77-20251106095810 DCS

The DeSoto County School District is seeking a Request for Proposal (RFP) for classroom hydroponic growing systems designed to support agricultural, nutritional, and environmental education in K-12 schools. The district intends to procure 35-50 fully self-contained, mobile, vertical hydroponic growing systems that include a submersible pump, energy-efficient LED lighting, recirculating water system, and food-safe panels. The comprehensive procurement encompasses equipment supply, starter kits with seeds and nutrients for an initial three-month period, optional fruiting supply boxes and seed bundles, educational curriculum materials aligned with K-12 standards, vendor-led training, and technical support. Vendors must provide a one-year limited parts warranty and online ordering capabilities for replacement supplies. The evaluation criteria will be based on a weighted scoring matrix: Equipment and Technical Compliance (20%), Performance and Operations (10%), Support, Training, and Curriculum (25%), Warranty and Vendor Experience (10%), and Financial Proposal (35%). Written questions are due by November 20, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CST, with proposals due December 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CST, either physically or electronically via www.centralbidding.com. Board approval is tentatively scheduled for January 8, 2026, with the contract running from January 8, 2026, to January 8, 2027, and potential renewal for two additional one-year terms.

Bidders must demonstrate K-12 or educational installation experience from the past three years and provide at least two references from current school or institutional customers. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the district reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and award the contract to the bidder deemed in the district's best interest. Prices must remain fixed and firm during the solicitation review and contract term, though bidders may offer discounts. The district is exempt from Federal, State, and local taxes, and upon award, will assume ownership of all materials provided as part of the proposal. No incumbent vendors are specifically identified in the documentation. While a precise budget range is not explicitly stated, vendors are required to provide comprehensive pricing proposals that enumerate all costs, including ongoing maintenance fees, technical support costs, implementation expenses, and professional development costs. The procurement appears to be structured to support innovative educational technology integration in classroom agricultural and nutritional learning environments.