REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION OF CLASSROOM, MISCELLANEOUS SUPPORT FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

RFP Number: LEAD/OPS-NETWORK-FUR/RFP001/2026/27 Location: 444 Metroplex Drive, Nashville, Tennessee

Issue Date: October 9, 2026 Proposal Due Date: November 9, 2026

Procurement Contact:procurement@leadpublicschools.org

Proposals are to be submitted through LEAD’s online Bonfire Portal at:

https://leadpublicschools.bonfirehub.com/opportunities Primary RFP Contacts:

Paye Horton

Contents

1. Project overview I. Purpose of Procurement LEAD Public Schools (“LEAD”) invites qualified, experienced, and financially responsible firms to submit proposals for the Supply, Delivery, Installation, Assembly, and Related Services for Classroom, Miscellaneous Support Furniture and Accessories.

The purpose of this procurement is to establish a qualified furniture supplier and installation partner capable of providing high-quality furniture, accessories, delivery, assembly, installation, and related services for LEAD schools and administrative/support facilities on an as-needed, term-contract basis.

The successful Proposer shall provide furniture and related services for new construction, renovations, expansions, replacements, relocations, and other facility needs identified by LEAD during the contract term.

The awarded Contractor shall be capable of furnishing a broad range of educational and institutional furniture, including, but not limited to:

· Classroom student desks and tables;

· Student chairs and seating;

· Teacher desks and chairs;

· Collaborative and flexible-learning furniture;

· Administrative and office furniture;

· Conference and meeting-room furniture;

· Library and media-center furniture;

· Cafeteria and multipurpose-room furniture;

· Reception and waiting-area furniture;

· Staff-room and lounge furniture;

· Storage cabinets, shelving, and related accessories;

· Whiteboards, presentation boards, and related accessories;

· Mobile and modular furniture;

· Specialized instructional furniture; and

· Other classroom, administrative, and miscellaneous support furniture and accessories requested by LEAD.

II. Background LEAD Public Schools (“LEAD”) is soliciting proposals from qualified furniture providers to establish an as-needed term contract for the supply, delivery, assembly, and installation of classroom, administrative, and miscellaneous support furniture and accessories across its facilities.

Furniture needs may include new and expanded schools, renovations, classroom reconfigurations, replacements, and administrative spaces. Furniture for LEAD’s new school must be delivered and installed in accordance with the project schedule.

Special Circumstance: Due to the aggressive construction schedule for LEAD’s new school, bidders must demonstrate the ability to mobilize quickly for delivery and installation. Preference will be given to bidders who can ship and store all required furniture and equipment in Nashville or the surrounding area by June 30, 2027, in preparation for delivery and installation between July 19 and August 6, 2027.

The selected Contractor shall coordinate with LEAD’s Procurement, Operations, Facilities, school leadership, and designated project representatives to ensure timely delivery, proper installation, quality assurance, and warranty support.

This contract will provide flexible, competitively priced furniture and related services based on LEAD’s actual needs. LEAD does not guarantee any minimum purchase quantity or dollar value. All purchases are subject to available funding, applicable procurement policies, and authorized purchase orders.

III. Critical Project Readiness Requirement A critical requirement of this contract is the timely furnishing, delivery, assembly, installation, placement, and readiness of furniture required for LEAD's new, renovated, or expanded facilities.

For furniture associated with the 2027–2028 school-year readiness initiative, the Contractor shall coordinate closely with LEAD, its designated representatives, construction/project management teams, and other authorized parties to ensure that all required furniture is:

· Manufactured or otherwise procured in accordance with approved specifications;

· Delivered to the designated LEAD facility;

· Unloaded and transported to the appropriate location within the facility;

· Fully assembled and installed;

· Properly positioned and secured, where applicable;

· Free of visible defects or damage;

· Removed of all packaging and installation debris; and

· Ready for use and occupancy prior to the first instructional day of the 2027–2028 school year.

The Contractor shall be responsible for coordinating delivery and installation schedules sufficiently in advance to allow for inspection, correction of deficiencies, replacement of damaged or defective items, and final acceptance by LEAD.

The project’s requirements are more fully described in Exhibit A, Scope of Work (SOW) IV. Tem Contract Structure LEAD intends to award a term contract for an initial period of three (3) years, with the option, at LEAD's sole discretion, to renew the contract for up to two (2) additional one-year periods, for a maximum contract term of Five (5) years.

