Agenda Item
g. RFP 24-590 Fernbank Science Center Planetarium System Upgrade (Not to exceed $2,100,000) ~ Updated 6.7.2024
Summary: Presented by: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Curriculum and Instruction
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the award for RFP 24-590 Fernbank Science Center Planetarium System Upgrade to Spitz, Incorporated as the most responsive and responsible bidder to provide the hardware, software, and digital content that are ADA compliant in an amount not to exceed $2,100,000.
Why: The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is seeking proposals for a comprehensive full dome planetarium system upgrade that aligns with modern educational standards, enhances science communication, and provides engaging edutainment experiences. The upgraded system shall cater to both formal and informal science education audiences, delivering immersive shows that foster meaningful experiences in science and concentrated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields.
The project aims to procure state-of-the-art technology capable of meeting evolving demands in science visualization and exceeding graphical standards expected by today’s audiences. The system upgrade encompasses projectors with a minimum capacity of 8K or 10K resolution, computer clusters/operator console, software, and controls, all seamlessly integrated with the current Chroma Cove lighting system and sound system.
Details: In accordance with the formal procurement procedures published by the Georgia Department of Education, the Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued May 9, 2024. Electronic notification was sent to 27 vendors from the DCSD vendor list, 1,042 vendors through the State of Georgia Procurement Registry (GPR), and 474 vendors through IonWave, the DCSD solicitation portal. The solicitation was advertised in the Champion Newspaper for two (2) consecutive weeks beginning May 9, 2024. Two (2) proposals were received on May 28, 2024 for the planetarium system upgrade. Two proposals were deemed responsive and evaluated on the following criteria: digital content alignment to the Science Georgia Standards of Excellence, company’s profile, scope of services, relevant experience and expertise, professional references, and cost proposal. The initial contract duration shall be for one year from the final execution date with no additional renewal options.
Financial impact: The total contract amount will not exceed $2,100,000.
ESSER Federal Charge Codes:
448.1000.553200.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
COMMUNICATION-WEB SUBSCRPT/LIC
448.1000.561000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
SUPPLIES
448.1000.564000.30521.7210.4190.8010.035.2022
DIGITAL/ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS
Contact: Mrs. Janetta Greenwood, Director, Fernbank Science Center, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.874.7119
Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678.676.0731
Effective: June 11, 2024 - September 30, 2024
Status: Reviewed and Approved by Counsel for Legal Sufficiency
May 28, 2024
RE: Sourcing Efforts Letter – RFP 24-590 Fernbank Science Center Planetarium System Upgrades
Ms. Stacy Stepney,
Because the procurement process is constantly evolving and improving, the Purchasing Department has
developed a new customer service feature. The Purchasing Department is now providing a summary of
sourcing efforts to the internal client for RFP 24-590 Fernbank Science Center Planetarium System Upgrades.
The Purchasing Department’s efforts include:
1) RFP 24-590 was posted to IonWave on May 9, 2024.
2) RFP 24-590 was advertised in the Champion Newspaper on May 9, 2024 and May 16, 2024.
3) Electronic notification sent to 27 vendors from the DCSD Vendor Bid List.
4) Electronic notification sent to 1,042 vendors through the State of GA Procurement Registry.
5) Electronic notification sent to 474 vendors through IonWave.
If you are aware of any additional sourcing engines, please let us know so we may include those in our
process.
Two (2) proposals were reviewed and two (2) deemed responsive to the requirements of the solicitation.
Please feel free to reach out to me at 678-676-0120 with any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Carla L. Smith
Carla L. Smith
Executive Director, Vendor Services
CLS\WFC
c: Ms. Stacy Stepney
Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd | Stone Mountain, GA 30083
678.676.0110 | www.dekalbschoolsga.org