Walk-through Detection System

Jones County School System (JCSS) is soliciting proposals through an electronic Request for Proposals (eRFP) for the procurement of walk-through detection systems capable of identifying concealed weapons and prohibited metallic items in school environments. The procurement is being conducted by JCSS in Gray, Georgia, located in Jefferson County. The requested system must be a freestanding, open-frame or traditional arch-style metal detection unit designed to screen individuals in motion without requiring them to stop or remove personal items such as backpacks, purses, or electronics. The system must detect a wide range of metallic threats, including handguns, knives, bladed weapons, long guns, and high-threat metallic items while minimizing nuisance alarms from common school items like keys, phones, and laptops. The system must operate on standard 110V AC power and/or rechargeable battery packs with minimum 8-16 hours of runtime, support real-time continuous scanning at normal walking pace with low alarm rates to maintain efficient throughput, and include visible LED and adjustable audible alert indicators. Vendors must provide on-site or virtual training, user manuals, quick-start guides, technical support availability, and a minimum one-year warranty, preferably extending to 2-3 years. The system must be mobility-friendly, requiring only two staff members to move safely, and must not capture or store images in compliance with all applicable student privacy and data protection laws. Written questions are due by April 27, 2026, with proposals due on April 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET; the evaluation process will be completed on or about May 4, 2026, with contract commencement on May 13, 2026. The initial contract term will be three years with one renewal option per year for a maximum of five renewals, exercisable at JCSS's sole discretion. All submissions must be made electronically through BidNet Direct, and evaluation will be based on cost as 100 percent of the scoring criteria, with mandatory requirements assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Georgia-based suppliers will receive reciprocal preference over out-of-state suppliers in the evaluation process. All responding suppliers must complete and submit mandatory compliance documentation, including certificates of non-collusion, tax compliance forms, completed W-9s, district certification forms, immigration and security affidavits under Georgia's Security and Immigration Compliance Act, and a mandatory response worksheet confirming completion of all required submissions. Suppliers with employees must register with and use E-Verify or an equivalent federal work authorization program, while sole proprietors with no employees may provide a U.S. state-issued driver's license as an alternative. The document does not identify any incumbent vendors or existing contractors requiring system integration. Insurance requirements include workers' compensation coverage, commercial general liability with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, and automobile liability with a combined single limit of $1,000,000, with certificates of insurance required within ten business days of award. No bid bond, performance bond, or payment bond is required. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents, though suppliers must submit all costs for the proposed system on company letterhead with no minimum order quantities unless otherwise specified.