Serving Counters FY2026

The Polk County Public Schools in Florida issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) #001-DW-1226 for serving counters to be installed in five school locations during fiscal year 2026, including Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary, Lawton Chiles Academy, Stambaugh Middle, Winston Academy, and Laurel Elementary. The procurement seeks new modular fiberglass serving counter systems specifically requiring ColorPoint brand molded fiberglass units in multiple color options, with mandatory specifications including stainless steel tray slides, cutting boards, sneeze guards, line-up locks, and convenience outlets. The bid was released on November 6, 2025, with electronic submissions required by November 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time through www.myvendorlink.com, with a bid opening scheduled for December 1, 2025. The district will award the contract on an all-or-none basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with price being the primary evaluation criterion. All equipment must be new, in manufacturer's packaging, and comply with Underwriters Laboratories and National Sanitation Foundation standards, with installation to be completed by district personnel.

Six vendors submitted bids for this contract, including Stafford-Smith, Inc.; Johnson-Lancaster and Associates Inc.; Strategic Equipment LLC; Horizon Trades, Inc.; Douglas Food Stores, Inc.; and Big Bend Restaurant Supply. The bid prices ranged from $523,161.53 to $1,127,362.58, with Johnson-Lancaster and Associates Inc. submitting the lowest responsive bid at $990,941.28. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the documents. The contract is anticipated to commence on or about March 1, 2026, for an initial one-year period, falling within the Superintendent's authority to approve expenditures up to $250,000 under Polk County Public Schools Policy 6320. Bidders were required to submit multiple certifications including civil rights compliance, debarment certification, non-collusion affidavits, and drug-free workplace certifications. The district reserved the right to reject any or all bids and utilize alternative governmental contracts if determined to be in the District's best interest.