Renewal shall be subject to satisfactory Contractor performance, continued need, availability of funding, mutually acceptable pricing, and all applicable LEAD procurement requirements.

The establishment of this term contract does not guarantee any minimum quantity, expenditure, purchase order volume, or revenue to the successful Proposer.

LEAD may issue individual purchase orders, releases, or other authorized ordering documents throughout the contract term based on its actual needs and available funding V. As-Needed Purchasing Furniture and accessories will be purchased on an as-needed basis. LEAD may request individual items, groups of items, complete room packages, or furniture packages for specific facilities or projects.

The Contractor shall maintain sufficient product knowledge, supplier relationships, inventory access, and installation capacity to fulfill orders within the delivery schedules established by LEAD.

Each purchase order shall identify the applicable products, quantities, delivery location, required delivery date, installation requirements, and any other applicable instructions.

VI. LEAD Facilities and Locations Services may be required at any current or future LEAD Public Schools facility, administrative location, or other designated property within LEAD's service area.

The Contractor shall coordinate deliveries and installations with the designated LEAD representative and shall comply with all facility access, security, safety, scheduling, and operational requirements.

LEAD reserves the right to add or remove delivery locations during the contract term without requiring a separate contract.

VII. RFP Contact For the purposes of the procurement, the “RFP Contact” will be:

Name: Paye Horton Title: Procurement Specialist Email: procurement@leadpublischools.org

Bidders and their representatives are not permitted to contact any employees and or officers of LEAD Public Schools, other than the RFP Contact, concerning matters regarding this RFP. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in the disqualification of the bidder and the rejection of the bidder’s proposal.

VIII. Contract Term The initial Contract term shall be three (3) years commencing upon execution of the Contract and issuance of a Notice to Proceed.

LEAD Public Schools may, at its sole discretion, renew the Contract for up to two (2) additional one-year periods, subject to satisfactory performance, continued need, available funding, and mutually agreed-upon pricing.

IX. Instructions to Supplier By submitting a response to the RFP, the supplier acknowledges that the supplier.

a) Has read the information and instructions.

b) Agrees to comply with the information and instructions contained herein.

1. Definitions For purposes of this Request for Proposal (RFP), the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

LEAD: LEAD Public Schools, the organization issuing this RFP and the entity responsible for procurement, contract administration, and acceptance of goods and services.

Proposer: Any individual, firm, company, corporation, distributor, manufacturer, or other business entity submitting a proposal in response to this RFP.

Contractor: The successful Proposer awarded a contract by LEAD to provide furniture, accessories, delivery, assembly, installation, and related services.

RFP: This Request for Proposal, including all specifications, exhibits, pricing schedules, addenda, and other documents incorporated into the solicitation.

Contract: The executed agreement between LEAD and the successful Proposer, including applicable terms, conditions, approved pricing, specifications, and incorporated documents.

Furniture: Classroom, administrative, instructional, office, conference, library, cafeteria, staff-area, storage, and other institutional furniture required by LEAD.

Accessories: Products and supplementary items associated with furniture, including storage components, hardware, modesty panels, casters, cable-management components, protective elements, and other items specified by LEAD.

Supply: The procurement, sourcing, manufacture, distribution, and provision of furniture and accessories in accordance with LEAD's approved specifications and purchase orders.

Delivery: Transportation of furniture and accessories to the designated LEAD facility, including unloading and inside delivery when required by the applicable purchase order.

Assembly: The process of putting furniture and related components together in accordance with manufacturer instructions and approved specifications.

Installation: The placement, assembly, configuration, adjustment, and, where applicable, securing of furniture in designated rooms or areas so that the items are ready for their intended use.

As-Needed Term Contract: A contract under which LEAD may purchase furniture and related services periodically throughout the contract term based on operational requirements, available funding, and authorized purchase orders, without guaranteeing minimum quantities or expenditures.

Purchase Order: An authorized written purchasing document issued by LEAD identifying the products or services to be provided, applicable quantities, approved pricing, delivery location, required schedule, and other relevant requirements.

Initial Project: The initial furniture procurement and installation requirements associated with LEAD's new elementary school facility at 444 Metroplex Drive, together with any other facilities specifically identified by LEAD.

School-Year Readiness Deadline: The applicable deadline established by LEAD for furniture to be delivered, assembled, installed, positioned, inspected, and ready for use before the first instructional day of the 2027–2028 school year.

