Benton County board approves state-contract path and RFQ for government center furniture and equipment

BENTON COUNTY — The Benton County Board approved staff's recommended process for acquiring furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE) for the new government center, favoring procurement through state contract vendors and an RFQ managed with GLT and Contegrity rather than a sealed-bid list of every item.

Monty explained that the state-contract path satisfies competitive-bidding requirements and allows vendors on state contract to provide samples, consult on configurations and advise what existing county furniture can be reused. "That takes care of that requirement for competitive bidding when you use state contract," Monty said. The approach also allows vendor consultants to present options and costs for standard configurations rather than accepting only the lowest sealed bid.

Commissioners discussed separating technology procurements (cabling, access control, surveillance and audio/video) because those systems require ongoing local service; staff said technology would follow a separate procurement process and likely convene a technology group next week.

A motion to approve the recommended FFE acquisition plan and initiate an RFQ passed by roll call. Commissioners emphasized an intent to repurpose existing county furniture where feasible and to attempt auction or recycling for items that cannot be reused.

The procurement decision does not commit the board to a final vendor purchase; staff said selected vendors would consult and return final cost recommendations for board approval before purchase.