REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

Security Camera System Replacement, Expansion & AI

Threat Detection

Blissfield Community Schools Blissfield, Michigan

RFP Issue Date: November 10, 2026

Target Decision Date: December 14, 2026

Anticipated Installation: Spring Break 2027

1. INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT OVERVIEW

Blissfield Community Schools is seeking proposals from qualified security technology providers for the replacement and expansion of our existing video surveillance system throughout the district.

Our goal is to improve the overall safety and security of our students, staff, visitors, and facilities by upgrading existing cameras, expanding surveillance coverage, eliminating potential blind spots, and exploring emerging technologies that may provide additional security capabilities.

The district currently operates three connected school buildings on one campus:

Blissfield Elementary School

Blissfield Middle School

Blissfield High School

All three buildings are interconnected through an existing fiber network utilizing Cisco Meraki networking equipment.

The district anticipates replacing approximately 100 existing cameras while evaluating additional camera locations that may be necessary to provide more complete coverage of the campus. We are also interested in expanding surveillance capabilities to include designated areas of our athletic fields and outdoor facilities.

Blissfield Community Schools is looking for a comprehensive solution that provides reliable, high-quality video surveillance, centralized management, ease of use, scalability, and the potential integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) security features.

2. PROJECT SCOPE

The selected vendor will be responsible for evaluating the existing surveillance infrastructure and recommending a complete replacement and expansion solution.

The project will include, but may not be limited to, the following:

A. Existing Camera Replacement

Replace approximately 100 existing security cameras throughout the three school buildings.

Evaluate existing camera locations and recommend appropriate replacement equipment.

Identify areas where existing cameras may no longer provide adequate image quality, coverage, or functionality.

Recommend updated camera technology that provides clear video in varying lighting conditions.

Ensure the proposed system meets the district's security and operational needs.

B. Additional Camera Coverage

In addition to replacing existing cameras, the district would like vendors to evaluate the campus and identify areas where additional cameras may be beneficial.

We are particularly interested in:

Identifying current camera blind spots.

Improving coverage of building entrances and exits.

Monitoring hallways, common areas, and other appropriate interior locations.

Improving exterior building coverage.

Monitoring parking lots, sidewalks, and pedestrian areas.

Providing additional coverage around building perimeters.

Identifying areas that may benefit from improved visibility or overlapping camera coverage.

Vendors should make recommendations based on their professional assessment during the building walkthrough.

Please provide separate pricing for the replacement of existing cameras and any recommended additional cameras.

C. Athletic Field and Outdoor Camera Expansion

The district would also like to explore expanding camera coverage to designated athletic field locations and outdoor areas.

This portion of the project may require additional network infrastructure.

Vendors should evaluate and provide recommendations for:

Additional network lines to athletic field locations.

Fiber or other appropriate network connectivity where needed.

Outdoor-rated cameras and enclosures.

Necessary conduit, cabling, trenching, and installation.

Power requirements and network connectivity.

Coverage of athletic facilities, surrounding areas, and other designated outdoor locations.

Please identify any infrastructure upgrades or additional equipment necessary to support these locations and provide separate itemized pricing.

3. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND ADVANCED

SECURITY CAPABILITIES

One area of particular interest to Blissfield Community Schools is the possibility of incorporating artificial intelligence into our surveillance system.

We would like vendors to provide information about available AI technologies that may enhance school safety and assist in identifying potential security threats.

Specifically, we are interested in exploring:

AI-assisted weapon detection capabilities.

Technology capable of identifying the potential presence of firearms or other weapons in camera footage.

Real-time alerts for potential security threats.

Automated notifications to designated district personnel.

Integration with existing camera systems and security monitoring platforms.

Analytics that may help identify unusual or potentially concerning activity.

The ability to monitor multiple buildings through a centralized platform.

Vendors should clearly explain the capabilities and limitations of any proposed AI technology, including its detection methods, accuracy, false alarm rates, response times, and any additional equipment or licensing requirements.

Please also address whether the technology can operate with the proposed camera system or requires separate specialized cameras or software.

AI technology should be presented as an optional component of the proposal, with separate pricing and implementation recommendations. The district would like to understand the available options and determine whether these capabilities would be a worthwhile addition to our overall security system.

Any proposed AI solution must include appropriate privacy protections, cybersecurity safeguards, and human verification procedures. AI alerts should supplement, not replace, established school emergency response procedures.

4. EXISTING NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE

Blissfield Community Schools currently has a fiber-connected network connecting the elementary, middle, and high school buildings. The network utilizes Cisco Meraki equipment.

Vendors should evaluate the existing infrastructure and explain how their proposed camera system will integrate with the current network.

Please address:

Compatibility with the existing Cisco Meraki network.

Network bandwidth requirements.

Switch and Power over Ethernet (PoE) requirements.

Fiber connectivity and any necessary upgrades.

Network security and cybersecurity considerations.

Video storage requirements.

Cloud-based versus on-premises storage options.

System redundancy and reliability.

Remote access and centralized monitoring.

Any recommended network upgrades or additional infrastructure should be clearly identified and separately priced.

5. VIDEO STORAGE AND SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

The district is interested in a system that provides reliable recording, convenient access, and straightforward management.

Please provide information regarding:

Recommended video retention periods, including 30-, 60-, and 90-day storage options.

Cloud storage versus local server/NVR storage.