First-Batch Delivery Deadline: The deadline of July 1, 2027, for delivery and installation of the first batch of furniture associated with the initial project, unless otherwise approved in writing by LEAD.

Product Specifications: The technical descriptions, dimensions, materials, finishes, performance requirements, approved manufacturers or models, drawings, samples, and other requirements established by LEAD for furniture and accessories.

Equivalent Product: A product proposed as an alternative to a specified item that meets or exceeds LEAD's requirements for quality, durability, functionality, safety, dimensions, and intended use, subject to LEAD's prior written approval.

Substitution: Any proposed change to an approved manufacturer, product, model, material, finish, configuration, or specification. Substitutions require prior written approval from LEAD.

Lead Time: The period between LEAD's authorization of an order and the anticipated availability, delivery, and installation of the applicable products.

Substantial Completion of Installation: The stage at which the required furniture has been delivered, assembled, installed, and positioned, with only minor outstanding items remaining that do not materially prevent the intended use of the space, subject to LEAD's determination and acceptance requirements.

Final Acceptance: LEAD's written confirmation that the applicable furniture and services have been provided in accordance with the purchase order, approved specifications, and contract requirements, including satisfactory resolution of identified deficiencies.

Punch List: A written list of incomplete work, missing items, installation deficiencies, damaged products, or other corrective actions identified by LEAD during inspection or acceptance.

Warranty: The written assurance provided by the manufacturer or Contractor covering specified defects, repairs, replacements, or other remedies for a defined period and subject to stated terms and conditions.

Total Cost: The complete cost to LEAD for the applicable furniture and services, including product prices, freight, delivery, unloading, assembly, installation, and other authorized charges.

Authorized LEAD Representative: An individual designated by LEAD with the appropriate authority to communicate requirements, coordinate activities, approve deliverables, or authorize actions within the scope of that individual's delegated responsibilities.

Addendum: A formal written amendment, clarification, or supplemental instruction issued by LEAD to modify or explain the RFP before the proposal submission deadline.

Business Day: A day recognized as a business day under the applicable contract or LEAD's stated procurement procedures, excluding designated holidays where applicable.

Renewal Option: LEAD's discretionary right to extend the initial one-year contract for up to two additional one-year periods, subject to the contract terms and required approvals.

Contract Term: The initial one-year contract period and any authorized renewal periods, not to exceed three years in total.

Written Approval: Formal authorization documented in writing by an authorized LEAD representative. Verbal discussions or informal communications shall not constitute approval where the contract requires written authorization.

Nonconforming Product or Service: Any product or service that fails to meet the RFP, approved specifications, purchase order, contract requirements, or other applicable acceptance criteria.

Responsive Proposal: A proposal that materially complies with the requirements, instructions, submission deadlines, and conditions established in the RFP.

Responsible Proposer: A Proposer determined by LEAD to possess the qualifications, experience, financial capacity, personnel, resources, and ability necessary to perform the contract successfully.

Best Value: The overall value determined by LEAD through consideration of the established evaluation criteria, including product quality, qualifications, delivery and installation capabilities, schedule compliance, customer support, warranty, pricing, and other relevant factors. For purposes of this RFP and any resulting Contract, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below. Terms not specifically defined shall have their ordinary meaning within the context of security systems, low-voltage construction, information technology, and public-school operations.

Schedule of Events The following table outlines this solicitation’s schedule of events, which will be strictly adhered to unless dictated otherwise by LEAD and at its sole discretion. Failure to observe all events within the timeline could result in disqualification of a Service Provider’s response.

2. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference LEAD Public Schools will conduct a Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference to provide prospective Proposers with an opportunity to review the requirements of the Supply, Delivery, Installation, and Assembly of Classroom, Miscellaneous Support Furniture & Accessories RFP.

The conference will provide an opportunity for prospective Proposers to receive additional information regarding the scope of work, anticipated furniture requirements, delivery and installation expectations, project schedules, contract requirements, and proposal submission procedures.

Date: October 22, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM CST Location: Virtual Meeting Information Questions raised during the conference that require a formal response will be addressed through the official RFP process and shared with all participating proposers.

Failure to attend the mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference may result in the vendor being deemed non-responsive.

