The new library building is scheduled to open in the late fall of 2013 and requires purchasing suitable new furniture and furnishings. A portion of the specialty furniture will be purchased through pre-competed government contracts. The remainder of the furniture and furnishings are available from open line manufacturers and will be purchased through the sealed bid process.

The Invitation for  Bid for the open line furniture was advertised in The Billings Times May 16, 23, and 30, 2013, and posted on the City's website. Bids were opened on June 11, 2013, and the City received two bids. Arizona Furnishings submitted a bid, however, it was delivered to another department and was not forwarded to the City Clerk in time for the sealed bid opening.  The City Clerk, Purchasing Agent and a Library representative reconvened on June 12, 2013 to review the third bid.  The bid was found incomplete and deemed non-responsive due to the fact that not all items listed on the Invitation for Bids tabulation form were included in the bid. 360 Office Solutions submitted the lowest responsible bid.                                 

The Council may:

• Award the open line furniture contract to 360 Office Solutions in the amount of $215,725.24; or
• Reject all bids.

The following bids were received and evaluated.

Contractor	Total Bid
360 Office Solutions	$215,725.24
Peterson Quality Office	$227,932.35
Arizona Furnishings	Non-responsive

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the low bid for open line furniture from 360 Office Solutions in the amount of $215,725.24