Video retrieval and exporting capabilities.

Remote viewing capabilities for authorized personnel.

User permissions and access controls.

Centralized management of all three buildings.

Mobile and desktop access.

System maintenance and software updates.

Licensing, subscription, and recurring costs.

Please identify all ongoing costs associated with the proposed system.

6. VENDOR WALKTHROUGHS AND SITE

EVALUATIONS

Blissfield Community Schools will offer interested vendors the opportunity to participate in an on-site walkthrough of our campus.

The purpose of the walkthrough will be to allow vendors to evaluate existing camera locations, building layouts, network infrastructure, outdoor areas, and potential blind spots.

Maps identifying the locations of our existing cameras will be provided to interested vendors.

Vendors are strongly encouraged to participate in a walkthrough to develop an accurate understanding of the district's needs and provide the most comprehensive proposal possible.

During the walkthrough, vendors should evaluate:

Existing camera locations.

Potential additional camera locations.

Areas with limited or inadequate surveillance.

Athletic field and outdoor camera opportunities.

Network and cabling requirements.

Any additional infrastructure necessary for successful installation.

Please contact Blissfield Community Schools to coordinate a walkthrough appointment.

7. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals should include the following information:

A. Company Information

Company name and contact information.

Years of experience in commercial security camera installation.

Experience working with K-12 school districts.

References from similar school security projects.

Relevant licenses, certifications, and insurance information.

B. Proposed Camera System

Manufacturer and model of proposed cameras.

Camera specifications and resolution.

Indoor and outdoor camera options.

Night vision and low-light capabilities.

Camera placement recommendations.

Total number of replacement cameras.

Recommended number and locations of additional cameras.

C. AI and Advanced Security Options

Available AI weapon detection solutions.

Threat detection and notification capabilities.

Integration requirements.

Accuracy, limitations, and false alarm information.

Additional hardware and software requirements.

Separate pricing for optional AI features.

D. Network and Infrastructure

Compatibility with our existing Cisco Meraki fiber network.

Required network upgrades.

Additional cabling and fiber requirements.

Athletic field infrastructure recommendations.

Power and connectivity requirements.

E. Installation and Implementation

Estimated installation timeframe.

Installation process and project management.

Coordination with school operations and schedules.

Testing and system commissioning.

Staff training.

Warranty and ongoing support.

F. Pricing

Please provide a detailed, itemized cost breakdown that includes:

1. Replacement of approximately 100 existing cameras.

2. Additional cameras recommended to eliminate blind spots.

3. Athletic field and outdoor camera installations.

4. Additional network cabling, fiber, conduit, and infrastructure.

5. Servers, storage, and recording equipment.

6. Software and licensing fees.

7. Optional AI weapon detection and threat identification technology.

8. Installation and labor costs.

9. Training and ongoing support.

10. Annual recurring costs and any additional fees.

Please distinguish between one-time installation costs and recurring annual expenses.

8. PROJECT TIMELINE

Blissfield Community Schools is working toward the following anticipated project schedule:

Project Milestone Target Date

RFP Issued November 10, 2026

Vendor Walkthroughs November 2026

Proposal Review Period Late November–Early December 2026

Target Vendor Selection December 14, 2026

Project Planning and Coordination Winter 2026–2027

Anticipated Installation Spring Break 2027

The district would like to make a final vendor selection by December 10, 2026, with installation beginning around the district's Spring Break timeframe in 2027.

Vendors should identify any equipment lead times, scheduling considerations, or other factors that could impact the proposed installation schedule.

9. VENDOR EVALUATION

Proposals will be evaluated based on the overall value and ability to meet the district's needs.

Areas of consideration will include:

Quality, reliability, and functionality of the proposed camera system.

Ability to improve overall campus surveillance and eliminate blind spots.

Experience with K-12 school security projects.

Compatibility with existing network infrastructure.

Athletic field and outdoor coverage solutions.

Available AI security and weapon detection capabilities.

Ease of use and centralized management.

Installation timeline and ability to meet the district's schedule.

Warranty, technical support, and ongoing service.

Overall project cost and long-term operating expenses.

Blissfield Community Schools reserves the right to request additional information, clarification, or demonstrations of proposed equipment and technology.

10. SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Interested vendors should submit a complete proposal addressing all sections outlined in this

RFP.

Proposals should be sufficiently detailed to allow the district to compare equipment, technology, installation costs, optional features, and ongoing expenses.

Proposal Submission Deadline: 12/08/2026

District Contact:

Blissfield Community Schools

Blissfield, Michigan

Contact Person: ___Sheri Peterson_______________________

Email: _____speterson@blissfieldschools.us_____________________

Phone: _______517-486-2148___________________

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND DISTRICT

EXPECTATIONS

Blissfield Community Schools is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students, staff, and community.

Our objective is to invest in a reliable, modern security camera system that not only replaces aging equipment but also positions the district for future security enhancements and technology improvements.

We are interested in working with a vendor who understands the unique needs of K-12 educational environments and can provide recommendations that are practical, effective, and financially responsible.

We encourage vendors to think beyond simply replacing existing cameras and to provide recommendations that will give our district the best possible surveillance coverage across all three buildings and our outdoor facilities.

We appreciate your interest in working with Blissfield Community Schools and look forward to reviewing your proposals.

Blissfield Community Schools Providing a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community.