Obion County Board of Education
March 2, 2009

Background Information:

In addition to advertising, we solicited bids from Wilder Fitness, Legend Fitness, Flaghouse, Cannon Sports, Inc., and Power Lift for the purchase of weight equipment for Obion County Central and South Fulton Middle/High Schools. We received bids from Wilder Fitness and Power Lift, whose bids are detailed as indicated on the attached file. The difference in the total price of the weight equipment is substantial. According to Mr. Powell, the weight equipment is equivalent, with the difference in the prices being two-fold; (1) Power Lift caters to elite college and professional teams, whereas, (2) Wilder Fitness manufactures their own equipment.

The purchase of weight equipment was not specifically requested during the budget planning process for the current fiscal year; however, an allocation for athletic equipment is included in the FY09 budget as approved by the Board. In addition, Obion County Central and South Fulton Middle/High Schools will contribute a substantial amount of funds for this purchase; specifically, $6,000 and $16,400 respectively.

Staff Recommendation:

I recommend approval of the low bid submitted by Wilder Fitness.