection
An on-site pre-bid meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 2:00 pm at 1010 N. Peachtree Ave., Room 119,
Cookeville, TN 38505. Attendance is not mandatory but is highly recommended. Bidders will have the opportunity
to inspect the site and ask questions.
RFQ Communications
All communication regarding this RFQ must be submitted by email only to the designated RFQ Coordinator. The RFQ
Coordinator is Tennessee Tech's sole official point of contact for this procurement. Unauthorized contact with any
other Tennessee Tech employee or official regarding this RFQ may result in disqualification.
Invoicing
Invoices shall be emailed to invoices-noreply@tntech.edu or mailed to:
Tennessee Tech Business Office
Campus Box 5037
Cookeville, TN 38505
Termination for Convenience
Tennessee Tech may terminate this Contract without cause for any reason by providing the Contractor at least
thirty (30) days written notice. The Contractor shall be entitled to payment for satisfactory and authorized goods
delivered and accepted prior to the effective date of termination. Tennessee Tech shall not be liable for any goods
not delivered or services not rendered.
Illegal Immigrants
The successful Bidder attests that it shall not knowingly utilize the services of illegal immigrants in the
performance of this Contract and shall not knowingly utilize the services of any subcontractor who will utilize
illegal immigrants in performance of the Contract.
Debarment
By submission of this bid, the Bidder certifies that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended,
proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any
State or Federal department or agency.
Additional Award Provision
Tennessee Tech reserves the right to initiate negotiations with the next ranked Bidder should Tennessee Tech
cease doing business with the awarded Vendor under this RFQ.
Page 5 of 6

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)
Department: Network Services
Requisition: Fire Suppression Testing and Inspection
BIDDER IS TO COMPLETE INFORMATION AND SIGN BID BELOW
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Bidding Entity's Name
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of Contact Person (Printed) Title
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Address City, State, Zip
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone / Fax / Email
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Authorized Signature of Bidder Date
Tennessee Tech University is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer.
Page 6 of 6