Frequently Asked Questions (Procurement Services)

This FAQ is designed to help vendors understand how the School District of Lee County purchases goods and services and how businesses can participate in our procurement process.

General Procurement Questions

Why are some businesses or services required to go through the bid process?

Florida law requires competitive solicitation when a school district’s annual aggregate spending for a good or service meets or exceeds $50,000. This requirement ensures fair competition, transparency, and responsible use of public funds.

What types of services or businesses are not required to go through the bid process?

One-time or infrequent services that do not meet the annual spending threshold generally do not require competitive solicitation. Common examples include food trucks, bounce houses, DJs, charter buses, and similar single-event services.

Existing Vendors & Invitations to Bid

I have been doing business with the District for several years. Do I need to respond to a new invitation I received?

Yes. Vendors must respond to each competitive solicitation in which they wish to participate. If a vendor does not respond, the District may no longer be able to do business with that vendor for the goods or services covered by the solicitation.

The base contract period has ended. Can I participate in the renewal if I was not originally awarded?

No. Only vendors originally awarded under the solicitation are eligible to participate in contract renewals. Vendors not originally awarded must wait for the next competitive solicitation.

Quotes, Pricing, and Meetings

I would like to meet and provide a cost-saving quote. Can you add me as a vendor?

The District cannot accept quotes or pricing outside of an established competitive process. Goods and services are obtained through formal solicitations to ensure fairness and compliance with procurement laws.

Registration & Notifications

Will I receive a confirmation email after submitting the Bid List Notification Form?

No. Submissions are automatically recorded in an internal procurement database. Companies will not receive an email confirmation.

I submitted the Bid List Notification Form. Why haven’t I received any calls for work?

Submitting the form does not make your company an approved vendor or guarantee work. Companies must respond to and be awarded a competitive solicitation.

What is my vendor number?

Vendor numbers are only assigned after a company is awarded under a solicitation or an approved cooperative (piggyback) contract.

Why does the process take so long?

Public procurement is governed by law and includes required steps such as advertising, evaluation, Board approval, and contract execution. These steps ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability.

Solicitation Status & Timing

The solicitation I’m interested in is listed as “Under Evaluation.” Can I still submit paperwork?

No. Once a solicitation is under evaluation, submissions are closed and pending Board approval. Companies must wait for the next solicitation opportunity.

Euna Procurement (Bonfire) / E-Procurement Platform

Why does clicking a bid number take me to Bonfire?

The District uses Euna Procurement (Bonfire) as its electronic solicitation platform.

Common Questions About Bonfire:

• Is registration required? Yes

• Is there a cost to register? No, it is free

• Are submissions private? No. All submissions are public records and may be released upon request

Piggybacking & Local Vendors

I am a local vendor, but the District uses out-of-area vendors through piggyback contracts. How can I compete?

Piggyback contracts are allowed under Florida law and can provide the best value and efficiency. Local vendors are encouraged to participate in future District solicitations and cooperative contracts to remain competitive.

Special Situations

I provide private student transportation. How do I become an approved vendor?

Procurement Services does not contract for private transportation arranged directly between parents and providers. These services are not District-contracted.

I am an author and want to sell my book for use in schools. What should I do?

Please contact the Curriculum & Instruction / Office of the Chief Academic Officer for guidance.

I am a Psychological Services provider and was told to contact Procurement.

Procurement Services does not contract for psychological services. Please contact Talent Acquisition directly.

Finding & Responding to Opportunities

How do I find current bids, RFPs, ITBs, RFQs, or quote opportunities?

Select “Doing Business with the District” at the bottom of the School District of Lee County's homepage.

How can I receive notifications when new solicitations are posted?

Complete the Bid List Notification Form
Notifications are sent as a courtesy only. Companies are responsible for regularly monitoring active solicitations.

How do I submit a bid or proposal?

All submissions must be completed through Bonfire (Euna Procurement). Companies must register, download documents, and submit proposals electronically.

Can I be added as an awarded vendor after a bid is closed?

No. Once a solicitation is closed, awarded, and Board-approved, vendors cannot be added. Please monitor the website for future opportunities.

Changes to Long-Standing Vendor Relationships

Why can a school no longer use my company after many years of service?

When a District-wide contract is in place, schools must use the awarded vendors for those goods or services. Vendors wishing to continue doing business must participate in the applicable competitive solicitation.