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
Event Number RFP 24-590 Addendum 1 Organization DeKalb County School District
Fernbank Science Center Planetarium System
Event Title Upgrades Workgroup Non-Capital
DeKalb County School District (hereinafter,
“DCSD”) is requesting qualified vendors to
submit proposals to provide system upgrades
to the Fernbank Science Center Planetarium.
Event Description Event Owner Fred Christopher
Event Type RFP-NC Email weyman_f_christopher@dekalbschoolsga.org
Issue Date 5/9/2024 05:00:02 PM (ET) Phone
Close Date 5/28/2024 02:00:00 PM (ET) Fax
Responding Supplier City State Response Submitted Lines Responded Response Total
Spitz, Inc. Chadds Ford PA 5/28/2024 01:42:38 PM (ET) 0 $0.00
SSIA Technologies LLC Nashua NH 5/24/2024 08:36:44 PM (ET) 0 $0.00
Please note: Lines Responded and Response Total only includes responses to specification. No alternate response data is included.
RFP 24-590 Addendum 1 - Page 1