3. Submission of Proposal Proposal and Documentations must be submitted through the online Bonfire Portal at: https://leadpublicschools.bonfirehub.com/opportunities I. Proposal to be Submitted on Time Proposals that a Bonfire account is required. Visit the link for more details and to register as a vendor. Bidders should contact Bonfire at support@goBonfire.com for technical questions leading to submissions. Your submission must be uploaded, submitted, and finalized prior to the Closing Time of November 9, 2026 @ 3 PM CST. We strongly recommend that you give yourself sufficient time and at least one (1) day before Closing Time to begin the upload process and finalize your submission.

Proposal Submission Format

1. Cover Letter Provide a signed cover letter that includes:

· Legal name and address of the Proposer;

· Name, title, telephone number, and email address of the primary contact;

· Confirmation of the Proposer's intent to provide the required services;

· Confirmation that the Proposer has reviewed and understands the RFP requirements; and

· Signature of an authorized representative.

2. Company Information and Qualifications Provide:

· Company history and organizational background;

· Years in business;

· Business structure and ownership;

· Applicable licenses and certifications;

· Description of primary products and services;

· Relevant experience providing furniture to K–12 schools, educational institutions, government agencies, or similar organizations; and

· Evidence of the firm's ability to fulfill the requirements of this RFP.

3. Relevant Experience and References Provide a minimum of three (3) recent references for comparable furniture supply and installation projects.

Each reference should include:

· Client/organization name;

· Contact name and title;

· Telephone number and email address;

· Project description;

· Contract or project value, if available;

· Approximate project completion date; and

· Description of services provided.

4. Product Information Provide information regarding the furniture and accessories proposed under this contract, including:

· Product catalogs or electronic catalogs;

· Manufacturer information;

· Product specifications;

· Available sizes, materials, finishes, and configurations;

· Product warranties;

· Applicable certifications or standards;

· Product lead times; and

· Information regarding available substitutions or equivalent products.

5. Delivery, Installation, and Project Management Describe the Proposer's approach to:

· Order processing;

· Inventory management;

· Delivery scheduling;

· Freight and transportation;

· Inside delivery;

· Unloading and placement;

· Furniture assembly and installation;

· Coordination with school and facility personnel;

· Coordination with construction/project management teams;

· Installation scheduling;

· Punch-list and corrective work;

· Removal of packaging and installation debris;

· Damaged or defective product replacement; and

· Final inspection and acceptance.

The Proposer shall specifically describe its ability to meet accelerated delivery and installation schedules required to support the 2027–2028 school-year readiness deadline.

5. Staffing and Service Capacity Identify the personnel and resources that will support the LEAD account, including:

· Account/project manager;

· Delivery and installation personnel;

· Customer service contacts;

· Subcontractors, if applicable; and

· Geographic service coverage.

6. Warranty and Customer Support Describe:

· Manufacturer warranties;

· Contractor warranties;

· Warranty claim procedures;

· Replacement procedures for defective or damaged products;

· Response times;

· Post-installation support; and

· Customer service procedures.

7. Required Forms and Certifications Include all forms, certifications, affidavits, disclosures, and other documents required by LEAD, including any applicable:

· Non-Collusion Affidavit;

· Conflict of Interest Disclosure;

· Certification forms;

· Insurance documentation;

· References;

· Exceptions to the RFP; and

· Other required procurement forms.

8. Pricing Proposal Submit pricing in accordance with the Pricing Schedule included in this RFP.

Pricing shall clearly identify, as applicable:

· Furniture unit prices;

· Accessories and related products;

· Delivery charges;

· Assembly and installation charges;

· Applicable discounts;

· Volume or contract discounts;

· Freight charges;

· Labor rates, if applicable;

· Removal or disposal charges, if applicable; and

· Any other fees or charges.

All proposed pricing shall remain valid for the period specified in the RFP.

9. Exceptions, Clarification and Additional information

· Clearly identify any proposed exceptions, exclusions, assumptions, or requested modifications to the requirements of this RFP.

· Failure to identify an exception in the proposal may be interpreted as the Proposer's agreement to comply fully with the applicable requirement.

· Additional information that the Proposer believes is relevant to its qualifications or ability to successfully perform the contract may be included in this section.

II. Withdrawal of Proposals At any time throughout the RFP process until the execution of a written agreement for provision of the Deliverables, a bidder may withdraw a submitted proposal. To withdraw a proposal, a notice of withdrawal must be sent to the RFP Contact and must be signed by an authorized representative of the proponent. LEAD Public Schools is under no obligation to return withdrawn proposals.

