Doing Business with the District

Doing Business With the District

The School District of Lee County conducts formal solicitations in accordance with School Board Policy and applicable Florida Statutes to ensure fairness, transparency, open competition, and the best value for the District.

A formal solicitation is required when the total estimated cost of goods or services is $50,000 or greater. This threshold applies to the total anticipated expenditure of the District as a whole - not to individual schools, departments, locations, or companies. This means that purchases cannot be divided among multiple locations, companies, or smaller transactions to avoid the formal solicitation requirement.

If the combined annual need for a particular good or service across the District is expected to meet or exceed $50,000, the Procurement Department will issue a formal solicitation, such as an Invitation to Bid (ITB), Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), or Invitation to Negotiate (ITN). Formal solicitations are publicly advertised and provide all interested companies with an equal opportunity to compete. Awarded contracts may then be used by multiple schools and departments District-wide. This process ensures compliance with procurement regulations and promotes open competition, fiscal responsibility, and equitable access for all companies.

Bid Openings

All formal bid openings are public. There is no intent to make a determination of an award at the time of the bid opening. In compliance with Florida Statutes, bid prices are not disclosed at the bid opening, except for construction solicitations in compliance with Florida Statutes Chapter 287. All submittals are subject to evaluation by the District before a recommendation of an award is presented to the School Board.

All bids and proposals are subject to the Public Records Law and, as such, are accessible to interested parties pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

Awarded Vendors

Companies that have been awarded a contract and will be on campus when students are present are required to comply with the requirements of Florida Statutes, Section 1012.465.

Freight, Delivery Point and Documentation

All District purchases are considered F.O.B. destination unless indicated in writing by the District. Vendors may take specific exception and note the exception on written quotes or provide information with the solicitation response. The Purchase Order number should appear on all bills of lading and invoices.

Taxes

The School District of Lee County is exempt from sales and excise taxes imposed by the State or Federal Government.

Payments

With few exceptions, two copies of each invoice should reference both the purchase order number and the name of the ordering school or department. Invoices are mailed to:

The School District of Lee County
Accounts Payable Department
2855 Colonial Blvd.
Ft. Myers, FL 33966

Under normal circumstances, payments will be completed within 30 days of receipt of goods/services and a proper invoice. For questions or comments please call: 239.337.8523