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Purchasing
Purchasing strives to achieve the most economical, effective, and efficient acquisition and payment of goods and services for the Anoka-Hennepin School District through procedures that instill public trust and foster fair and open competition in accordance with state laws. We are dedicated to supporting the activities of the district in the education of our students in a professional and courteous way with impeccable integrity.
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Vendor information
Thank you for your interest in serving Anoka-Hennepin Schools with your products and services. If you're a vendor interested in participating in future solicitations, please complete the Vendor Application Form. If further questions or information are needed the Procurement Department will contact you.
Due to limited resources in Procurement, the department is unable to meet with all vendors that reach out. As resources allow, our department will try to implement more ways to interact with vendors.
Vendor processes
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How to submit competitive bids/proposals
Each invitiation to bid is posted on our website and can be found under the section titled "Current Solicitations".
All formal bids and proposals must be signed by an authorized employee of the submitting company; and must be received, in a sealed envelope, by Purchasing at the following location prior to the due date and time noted on the bid or proposal:
Anoka-Hennepin School District
Educational Service Center
Attn: Tiffany Audette, Purchasing Manager
2727 North Ferry Street, Entrance 1
Anoka, MN 55303The district will not accept faxed, emailed or late bids or proposals.
For formal bids, vendors are welcome to attend the bid opening. All bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. The final bid tabulation is available upon request. All bids received after the time stated will not be considered. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or on the handling of mail by employees of the school district.
In the event of any conflict between this posting and the terms and conditions of the solicitation document(s), the terms and conditions of the solicitation document(s) shall apply.
Building closure
In the event of a unforeseen closure at the Anoka-Hennepin School District site, that is designated in the solicitation for the receipt and opening of bids and/or proposals, at the date and time of the scheduled opening, the Procurement Department postpones the receipt and opening of bids and/or proposals as scheduled. The due date and time, specified for the receipt of bids and/or proposals is deemed to be extended, to the same time of day specified in the solicitation and on the first subsequent operational business day, unless otherwise amended prior to the due date and time.
- Bids
- Proposals
- Quotations
- Request for Information
All questions pertaining to bid specifications must be presented in writing to PurchQuotes@ahschools.us by the date and time indicated in the solicitiation documents. This ensures that all questions can be addressed in a fair and transparent manner with all answers provided to interested bidders.
Substitutions
The use of approved manufacturer, brand and/or catalog description in specifying any item does not restrict vendors to that manufacturer, brand or catalog description identification. This is used simply to indicate the character, quality, or performance equivalence of the commodity desired, and the commodity on which bids are submitted must be of such character, quality, or equivalence that it will serve the purpose for which it is to be used equally well as that specified, and be acceptable to the using department.
All substitution requests must be submitted during the question period indicated on the solicitation for review. A complete description of the proposed substitution including packing and shipping quantities and color samples for the manufacturer which it is to be substituted must be included in the substitution requests. All subsitutions must meet or exceed the specifications.
Prior to shipping goods or providing services, the awarded Vendor(s) will receive a Purchase Order or will be required to execute some other form of a formal Contract.
Goods shipped or services performed prior to a District issued Purchase Order or an executed (fully signed) Contract will be considered a donation.
Questions and/or determination inquiries
If you have questions regarding the solicitation process, or if you would like to request information regarding the results and/or determinations of any Bids, Proposals or Quotes please submit a written request to our District Buyers at PurchQuotes@ahschools.us
Our department knows your time is valuable and we ask that you please allow 2-4 business days to receive a response to your request. -
Terms and conditions
THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS WILL BE MADE PART OF THE PURCHASE ORDER CONTRACT, AND VENDOR BY ACCEPTANCE OF AN ORDER AGREES THERETO:
- The District will not be liable for goods furnished without a valid purchase order signed by the Purchasing Manager.
- Detailed invoices must be mailed directly to the Purchasing Department at the Educational Service Center, 2727 North Ferry Street, Anoka, Minnesota, 55303 or emailed to PurchAP@ahschools.us.
- All correspondence, including but not limited to: shipping labels, invoices, and packing lists must clearly indicate the purchase order number.
- No alternation of any of the terms, conditions, delivery, price, quantities, or specifications of this order will be effective without prior written consent of the Purchasing department – or a revised purchase order.
- Attached lists of materials, specifications, or drawings shall form part of this purchase order where references is made thereto.
- Discount period begins upon receipt of invoice, date product is received, or date any applicable discrepancy is resolved, whichever is later. Non-discountable invoices will be paid thirty five (35) days after receipt of invoice, completed delivery of the goods or services or the satisfactory installation, assembly or specified portion thereof, or the receipt of the invoice for the delivery of the goods or services, whichever is later (MN Statute 471.425).
- Vendor must supply right to know information appropriate to this order for OSHA compliance and that any shipment of hazardous materials shall comply with all federal and state regulations and be accompanied by a current material safety data sheet (MSDS).
