Filter First Upgrade

Adrian Public Schools, a Michigan public school district located in Kent County, issued a Request for Proposals on April 10, 2026, for comprehensive water filtration fixture installation and replacement across nine school district facilities. The project, titled "Filter First Upgrade," requires qualified contractors to remove existing drinking fountains and install new Elkay brand water bottle filling stations and related fixtures at Adrian High School, Springbrook Middle School, Alexander Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Prairie Elementary, Michener Elementary, Drager Elementary, Mouli Alternative Education, and Comstock Community Center. The scope of work encompasses the installation of bottle filling stations, drinking fountains, classroom faucets, teachers' lounge faucets, ice machines, and water coolers with specified Elkay Pro Filtration products, including vandal-resistant models for high-traffic areas, complemented by Atlas Filtri equipment for food preparation areas. The project includes over 100 individual fixture locations with detailed specifications regarding electrical requirements, filtration needs, and consumable components. Contractors must submit sealed proposals by 10:00 a.m. on April 24, 2026, organized as base bids and alternate bids for each facility, along with unit pricing for individual fixture components. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 20, 2026, at Adrian Public Schools, 217 Race Street, and written requests for clarification must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. on April 17, 2026. The School District anticipates awarding the contract on April 27, 2026, with work commencing April 28, 2026, and final completion required by June 8, 2026; work may be performed Monday through Friday during evening and weekend hours to minimize disruption to school operations.

The RFP does not identify specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though all contractors must comply with the Iran Economic Sanctions Act and provide completed familial disclosure affidavits. Successful contractors must provide evidence of current insurance coverage, references from K-12 school districts or comparable projects, background check verification per Adrian Public Schools Board Policy 4205, and bid security equal to five percent of the proposal amount in the form of a certified check, money order, or bid bond from a Treasury-listed surety. Contractors with proposals of $50,000 or more must provide performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the proposal amount. No substitutions for specified plumbing fixtures are permitted; however, alternative brands meeting equivalent specifications may be proposed with written justification. All pricing is F.O.B. to Adrian Public Schools and includes transportation, insurance, and delivery costs, with the project subject to sales tax and including a $10,000 allowance amount. The RFP does not specify the total project budget or award value; however, the requirement for performance and payment bonds on proposals exceeding $50,000 indicates the potential for substantial contract awards.