First Aid Supplies - Stock

The School Board of Polk County, Florida, has issued a competitive bid (016-RW-0926) for a one-year contract to procure first aid supplies for district-wide use, with delivery to the Board's warehouse in Bartow, Florida. The procurement encompasses 33 line items including various medical and first aid materials such as rubbing alcohol, antiseptic sprays, bandages, gauze products, eye wash, ice packs, sharps containers, medical tape, towelettes, and related supplies. Estimated annual quantities range from 10 to 3,350 units, with specific brand and model requirements that prohibit substitutions without manufacturer documentation. The bid was released on August 21, 2025, with sealed submissions due by September 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET through the VendorLink electronic bidding platform. Evaluation criteria include pricing, compliance with specifications, and vendor qualifications, with the School Board reserving the right to award on a composite or line-item basis. The recommended award will be posted on September 22, 2025, with board approval anticipated on September 25, 2025, and the contract period running from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

The procurement includes several compliance requirements that may restrict or qualify potential bidders. Vendors must complete mandatory affidavits regarding labor practices, foreign countries of concern, and maintain a drug-free workplace to be eligible. The bid process includes preference mechanisms for Florida-based businesses and requires vendors to comply with the E-Verify System for employment eligibility verification. Four vendors were ultimately awarded portions of the contract: Agni Enterprises, LLC (one item), Bound Tree Medical, LLC (nine items), Henry Schein Inc. (five items), and Nashville Medical & EMS Products, Inc. (seven items). While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the School Board anticipates the first purchase order will represent approximately one-quarter of the annual estimated quantities. Vendors must accept the district's purchasing card as payment and agree to full credit returns for defective items. The contract is funded through the school district's operational budget, with pricing to remain firm and fixed for the entire one-year contract period.