4. Evaluation and Award LEAD will use a multi-stage, transparent, and criteria-based selection process to evaluate proposals and identify the vendor that provides the best overall value to LEAD Public Schools. The process includes the following steps:

I. Stage 1- Administrative & Mandatory Requirements Review LEAD Public Schools will review all proposals to determine whether they are responsive and complete. Proposals must include all required forms, certifications, acknowledgments, and pricing information.

The review will include:

· Timely submission through Bonfire.

· Signed proposal forms.

· Completed Price Proposal Form.

· Required insurance and bonding documentation.

· Acknowledgment of all addenda.

· Compliance with solicitation requirements.

Proposals determined to be non-responsive may be rejected without further evaluation.

II. Stage II- Technical Evaluation (80 Points) An Evaluation Committee will independently review and score responsive proposals based on the criteria below:

The technical score assigned by each evaluator will be averaged to determine the proposer's final technical score.

III. Stage III- Price Evaluation (20 Points) Price will represent 15% of the total proposal evaluation score.

LEAD will evaluate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of each responsive proposal, including, as applicable:

Total project cost, equipment pricing, installation costs, licensing/subscription fees, recurring costs, warranty costs, maintenance costs, optional services, and overall five-year total cost of ownership.

Price Scoring Formula The proposer receiving the lowest evaluated total cost will receive the full 15 points available for price.

Other proposers will receive points using the following formula:

Price Score = (Lowest Evaluated Cost ÷ Proposer's Evaluated Cost) × 15 For example, if the lowest evaluated cost is $100,000 and a proposer’s evaluated cost is $125,000:

($100,000 ÷ $125,000) × 15 = 12 points LEAD may evaluate pricing over the anticipated contract term to account for recurring licensing, subscription, maintenance, and support costs.

Proposers shall clearly identify all one-time and recurring costs. Costs not clearly identified in the proposal may be considered included in the proposed pricing.

IV. Stage 4-Interviews/Presentation LEAD Public Schools reserves the sole right, in the best interest of the LEAD, upon review of proposals, to do any of all of the following:

Request and obtain additional information and/or clarification from prospective proposers.

1Request and schedule proposer(s) to meet and schedule at a designated time, date, and county location for an interview and/or presentation.

V. Stage 5- Final Ranking The final score shall be calculated as follows:

The proposer receiving the highest total score may be recommended for award.

Award Recommendation The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible proposer receiving the highest total combined score from the Technical Evaluation and Pricing Evaluation.

Contract Negotiation Process Any negotiations will be subject to the process rules contained in the Terms and Conditions of the RFP Process and will not constitute a legally binding offer to enter into a contract on the part of LEAD Public Schools or the Bidder, and there will be no legally binding relationship created with any proponent prior to the execution of a written agreement. Negotiations may include requests by LEAD Public Schools for supplementary information from the Bidders to verify, clarify, or supplement the information provided in its proposal or to confirm the conclusions reached in the evaluation, and may include requests by LEAD Public Schools for improved pricing or performance terms from the proponent.

I. Time period for Negotiation LEAD intends to conclude negotiations and finalize the agreement with the top-ranked Bidder during the Contract Negotiation Period, commencing from the date LEAD Public Schools invites the top-ranked proponent to enter negotiations. A Bidder invited to enter into direct contract negotiations should therefore be prepared to satisfy the pre-conditions of award listed in the RFP Particulars (Exhibit G), provide requested information in a timely fashion and conduct its negotiations expeditiously.

II. Failure to Enter into Agreement If the pre-conditions of award listed in (Exhibit G) are not satisfied or if the parties cannot conclude negotiations and finalize the agreement for the Deliverables within the Contract Negotiation Period, LEAD Public Schools may discontinue negotiations with the top-ranked proponent and may invite the next-best-ranked proponent to enter into negotiations. This process will continue until an agreement is finalized, until there are no more proponents remaining that are eligible for negotiations, or until LEAD Public Schools elects to cancel the RFP process.

III. Notification of Negotiation Status Other Bidders that may become eligible for contract negotiations may be notified at the commencement of the negotiation process with the top-ranked proponent.

5. GENERAL CONDITIONS

These General Conditions apply to all work performed under this solicitation and any resulting contract with LEAD Public Schools.

