Ag Trailer- Plant City High School

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has issued an Invitation to Quote (ITQ) for the Plant City High School agriculture department, seeking a specialized trailer for transporting agriculture-related items. The procurement specifically targets a 2025 FRONTIER 7X16 DDFW 6 PEN BUMPER PULL TRAILER with an installed air conditioner and electric package. The solicitation requires vendors to submit comprehensive proposals electronically through VendorLink by December 13, 2024, at 3 PM, with the last day for questions set for December 6, 2024, at 12 PM. Evaluation criteria will focus on price, ability to meet specifications, and overall responsiveness, with HCPS reserving the right to reject any or all proposals. The initial contract term is one year, with potential renewals for two additional one-year periods, and pricing must remain firm for at least one year from the contract's effective date. Bidders must provide detailed pricing that encompasses all labor, supervision, equipment, and incidental costs associated with the trailer procurement.

The ITQ demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting small and diverse businesses, explicitly encouraging participation from Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) registered small business enterprises. Vendors must comply with comprehensive insurance requirements, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and automobile liability coverage. The solicitation includes a mandatory Vendor Affidavit addressing human trafficking and labor coercion compliance, requiring vendors to certify ethical labor practices under Section 787.06(13) of Florida Statutes. Potential bidders must complete a W-9 Substitute Form, which allows for optional self-identification as small/local businesses, service-disabled veterans, or minority-owned enterprises, with specific classifications for African American, Asian American, and Hispanic American businesses. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement appears to be a targeted equipment acquisition likely funded through school district or educational department budget allocations. The ITQ emphasizes transparency and ethical procurement practices, with multiple documentation requirements designed to ensure vendor compliance and diversify the supplier base.