The School Board of Alachua County (SBAC) is seeking bids for commercial kitchen exhaust hood cleaning services for 40 schools and centers. Services are to be performed annually, with the possibility of unscheduled spot cleaning. Bidders must provide qualified labor, supervision, tools, equipment, chemicals, and transportation. The contract term is approximately two years, with two one-year renewal options. The estimated expenditure for the **** fiscal year was $14,**** must meet specific qualifications including being an established business for at least three years, professional certification, and having adequate resources. Partial bids will not be accepted. Pricing must be firm and fixed for the initial two-year period, with potential for price adjustments during renewal periods based on CPI. Bidders are required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including those related to federal funding. A mandatory site inspection is required. The bid due date is May 6, 2026.
The commencement of services is scheduled for June 1, 2026.
Payment is anticipated to be made by conventional check or Visa™ purchasing card after a properly prepared invoice has been received and processed. The district shall not pay invoices in advance of service (prepay). Terms for early payment may be considered.
All services provided shall adhere to customary, reasonable, and prudent standards of care within the industry and meet or exceed the quality of services provided to other commercial customers. Specifically, the bidder shall warrant that all workmanship conforms to bid specifications and is of the highest quality, free from faults and defects. Payments in full or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of this guarantee.
The district anticipates making an award on an all-or-none basis to the low, responsive, and responsible bidder in the opinion of SBAC. In making a recommendation for award, the purchasing department shall take into consideration the qualifications of the bidder, including relevant expertise, experience, and capacity to perform the requirements.
SBAC has established minimum bidder qualifications. Bidders must be an established firm whose sole or primary business includes inspection and cleaning of kitchen exhaust hood systems for a minimum of three consecutive years in Florida. They must also be certified by the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) or a recognized professional duct cleaning trade organization. Bidders should also have adequate organization, technical expertise, equipment, facilities, and supervisory capability.
Failure to comply with provisions, such as using the eVerify system or providing false certifications, can be a material breach of contract, and SBAC may terminate the contract. Habitual violators, determined by excessive complaints or consistent defaults, may forfeit the right to further notice and face immediate termination.
Bidders are advised to carefully examine all IFB specifications and to become thoroughly informed regarding any and all conditions and requirements that may affect the services to be provided. Bidders may examine service sites to determine the exact conditions and character, as they exist, and the operations required. It shall be the sole responsibility of the bidder to make such investigations and inspections as appropriate to fully understand and become familiar with all facilities, and any difficulties and restrictions attending the execution of service. Inspection shall be by appointment only, and shall be scheduled by contacting Kimberly Webster.
The last day to submit questions is April 24, 2026.
The total expenditure in the district for specified services for the **** fiscal year was approximately $14,000. 00. This estimate is intended as a guide in submitting your bid and does not constitute a guarantee of purchase.