Muhlenberg school district weapons detection system request for proposal MSD-WDS-2026-2

Muhlenberg School District in Berks County, Pennsylvania, is soliciting proposals under RFP MSD-WDS-2026-2 to furnish, install, configure, and commission weapons detection systems covering three lanes or portals of entry at Muhlenberg Senior High School, with questions due November 23, 2026 and proposals due December 7, 2026. The District currently deploys CEIA OPENGATE Freestanding Weapons Detection Systems and would like to continue with CEIA OPENGATE or an equivalent technology.

Required systems include sensor portals or arrays with AI analytics, such as those that operate without a LAN or using the cloud, with batteries lasting at least 16 hours and weatherproof construction. Each lane must sustain a minimum throughput of 1,000 people per hour and detect firearms, knives, and prohibited items concealed on persons or within bags and containers while minimizing false alarms. Scope includes on-site setup, administrator training, and operator and end-user training, plus a minimum 12-month warranty with Next-Business-Day on-site service options. Minimum qualifications require installation of at least six weapons detection systems in K-12 or similar environments within the past 24 months, OEM-trained and certified technicians, and manufacturer-recommended on-site training. All on-site contractor personnel must meet Act 151, Act 34, and Act 114 clearances.

Required submittals include a Non-Collusion Affidavit, a Debarment Certification, commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and workers' compensation coverage. Prevailing wage applies if the installation qualifies as public work exceeding $25,000. Bidders must submit itemized pricing for hardware, software, installation, commissioning, training, warranty, and maintenance, plus optional integration pricing and a five-year total cost of ownership calculation.

The District will award a single contract on a best-value basis using weighted criteria: Technical Capability and Performance (30%), Warranty/Service and Total Cost of Ownership (25%), Implementation and Training Plan (20%), Experience and Past Performance (15%), and Cybersecurity and Data Practices (10%). Proposals must be submitted electronically via PennBid by 1:00 p.m. Eastern on December 7, 2026, and questions close at 4:00 p.m. Eastern on November 23, 2026. The anticipated award date is January 13, 2027, with project kickoff on January 25, 2027 and substantial completion of installation and training by April 26, 2027.