SUBJECT: Classroom Furniture

Background:

Phase III of pilot program to enhance University classrooms by replacing current tablet-arm desks with more comfortable, visually appealing and ergonomically designed chairs, desks and tables that are also ADA compliant. A total of $300,000 was set aside from a FY 01 capital budget request made by Academic Affairs. At that time, the President asked for a systematic plan be developed to upgrade the classrooms and replace existing furniture without a loss of classroom seating. In March of 2001, the Board of Regents approved the purchase of furniture for five classrooms in the amount of $55,219 for the initial phase of the project. In October of 2002, the Board of Regents approved the purchase of furniture for six classrooms in the amount of $60,758.92 for Phase II of the project.

Description:

Eleven classrooms have been selected for Phase III of the project.

Request for quotations were sent to four vendors. The following quotations were received:

Vendor Total Amount

KI c/o Southern & Associates $74,558.52

Schwerdt Contract Interiors, Inc. $83,387.24

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

Funding is available from capital allocation for classroom furniture replacement project 900290-000000-723700-21000.

RECOMMENDATION:

President Farley recommends approval to award a contract to KI c/o Southern & Associates for $74,558.52.

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(date) Jerry B. Farley, President