2026-UWMSN-01123-RFP Amendment 1 - QA.docx

Amendment #1 for Compost Collection Service

2026-UWMSN-01123-RFP

Questions and Answers

1. What is the expected start date of the contract, and how long is the contract expected to last?

Per Section 2.2 The initial term of this contract shall be January 20, 2026, or date of award, through January 19, 2027 or one (1) year after date of award. This contract will be automatically renewed for FOUR (4) additional one-year terms, unless Purchasing is notified, in writing, by the Contractor; or notifies the Contractor, in writing, 90 calendar days prior to expiration of the initial and/or succeeding Contract term(s).

2. Is there an estimated budget or price range expected by the university for this service?

This will be determined based on the pricing received as part of the bid process.

3. Will the provider be responsible for cleaning or sanitizing the compost containers after each collection?

This question was included in the proposal as part of the service evaluation. Please provide details on what your company currently offers.

4. Are there specific safety trainings or certifications required for staff handling the compost?

The service provider determines the safety trainings and certifications required for their staff handling compost.

5. Will there be a designated university contact to coordinate services and receive reports?

Yes

6. Is it possible to schedule a site visit before submitting the proposal to better assess logistics?

All docks are located outdoors except for Gordon, and locations may be viewed externally at any time. If the proposer would like to see the Gordon dock, a site visit may be scheduled for January 2, 2026.

7. Are there any sustainability or environmental standards the provider must comply with beyond state regulations?

The State of Wisconsin requirements for composting are expected.

8. How should contaminated or improperly sorted waste be handled?

This question was included in the proposal as part of the service evaluation. Please provide details on what your company currently offers.

9. Is the provider expected to offer educational materials or signage for campus users regarding composting practices?

This question was included in the proposal as part of the service evaluation. Please provide details on what your company currently offers.

10. Are background checks or identification requirements required for personnel?

Per section 2.11, This contract is contingent upon, Contractor supplying workers who have passed a criminal background check that includes a national criminal background check database demonstrating the worker has no convictions or pending criminal charges that are substantially related to the contracted-for activities or services, including but not limited to, those that would render the worker unsuitable for regular contact with children. Disqualifying convictions or charges include, but are not limited to, sexual offenses, violent offenses, and drug offenses.

11. Are there any additional courses, certifications, or licenses recommended or required to participate?

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources does require a license for facilities handling over 50 cubic yards of food scraps or yard waste.

12. What is the preferred method and frequency of reporting (email, online platform, etc.)?

This question was included in the proposal as part of the service evaluation. Please provide details on what your company currently offers.

13. How frequently is the compost expected to be collected (daily, weekly, biweekly)?

This question was included in the proposal as part of the service evaluation. Please provide details on what your company currently offers.

14. Are there specific time windows for collection within the campus?

Schedules can be accommodated between the hours of 6am-4pm.

15. Does the provider need to have their own composting facility, or is it possible to transport the compost to an approved external site?

The proposer is responsible for defining its service model, including composting facilities and all associated hauling and logistics, as part of the bid response.

16. If transport to an authorized center is allowed, is there a preferred or approved site by the university?

This information is to be provided by the proposer as part of the evaluation process, including details on their transportation process and the authorized facility or facilities they propose to use.

17. What is the approximate volume of compost generated per week or month?

The University Housing Dining and Culinary Services locations that will participate in the compost pick-up service. The anticipated volume is estimated during the academic year (September-Mid December, Mid-January through Mid-May). Please note that during months when students are not on campus the anticipated volume will be significantly less.

Location

Facility Name Anticipated Weekly Volume (lbs)

18. Will the university provide compost containers, or should the provider supply them?

This question was included in the proposal as part of the service evaluation. Please provide details on what your company currently offers.

19. Are there specific vehicle requirements for transporting the compost (truck type, covered load, maximum size, etc.)?

Vehicle requirements will depend on the type of containers selected and the operational requirements of the receiving facility.

20. What type of insurance and minimum coverage is required to participate as a provider?

Per section 2.15, The Contractor shall maintain insurance levels as required in the DOA 3054 Standard Terms and Conditions – Section 23.0. A certificate of insurance must be provided upon award.

The Contractor shall add: “The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, its officers, employees and agents” as an ‘additional insured’ under the commercial general, automobile, and Contractor's liability policies. The certificate holder shall be listed as the University of Wisconsin-System Administration or System campus for their respective purchases.

21. Are there any specific licenses or permits required by the university in addition to state requirements?

Please see the responses to questions 7 & 11.

22. Are there specific hygiene, separation, or waste handling procedures to follow during collection?

The proposer will define hygiene, separation, and waste-handling procedures based on their standard operational processes.

23. Is documentation of compost transport and delivery required?

Yes, for billing purposes

24. What are the main criteria for selecting a provider?

Please reference Section 4.2 for how proposals will be scored.

25. Is prior experience in waste or compost collection expected?

Prior experience in waste or compost collection is not listed as a requirement. However, proposers should be able to provide detailed responses demonstrating established, successful processes relevant to the services proposed.