New PA System, School

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Excellence in Springfield, Massachusetts is soliciting sealed bids for a new public address system, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting on November 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM and bids due December 7, 2026 by 4:00 PM. Bidders must submit a sworn and notarized Family Disclosure Affidavit with their proposals, and Massachusetts prevailing wage applies to projects exceeding $10,000 financed with state funds.

The scope replaces the school's existing system with new wiring, speakers, strobe lights, horns, and associated hardware and software. Coverage includes 40 classrooms, 24 hallway locations, the gymnasium, music room, cafeteria, and outdoor areas. The system must support general announcements, emergency notifications, and bell scheduling with two-way communication, integrate with the school's existing Zoom VoIP system, and allow future expansion. Bidders must provide references from similar installations. The school may require an on-site proof of concept at no cost to the school.

Bidders must itemize pricing for materials, software, delivery, installation, maintenance, and warranty, with one-year and three-year options. Prices must include applicable taxes and permits and remain valid for twelve months from submission. The school is exempt from sales tax on tangible personal property, but the exemption does not cover materials that become components of a construction project. Contractors must furnish Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds equal to 100% of the contract sum. The source does not state a contract value.

Work is scheduled to begin July 1, 2027 and finish by July 30, 2027, performed between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM on weekdays, with weekend work possible.

Selection criteria emphasize product quality, bidder qualifications and experience, total proposed cost, support and service capabilities, warranty and maintenance terms, and the solution's ability to meet current and future needs. The school may reject any or all bids, award in part or in total, and negotiate with proposers. Award is anticipated January 4, 2027, with board approval on January 17, 2027.