2021 Kent ISD Lincoln Campus Cell Repeater System RFP

Kent Intermediate School District (Kent ISD) issued a Request for Proposal on April 19, 2021, for the design, purchase, and installation of cell repeater systems at two facilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan: Lincoln School and the Lincoln Developmental Center. The procurement sought bids for either coax cell repeater systems or DAS fiber optic repeater systems, with bidders permitted to propose solutions for one or both options. The systems must support major cell carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile while providing compatibility with 5G, 4G, and 4G LTE service to ensure uniform coverage throughout both buildings. Bidders were required to submit comprehensive proposals including bills of materials, design drawings with signal strength estimates based on onsite analysis, product specification sheets, manufacturer warranty information, and itemized pricing for materials and labor by building. The successful contractor must provide a minimum one-year warranty on all workmanship and materials, conduct an 11-month walkthrough inspection prior to warranty expiration, and assume full responsibility for project management, equipment procurement, shipping, delivery, installation, and documentation. Proposals were due by 1:00 p.m. on May 3, 2021, submitted sealed and hand-delivered or mailed to the Kent ISD Maintenance Building, with site visits available by arrangement with Aaron Stockeland at (616) 447-2424. The Kent ISD Board intended to award the contract at its May 17, 2021, meeting, with preferred installation windows between May 31 and June 11, 2021, or alternatively between June 25 and July 9, 2021, and potential second-shift work required to minimize disruption to year-round school operations.

The RFP imposed strict qualifications and compliance requirements on prospective bidders, including mandatory Michigan State Police criminal background checks for all employee personnel prior to work commencement and adherence to comprehensive workplace conduct standards. All bidders were required to submit sworn and notarized affidavits certifying the absence of familial relationships with school board members or the superintendent and confirming compliance with Michigan Public Act 517 of 2012 prohibiting Iran-linked businesses from contracting with public entities. Insurance requirements were substantial, mandating workers' compensation coverage, general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability insurance of $500,000 per occurrence, and contingent liability coverage, with the contractor bearing full responsibility for any property damage caused by workers, equipment, or vehicles. The RFP contained no stated set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or minority-owned businesses. No budget range or award value was specified in the procurement documents. Kent ISD reserved the right to reject any or all bids and to award the contract in part or in whole, with all proposals remaining firm for 90 days following the bid opening.