I. Compliance with RFP Requirements The Proposer shall comply with all requirements, specifications, terms, conditions, and instructions contained in this Request for Proposal (RFP), including all issued addenda.

Submission of a proposal constitutes the Proposer's acknowledgment that it has reviewed the RFP and agrees to comply with its requirements if selected for award.

II. Proposal Preparation Costs All costs associated with the preparation, development, submission, presentation, or clarification of a proposal shall be the sole responsibility of the Proposer. LEAD Public Schools (“LEAD”) shall not be responsible for any costs incurred by a Proposer in connection with this procurement.

III. Contract Award LEAD reserves the right to award the contract to the Proposer determined to provide the best overall value based on the evaluation criteria established in this RFP.

LEAD may reject any or all proposals, cancel the solicitation, waive minor irregularities, request clarification, negotiate with Proposers, or make no award when doing so is determined to be in LEAD's best interest.

IV. No Guaranteed Quantity The resulting contract shall not constitute a guarantee of any minimum purchase quantity, expenditure, or volume of business.

Furniture and related services shall be purchased only as needed and as authorized by LEAD through an approved purchase order, contract, or other authorized procurement document.

V. Authorized Orders The Contractor shall not begin work, manufacture custom products, ship furniture, or incur costs on behalf of LEAD without an authorized purchase order or other written authorization from an authorized LEAD representative.

VI. Product Compliance All furniture and accessories shall conform to the specifications, descriptions, approved samples, and product requirements established by LEAD.

Products shall be new, unused, commercially acceptable, and free from defects unless otherwise specifically approved in writing by LEAD.

The Contractor shall not substitute products, materials, manufacturers, models, colors, finishes, or specifications without prior written approval from LEAD.

VII. Delivery and Installation The Contractor shall provide complete delivery, unloading, inside delivery, assembly, installation, placement, and related services as specified in the applicable purchase order.

The Contractor shall coordinate delivery and installation schedules with the designated LEAD representative and shall comply with all facility access, safety, security, and scheduling requirements.

The Contractor shall protect LEAD facilities, floors, walls, doors, fixtures, equipment, and other property during delivery and installation.

Any damage caused by the Contractor or its subcontractors shall be repaired or replaced at the Contractor's expense.

VIII. Inspection and Acceptance LEAD reserves the right to inspect all furniture and related services upon delivery and installation.

Inspection or acceptance of products shall not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for latent defects, warranty obligations, incorrect products, damaged products, or nonconforming work.

LEAD may reject products that do not conform to the purchase order, approved specifications, or contract requirements.

Rejected products shall be corrected, replaced, or removed by the Contractor at no additional cost to LEAD.

IX. Damaged or Defective Products The Contractor shall promptly replace, repair, or otherwise correct furniture that is damaged during transportation, delivery, assembly, or installation or that is determined to be defective or nonconforming.

Replacement products shall be provided at no additional cost to LEAD.

X. Schedule and Timelines Time is of the essence for all orders issued under the resulting contract.

The Contractor shall meet delivery and installation dates established by LEAD. The Contractor shall immediately notify LEAD of any actual or anticipated delay and provide a corrective action plan.

For furniture supporting the 2027–2028 school-year readiness initiative, the Contractor shall coordinate its activities to ensure completion prior to the required occupancy and instructional deadlines.

The Contractor shall fully test and commission the system before final acceptance.

XI. Changes LEAD may request reasonable changes to quantities, delivery locations, product selections, schedules, or installation requirements.

Any material change affecting contract price or scope shall be documented and approved in writing by an authorized LEAD representative before the Contractor proceeds.

XII. Subcontractors The Contractor shall remain fully responsible for the performance of all subcontractors, manufacturers, distributors, delivery personnel, installers, and other parties engaged to perform work under the contract.

LEAD may require disclosure and approval of subcontractors prior to their participation in LEAD projects.

XIII. Compliance with Laws The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, licensing requirements, safety requirements, and applicable LEAD policies.

The Contractor shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, certifications, and approvals required to perform the work.

XIV. Insurance The Contractor shall maintain insurance coverage meeting the minimum requirements established by LEAD and shall provide certificates of insurance and other required documentation before commencing work when applicable.

XV. Safety and Facility Requirements The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining safe working conditions during delivery and installation.

Contractor personnel shall comply with all applicable LEAD safety, security, visitor, identification, access, and facility procedures.

