Contracts awarded for NYC subway fire and alarm systems

NEW YORK--One year after a fire in a signal relay room disrupted service and destroyed equipment on the A and C lines here, Simplex-Grinnell and Diebold won contracts to install fire and intrusion alarm systems in the New York City subway system. In the last several decades, a variety of security and fire systems have been installed in the subway infrastructure, said Charlie Seaton, director of public affairs for the New York City Transit Authority. "This installation will allow us to standardize the fire and security systems across the subway system. It will also allow us to expand fire and security to some rooms that didn't previously have them," he said. On Jan. 25, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved an estimated $2,762,662.35 contract for Simplex Grinnell of Avenel, N. J. According to the procurement contract, this is an "informal competitive bid for a two-year contract for an estimated quantity of 575 fire alarm systems." The statement said that specifications were sent to several major fire and alarm manufacturers. Three bids were received. The Simplex bid was the lowest "responsible and responsive bidder. The other bids were 25- to 36 percent higher." Diebold Enterprise Security System of White Plains, N.Y., won an estimated $1,654,289.40 two-year contract to install 233 access and intrusion alarm systems. The city received nine bids; the others were from 2.4- to 88-percent higher than Diebold's bid. Installations of the systems are underway. Seaton said no completion date has been set "at this point." The fire and security systems will be installed in subway signal relay and central instrument rooms system-wide.