Stringed Wooden Instrument Repair

The Madison Metropolitan School District's Department of Curriculum and Instruction is soliciting bids for Stringed Wooden Instrument Repair through Request for Bid (RFB) #4152. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to perform comprehensive repair services for stringed instruments including violins, violas, and cellos. Required repair services encompass technical tasks such as gluing top cracks, bow repair, seam gluing, peg drilling, fingerboard and neck gluing, and bridge and soundpost work. Bidders must demonstrate expertise in traditional violin-maker techniques, using high-grade materials like traditional violin-maker's glue and specific string and hardware brands. The repair work must be performed locally by trained luthiers, with safe and timely instrument transportation between repair workshops and school sites. The bid was issued on July 7, 2025, with responses due by July 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM CST. The initial contract term will run from the award date through June 30, 2026, with potential renewal options for two additional one-year periods.

The district anticipates between 20 to 50 instrument repair needs monthly, with potential increases to 80-100 repairs during summer months. Historically, annual spending on instrument repairs has ranged from $40,000 to $60,000. Bidders must complete various affirmative action and equal opportunity forms as part of their submission, suggesting potential preferences for diverse or disadvantaged business enterprises. The repair specifications require precise craftsmanship, including ebony wood construction for instrument fittings and specific metal hardware requirements. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the detailed technical specifications indicate a sophisticated and specialized service requirement. Potential vendors must demonstrate not only technical repair skills but also compliance with administrative and equal opportunity guidelines. The contract represents a comprehensive service opportunity for specialized musical instrument repair professionals serving the educational sector.