Musical Instruments for Fine Arts Programs

Fayette County Public Schools (Georgia) issued RFQ 22-038-085 on April 29, 2022, requesting quotes for musical instruments to support fine arts programs across eleven schools, with the original response date of May 12, 2022 revised to May 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM (ET). This is a historical procurement — the award was finalized under Notice of Intent to Award, with four vendors selected: Attina's Music, Boothe Music, Guitar Center Stores Inc. (dba Music and Arts), and Universal Melody Services (dba Brook Mays Music Co.). The contract term runs through December 31, 2026, with an effective date of July 1, 2022, and includes options to renew for four additional one-year terms.

The scope encompasses stringed instruments (violins, violas, cellos, basses, guitars, mandolins) and band instruments (brass, woodwind, and percussion), distributed across Bennett's Mill Middle School, Flat Rock Middle School, J.C. Booth Middle School, Fayette County High School, McIntosh High School, Rising Star Middle School, Sandy Creek High School, Starr's Mill High School, Whitewater High School, and Whitewater Middle School. All instruments must be new, include complete outfits with accessories and attachments for student use, and be accompanied by basic protective cases. Respondents could submit up to three pricing options per instrument at different quality grades (student, concert, premium).

Evaluation criteria included price, warranty, service guarantees, past performance, cost of ownership, business capabilities, delivery schedules and methods, and manufacturer/quality standards — lowest price was not the sole determining factor. Delivery was FOB destination with freight prepaid and inside delivery required; vendors were responsible for moving materials from truck to facility interior. Quote prices remained firm through December 31st of the issuing year, with subsequent price increases capped at 10% annually and requiring 30 days' written notice. The solicitation received 14 responses, with 7 submitting complete bids and 7 declining to bid. Kristin Hatten (Fine Arts Program) and Matthew D. Roberts (Purchasing Department) handled coordination and inquiries.