Gilmer High School Walk-in Cooler Replacement

The Gilmer County School System School Nutrition Program (GCSS/SNP) is seeking sealed bids for the replacement of a walk-in cooler at Gilmer High School, with the procurement targeting a new 14'x24' exterior cooler installation. The project requires vendors to provide and install a walk-in cooler with specific technical requirements including detailed panel construction, insulation, door and frame specifications, and a complete refrigeration system. Bids are due by December 16, 2024, at 12:00 PM, with a public bid opening scheduled for 1:00 PM the same day. The initial contract term covers the 2025 school year, with potential extensions up to 3 months and options to renew annually for up to 4 additional one-year terms. Evaluation criteria include five equally weighted factors: Stability, Relevance, Suitability, Team, and Fee, with bids being assessed on lowest responsive and responsible submission. Vendors must provide comprehensive documentation including federal procurement certifications, lobbying disclosures, debarment status, and civil rights compliance statements.

The procurement appears open to all qualified vendors without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Four vendors submitted bids: Boelter, Manning Brothers, Mobile Fixtures & Equipment, and Chef/Culinary Depot, with bid values ranging from $97,662.53 to $134,314.32. Boelter emerged as the recommended vendor, scoring a perfect 5.0 evaluation and submitting the lowest bid at $97,662.53, with a history of providing equipment to Gilmer County Schools. The project is scheduled for completion during summer 2025 and is expected to increase work space and dry storage capabilities for the school's cafeteria. The procurement documents indicate the GCSS/SNP reserves the right to award to a single or multiple vendors based on comprehensive bid assessments. No specific incumbent vendor replacement is noted, and the project appears to be a new installation rather than a replacement of an existing system.