Reference_Request.pdf

This is a Reference Request Form used by the School Board of Polk County, Florida in conjunction with a competitive solicitation for armored car and secure courier services. The form establishes the process for collecting vendor references, requiring bidders to submit completed reference forms from at least three (3) client references as part of their bid submission prior to the solicitation deadline. The School Board seeks qualified, licensed, and insured firms to provide secure transportation of deposits, negotiable instruments, confidential financial materials, and other authorized items between District locations and designated financial institutions to support the District's finance and accounting operations.

The Reference Request Form evaluates vendor performance across multiple criteria using a six-point rating scale, with factors including reliability and responsiveness, on-time pickup performance, emergency service response, communication and customer service, compliance with contract requirements, security of transported materials, chain-of-custody documentation and recordkeeping, response to service issues, personnel professionalism, and overall performance. The reference form requires detailed vendor information including service descriptions, contract dates, contract values, number of locations serviced, and an overall performance rating. References must also disclose any significant service disruptions, security incidents, losses, or unresolved issues during the contract term and provide a recommendation regarding the vendor's suitability for armored transportation and secure courier services. Each reference must be completed by a client contact and returned directly to the bidder for inclusion in the bid submission.