The Contractor shall ensure that its employees and subcontractors conduct themselves professionally while on LEAD property.

XVI. Protection of Property The Contractor shall take reasonable precautions to prevent damage to LEAD property during delivery, assembly, installation, and removal activities.

The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing or reimbursing LEAD for damage caused by the Contractor, its employees, agents, or subcontractors.

XVII. Cleanup Upon completion of delivery and installation, the Contractor shall remove all packaging materials, cartons, pallets, debris, and other installation-related waste generated by its work.

Furniture areas shall be left clean, orderly, and ready for use.

XVIII. Pricing Prices shall be submitted in accordance with the Pricing Proposal and shall include all costs necessary to provide the products and services specified.

No additional fees, surcharges, handling charges, fuel charges, or other costs shall be assessed unless expressly authorized by the resulting contract or applicable purchase order.

XIX. Payment Payment shall be made in accordance with LEAD's applicable payment procedures following satisfactory delivery, installation, inspection, acceptance, and receipt of a properly submitted invoice and required supporting documentation.

LEAD may withhold payment for incomplete, damaged, defective, or nonconforming products or services until the issue has been satisfactorily resolved.

XX. Warranty The Contractor shall provide all applicable manufacturer and Contractor warranties identified in the proposal and resulting contract.

Warranty obligations shall remain in effect regardless of whether the Contractor uses manufacturers, distributors, subcontractors, or other third parties to fulfill the order.

XXI. Records and Documentation The Contractor shall maintain accurate records relating to purchases, deliveries, installations, warranties, service requests, and other contract activities.

LEAD may request documentation reasonably necessary to verify contract compliance.

XXII. Confidentiality and Protection of Information The Contractor shall protect confidential, proprietary, student, employee, operational, and other non-public information obtained through performance of the contract.

The Contractor shall not disclose or use such information except as necessary to perform the contract or as otherwise authorized by LEAD or required by law.

XXIII. Non-Discrimination The Contractor shall not discriminate in the performance of the contract on any basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

XXIV. LEAD’s Right to Inspect LEAD reserves the right to inspect products, delivery operations, installation activities, and completed work at reasonable times to verify compliance with the contract.

Such inspections shall not relieve the Contractor of its responsibility for complete and satisfactory performance.

XXV. Contractor Responsibility The Contractor shall be solely responsible for providing sufficient personnel, equipment, transportation, supervision, materials, inventory access, and other resources necessary to fulfill its contractual obligations.

The Contractor shall maintain adequate capacity throughout the contract term to support LEAD's anticipated needs.

XXVI. Assignment The Contractor shall not assign or transfer the contract, in whole or in part, without prior written approval from LEAD.

XXVII. Termination LEAD may terminate the resulting contract in accordance with the termination provisions contained in the executed contract and applicable procurement requirements.

Upon termination, the Contractor shall cooperate with LEAD to facilitate an orderly transition and shall complete any authorized work as directed by LEAD.

XXVIII. Contract Documents The resulting contract shall consist of the executed agreement and applicable procurement documents, including this RFP, addenda, the Contractor's accepted proposal, pricing schedules, purchase orders, and other documents incorporated into the agreement.

In the event of a conflict among contract documents, the order of precedence established in the executed contract shall govern.

XXIX. Governing Law This contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee. Venue for any disputes shall lie exclusively in Davidson County, Tennessee.

6. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following Special Terms and Conditions shall apply to this solicitation and any resulting contract I. Contract Term and Renewal Options The resulting contract shall have an initial term of three (3) year, with the option for LEAD Public Schools (“LEAD”) to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year periods, for a maximum contract term of five (5) years.

Renewal shall be at LEAD's sole discretion and shall be subject to satisfactory Contractor performance, continued operational need, available funding, acceptable pricing, and applicable procurement requirements.

II. Initial Project – 444 Metroplex Drive The Contractor shall support LEAD's furniture requirements for its new elementary school facility located at 444 Metroplex Drive, as well as other designated LEAD facilities identified through authorized purchase orders.

The Contractor shall coordinate product selection, ordering, delivery, assembly, installation, and placement with LEAD and its designated construction, facilities, and project management representatives.

The Contractor shall review applicable delivery requirements, site access restrictions, room layouts, approved furniture schedules, and installation instructions before commencing work.

III. Critical Delivery and Installation Deadlines For the initial furniture package associated with the 444 Metroplex project, the first batch of furniture shall be delivered and installed no later than July 1, 2027, unless LEAD approves a different schedule in writing.

