Living Organisms for Science Kits

Capital Region BOCES is seeking sealed bids for Living Organisms and Materials to support science curriculum kits for the 2025-2026 school year, covering Albany, Schoharie, Schenectady, and Saratoga Counties in New York. The procurement encompasses a comprehensive range of living organisms for educational purposes, including pillbugs, fiddler crabs, elodea, zebrafish, painted lady larvae, dwarf African frogs, and various plant and microbial cultures. These organisms are specifically designed for Smithsonian Science for the Classroom (SSftC) and Science and Technology for Children (STC) kits, targeting elementary and middle school science education. The bid requires vendors to provide high-quality, viable living specimens with strict performance criteria, including 85% survival upon delivery and a 12-week expected survival period. Bids are due on April 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM local time, with a contract term from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and an option for one additional one-year renewal. Vendors must be prepared to replace organisms within 36 hours of notification at no additional cost, ensuring the continuity of scientific education materials.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including worker's compensation, automobile liability, and commercial general liability insurance with specific coverage limits. Bidders are required to submit various certifications, such as non-collusion affidavits, Iran Divestment Act certification, and sexual harassment prevention statements. While the bid sheet shows a total bid price of $0, this appears to be a placeholder, indicating that vendors will need to provide detailed pricing information. The Capital Region BOCES reserves the right to award the contract on a per-item or aggregate basis and is not obligated to purchase minimum quantities. The procurement supports hands-on scientific education by providing live specimens that enable students to directly observe and study biological systems and processes across different educational levels. The scope of the contract suggests a potentially significant investment in science education materials for the region's schools.