- The District is exempt from Minnesota State sales tax. Exemption certificate will be furnished upon request.
- By accepting this purchase order you comply that you are neither suspended nor debarred from doing business with the Federal Government.
- If the vendor is unable to fulfill the purchase order under the terms and conditions of this purchase order, the District reserves the right to cancel the order in part or whole and purchase the merchandise on the open market.
- All items and services provided by the vendor must comply in quality, type of materials and methods of manufacture with all applicable local, state and federal laws pertaining thereof.
- All products delivered will be in class "A" quality, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The District will not be responsible for any costs related to the delivery of unacceptable or defective items. Should the merchandise be delivered in an unacceptable condition, the District requires the Vendor to provide a return authorization and replacement for the merchandise, in a timely manner.
- The Vendor warrants that the merchandise will conform to the District's description and any applicable specifications shall be of good merchantable quality, free from any defects and fit for the known purpose for which it is sold. This warranty is in addition to any standard warranty or service guarantee given by the Vendor to the District or any warranty provided by law.
- All merchandise shall be delivered to the District warehouse (unless otherwise indicated on the Purchase Order), during business hours, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Local Time, Monday through Friday, excluding District holidays. Merchandise delivered in packages, cartons or crates are accepted only with the guarantee that upon the removal from such packaging, they are found in first class condition without any defect or they must be removed and replaced without additional charge to the District.
- The vendor agrees to indemnify the District and hold it harmless from and against all liability, loss and expense (including legal fees) for all damages and/or bodily injuries (including death) resulting from the actions, errors, omissions or negligence of the Seller, its directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors or subcontractors, including, but not limited to, any defect in material, any defect in services, workmanship, design of any goods furnished, patent and/or copyright infringements or violations, and/or failure to follow or abide by any and all governing laws, ordinances, codes and regulations.
- Non-appropriation, the District reasonably believes that budgeted funds will be obtained sufficient to make all payments. Continuation of any agreements beyond June 30th of any year is contingent upon appropriation of budgeted funds for payment of that contract. In the event that adequate funds are not so appropriated, the District shall notify the vendor as soon as possible prior to the necessary cancellation and no penalty in any form shall be levied against the District because cancellation of any part or all of the equipment required by failure of appropriation.
July 27, 2021
Request for Quotes
Request for Bids
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26015B Northdale MS Pool Mechanical Upgrades
Request for Bid - #26015B – Northdale MS Pool Mechanical Upgrades
Bids due by 2:00 p.m. Local Time (LT) on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
PROJECT IDENTIFICATION: By order of the School Board of the Anoka-Hennepin School District, sealed bids for construction of the Northdale Middle School Pool Mechanical Upgrades will be received at the Purchasing Department of the Anoka-Hennepin School District at 2727 North Ferry Street, Anoka, MN 55303, Entrance #1, Attention: Tiffany Audette, Director of Purchasing, until 2:00 PM (local time) on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in accordance with the specifications set forth herein and the “other” terms, conditions and instructions to the specifications. All bids received after the time stated will not be considered.
PROJECT TIMELINE:
The following project dates have been established:
Bids issued Thursday, August 21, 2025
Closing date for vendor questions is Friday, September 5, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. LT.
Addendum and responses to vendor questions to be issued by Tuesday, September 9, 2025, by 4:00
p.m. LT.
Bids due by 2:00 p.m. Local Time (LT) on Thursday, September 18, 2025
DELIVERY AND OPENING OF BID: By order of the School Board of the Anoka-Hennepin School District, sealed bids for construction of the Northdale MS Pool Mechanical Upgrades will be received at the Purchasing Department of the Anoka-Hennepin School District at 2727 North Ferry Street, Anoka, MN 55303, Entrance #1, Attention: Tiffany Audette, Director of Purchasing, until 2:00 PM (local time) on Thursday, September 18 2025, in accordance with the specifications set forth herein and the “other” terms, conditions and instructions to the specifications. All bids received after the time stated will not be considered.
Acceptable delivery methods are listed below:
US Postal Service
FedEx, Courier, UPS
Personally, hand delivered *
Google Meet Joining Info:
Video call link: https:// meet.google.com/dbn-ckzy-tmz
Or dial: (US) +1 435-562-1479PIN: 859 425 371#
BID SECURITY: Each bidder shall submit with the bid, a cashier’s check or bid bond, made payable to Anoka-Hennepin School District, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the maximum amount of its bid.
PROCUREMENT OF ADDENDA: Bid Documents are available through Franz Reprographics, 2781 Freeway Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN 55430, Phone 763-503-3401, Fax 763-503-3409, Toll-free 800-288-8541, email franz@franzrepro.com, www.franzrepro.com. Bidders, suppliers or subcontractors may view documents online, and may download documents for a non-refundable fee of $30.00. Documents may be purchased through Franz Reprographics. Documents may also be viewed at the Minnesota Builders Exchange, 1123 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55405. Phone: 612-381-2620, www.MBEX.org
PRE-BID MEETING: There will be a pre-bid meeting and walk-through September 3, 2025, at Northdale Middle School, 11301 Dogwood Street NW, MN 1:00 PM, with a tour of the space to follow.