All furniture required to support the opening of the facility for the 2027–2028 school year shall be delivered, assembled, installed, positioned, and ready for use before the first instructional day.

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a delivery and installation schedule that allows sufficient time for inspection, correction of deficiencies, replacement of damaged products, and final acceptance by LEAD.

Meeting the required deadlines is a material performance obligation under the contract.

IV. Product Availability and Lead Times The Contractor shall disclose anticipated manufacturing, procurement, shipping, and delivery lead times for proposed products.

Upon receipt of an authorized purchase order, the Contractor shall confirm product availability and provide a written order acknowledgment identifying expected delivery and installation dates.

The Contractor shall promptly notify LEAD of any product discontinuation, supply-chain disruption, manufacturing delay, or other circumstance that may affect performance.

The Contractor shall not substitute products without prior written approval from LEAD V. Furniture Quality and Specifications All products shall comply with the specifications, dimensions, materials, finishes, performance requirements, and other standards approved by LEAD.

Products shall be new, unused, and free from defects, unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing.

Where applicable, furniture shall be appropriate for educational and institutional use, with consideration given to durability, stability, ergonomics, cleanability, safety, and anticipated frequency of use.

LEAD reserves the right to request product samples, finish samples, technical specifications, manufacturer documentation, or other evidence of compliance before approving an order.

VI. Product Substitutions and Discontinued Items No product, manufacturer, model, material, finish, or configuration may be substituted without prior written approval from LEAD.

Any proposed substitute shall be of equal or better quality, functionality, durability, and suitability and shall meet the applicable specifications.

The Contractor shall provide supporting documentation and identify any pricing or lead-time differences associated with the proposed substitution. LEAD shall not be responsible for additional costs resulting from an unapproved substitution.

VII. Delivery, Unloading, and Inside Placement Unless otherwise specified in the applicable purchase order, the Contractor shall be responsible for transportation, freight, unloading, inside delivery, movement to designated rooms or areas, assembly, installation, and final placement.

The Contractor shall coordinate delivery appointments with the designated LEAD representative and comply with site access instructions, construction schedules, building restrictions, and facility safety requirements.

Delivery to a loading dock or building entrance shall not constitute completion when inside placement, assembly, or installation is required.

VIII. Assembly and Installation Standards Furniture shall be assembled and installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions, approved layouts, and applicable safety requirements.

The Contractor shall provide all necessary tools, equipment, labor, fasteners, hardware, and installation materials.

Furniture shall be level, stable, properly assembled, and positioned in the locations designated by LEAD. Items requiring anchoring or other safety-related installation shall be secured as required by applicable specifications and manufacturer instructions.

The Contractor shall not drill, fasten, or otherwise alter LEAD property without authorization.

IX. Facility Protection and Cleanup The Contractor shall take appropriate measures to protect floors, walls, doors, fixtures, equipment, and other property during transportation, unloading, assembly, and installation.

The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing damage caused by its employees, agents, delivery personnel, or subcontractors.

Upon completion, the Contractor shall remove packaging, pallets, cartons, installation debris, and other waste generated by its activities and leave each work area clean and ready for use.

X. Inspection, Punch List, and Acceptance LEAD reserves the right to inspect furniture and installation work before accepting delivery.

The Contractor shall promptly correct deficiencies, including missing items, incorrect products, incomplete assembly, installation defects, damaged furniture, and deviations from approved specifications.

LEAD may document outstanding deficiencies in a punch list. The Contractor shall provide a corrective action schedule and complete the required work within the timeframe established by LEAD.

Delivery, installation, or payment shall not waive warranty rights or relieve the Contractor of responsibility for latent defects or other nonconforming work.

XI. Damaged, Missing, or Defective Products The Contractor shall replace or correct products damaged during transportation, delivery, assembly, or installation, as well as products that are defective or inconsistent with the approved order.

Replacement or corrective work shall be performed at no additional cost to LEAD when the issue is attributable to the Contractor, its suppliers, or its subcontractors.

The Contractor shall promptly communicate the resolution plan and expected completion date for each reported issue.

XII. Pricing and Contract Discounts The Contractor shall honor the pricing, discounts, and other commercial terms accepted under the resulting contract.

For products not specifically listed in the original Pricing Schedule, the Contractor shall…