Musical Instruments

Dougherty County School System (DCSS) in Albany, Georgia solicited proposals on a Request for Quotation for musical instruments under solicitation 029-PUR-2022, with proposals due January 13, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. A local preference policy allows Dougherty County suppliers within two percent or $2,500, whichever is less, of the lowest responsive bid to match the bid and be awarded the contract if otherwise qualified.

The scope encompasses 71 line items across band and orchestra instruments: woodwinds (clarinets, flutes, oboes, saxophones, bassoons), brass (trumpets, trombones, tubas, baritones, euphoniums, mellophones), percussion (drums, cymbals, xylophones, chimes), and string instruments (ukuleles, classical guitars), along with marching band accessories and cases. Quantities range from single units for specialized instruments such as the Fox Model IV Bassoon to larger quantities of student-level instruments. DCSS expressed a strong preference for specified brands, but alternative brands may be considered if vendors submit both specified instruments and a list of alternatives in their proposals.

The contract period runs February 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022. All instruments must be delivered to the DCSS central receiving warehouse at 601 Flint Avenue, Albany, Georgia, with a guaranteed delivery date of May 20, 2022. Vendors are responsible for all delivery costs including freight and drayage, prepaid. Liquidated damages apply for delays beyond May 20, 2022.

The question and answer deadline was December 20, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Addendum 1, issued January 4, 2022, clarified delivery requirements and brand specifications. The award was issued to five vendors: Alamo Music Center, Music & Arts, O'Malley Musical Instruments, Portman's Music, and Taylor Music Inc. Bidders must submit debarment certification, nondiscrimination statements, Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act compliance, and background checks for any employees performing work on school campuses. Sharonda Thompson, Director of Logistical Services, serves as the primary contact.