Request for Proposals for Weapons Detection Systems, Installation, and On- Site Training

Muhlenberg School District in Berks County, Pennsylvania, is soliciting proposals (RFP No. MSD-WDS-2026-01) for the furnishing, delivery, installation, configuration, and commissioning of weapons detection systems at Muhlenberg Senior High School and Muhlenberg Junior High School. The District seeks integrated sensor portal systems equipped with artificial intelligence analytics capable of processing 1,000 people per hour, with the ability to detect firearms, knives, and prohibited items both on persons and within bags and containers. The systems must be freestanding or portal-based, mobile-capable with carrying cases, ADA-compliant, and rated for both indoor and outdoor use, with batteries lasting at least 16 hours and weatherproof construction. Deliverables include 3-5 days of on-site setup, configuration, administrator training, operator/end-user training, and live drills during arrival and dismissal events. Vendors must demonstrate minimum qualifications including installation of at least six weapons detection systems in K-12 environments within the past 24 months and possess OEM-trained or certified technicians. The evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: Technical Capability and Performance (30%), Implementation and Training Plan (20%), Cybersecurity and Data Practices (10%), Experience and Past Performance (15%), and Warranty/Service and Total Cost of Ownership (25%). Critical deadlines include a pre-proposal conference and optional site visits on May 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., questions due by May 13, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., electronic proposal submission via PennBid by May 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., anticipated award on June 12, 2026, project kickoff on June 29, 2026, and substantial completion of all training by September 8, 2026.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular enterprise categories. All vendors must submit required certifications including a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Debarment Certification, and proof of commercial general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, along with statutory workers' compensation insurance. If the installation qualifies as public work exceeding $25,000, prevailing wage compliance under the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act is mandatory. The cost proposal must itemize hardware, software, installation, commissioning, the 3-5-day on-site training program, and warranty/support options, with optional five-year total cost of ownership pricing provided for evaluation purposes. No incumbent vendors or existing technology integration requirements are identified in the RFP documentation. While no specific award value or budget range is disclosed, the project scope and comprehensive training requirements suggest a substantial procurement; a single contract will be awarded to the responsible offeror whose proposal provides the best value to the District.