Request for Proposals
Request for Information
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RFI #26012I Benefits Administration Platform
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather information from qualified vendors regarding a comprehensive Benefits Administration Platform. This RFI is intended to gather information to assist the District in understanding current market capabilities, best practices, and potential solutions that align with our operational and strategic goals.
Purpose of the RFI
The purpose of this RFI is to:
● Identify vendors with the capability to provide a robust, user-friendly, and secure benefits administration platform.
● Understand the features, functionality, and integration capabilities of available solutions.
● Inform the development of a potential future Request for Proposal (RFP).
This RFI is not a solicitation for bids or proposals and does not obligate Anoka-Hennepin Schools to issue a solicitation or award a contract.Response Preparation
Vendors must submit their proposals via email to: PurchQuotes@ahschools.us
All submissions must:
● Be in PDF format (combined into a single file, if possible),
● Include the subject line: “26012I – Benefits Administration Platform ”
● Be received by the district no later than 4:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, September 2, 2025.Delivery Response
To ensure successful delivery, vendors are required to request confirmation of receipt. The district will acknowledge receipt of all submissions via return email within one business day. If confirmation is not received, it is the vendor’s responsibility to follow up prior to the deadline.
To protect against technical issues:
● Avoid sending large attachments that may be blocked by email servers (keep under 25MB).
● If your file is too large, contact PurchQuotes@ahschools.us for alternate submission instructions.RFI issued August 12, 2025
Deadline for vendor questions August 22, 2025
RFI submission deadline September 2, 2025 4:00pm LT -
RFI #26011I Third-Party Administration Services for 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather information from qualified vendors who provide third-party administration (TPA) services for 403(b) supplemental retirement plans. The District currently uses Planwithease™ and is evaluating future options.This RFI is intended to identify potential partners, understand available services, and inform a future Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The district currently is using Planwithease.
Purpose of the RFI
The purpose of this RFI is to:
● Understand the capabilities of TPA service providers.
● Identify best practices in 403(b) plan administration.
● Explore technology platforms and compliance support.
● Assess vendor experience with K–12 public school systems.
This RFI is not a solicitation for bids or proposals and does not obligate Anoka-Hennepin Schools to issue a solicitation or award a contract.Instructions for Submission
A. Response Preparation
Vendors must submit their proposals via email to: PurchQuotes@ahschools.us
All submissions must:
● Be in PDF format (combined into a single file, if possible),
● Include the subject line: “26011I – Third-Party Administration Services for 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans ”
● Be received by the district no later than 4:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
B. Delivery Response
To ensure successful delivery, vendors are required to request confirmation of receipt. The district will acknowledge receipt of all submissions via return email within one business day. If confirmation is not received, it is the vendor’s responsibility to follow up prior to the deadline.
To protect against technical issues:
● Avoid sending large attachments that may be blocked by email servers (keep under 25MB).
● If your file is too large, contact PurchQuotes@ahschools.us for alternate submission instructions.RFI issued August 15, 2025
Deadline for vendor questions August 22, 2025
RFI submission deadline September 2, 2025 4:00pm LT#26011I Third-Party Administration Services for 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans
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RFI #26014I FMLA Software
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather information from qualified vendors who provide software programs that electronically track Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and leaves of absence for school districts. This RFI is intended to identify potential partners, understand available solutions, and inform the development of a possible future Request for Bid (RFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP).
Anoka-Hennepin Schools is Minnesota’s largest school district, serving approximately 38,000 students across 34 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 5 high schools. This RFI is part of the District’s ongoing effort to evaluate potential solutions related to electronic tracking software for FMLA and leaves of absence beyond 12 weeks.
Response Preparation
Vendors must submit their proposals via email to: PurchQuotes@ahschools.us
All submissions must:
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Be in PDF format (combined into a single file, if possible),
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Include the subject line: “26014I – FMLA Software”
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Be received by the district no later than 4:00 p.m. local time, Friday, September 12, 2025.
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Public auction - District surplus
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The Anoka-Hennepin School District recycles supplies and equipment by accepting items that are no longer being used in a school or department and making them available to other district sites. If an item cannot be used within the district, it will be offered to the public through Public Surplus, an online auction service. The sale or disposal of items purchased with school district funds must be done in cooperation with the Manager of Purchasing, in accordance with Minnesota law. This includes, but is not limited to, equipment, furniture, and classroom furnishings. Please contact the Anoka-Hennepin Purchasing Department at 763-506-1300 if you have any questions.
Auctions can be viewed and bid on by visiting PublicSurplus.com and clicking on View All Auctions for Anoka-Hennepin Independent School District.
Director of Purchasing
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Tiffany Audette, CPPB
763-506-1306