RFP - Comprehensive Fire Alarm Monitoring, Maintenance, and Life Safety Systems Management for Harris County

Background
Harris County is seeking qualified and licensed vendors to provide comprehensive fire alarm monitoring, maintenance, and life safety systems management. This initiative is part of the County’s facility management strategy aimed at ensuring the continuous protection of public assets, employees, and constituents across a diverse portfolio of government infrastructure.

The selected vendor will assume full operational responsibility for monitoring and managing fire alarm systems at approximately 210 County facilities that have transitioned to advanced cellular communication platforms utilizing Napco StarLink technology.

Work Details
The vendor will be responsible for:
1. **Monitoring Services**: Providing 24/7 monitoring through a UL-listed Central Station, ensuring compliance with NFPA 72 standards.
2. **Redundancy and Disaster Recovery**: Implementing backup capabilities to ensure continuity during power outages or natural disasters, including dual power sources and data redundancy.
3. **Technical Integration**: Managing the existing Napco StarLink devices without hardware replacement and ensuring supervision intervals comply with NFPA regulations.
4. **Emergency Response**: Adhering to specific retransmission time limits for alarm signals and maintaining an up-to-date database of Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
5. **Elevator Phone Monitoring**: Monitoring emergency elevator phones to ensure compliance with ASME A17.1 and ADA regulations, providing two-way communication between the elevator cab and operator.
6. **Maintenance, Repair, and Design Services**: Providing labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and shop facilities necessary for high-quality work on fire alarm systems including installation, repair, alteration, and design as needed.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over an initial term with four (4) one-year renewal options based on the same terms and conditions as the original year.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed at approximately 210 County facilities located throughout Harris County.

Bidder Requirements
Vendors must hold a valid Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Fire Alarm Licenses (FAL) for field technicians. They must also employ a designated Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) and demonstrate experience managing large-scale government portfolios (200+ facilities). Additionally, vendors must provide proof of financial stability to cover upfront costs.