CAMPUS COMPOSTER question_answer GBTO 6815.pdf

Responses to questions for

CAMPUS COMPOSTER

Request for Bid GBTO 6815

3/27/2020

Q1: Please specify what you consider to be a valid composting process for this RFB, specifically:

Q1A: Do you agree with the US Composting Council's most recent definition of "compost" for the purposes of this RFB?

A1A: Yes, we would agree with the US Composting Council's most recent definition for the purposes of this RFB.

Q1B: Do you consider biological heating of the feedstocks by microbes to be the only acceptable heat source for degradation and pathogen reduction?

A1B: During normal operations, yes, we would prefer that biological or thermophilic heating be utilized to break down organic inputs. However, we recognize that supplemental heating may need to be applied to the composting unit during operation.

Q1C: Will you accept systems that use external heat sources (such as electricity or fossil fuels) for heating, drying or decomposition of the feedstocks?

A1C: Our preference is for a standalone unit that utilizes biological heating primarily, recognizing that supplemental heating may need to be applied to the process to ensure continued operations year round.

Q2: Please specify what types of composting equipment you would consider acceptable for this RFB. In particular, would you consider the following types of equipment to be valid for this RFB?:

Q2A: Drying/dehydration equipment (systems using external heat inputs to dry the feedstocks)?

A2A: : If necessary for the compost unit to function properly please include in base price.

If this would increase the efficiency of your proposed solution please price as an additional option.

Q2B: Aerobic, thermophilic (hot) composting systems?

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.compostingcouncil.org%2Fpage%2FCompostDefinition&data=02%7C01%7Clockes%40uwgb.edu%7C1d0cee3d115041211d3c08d7cff097b6%7C7fc34f9d1f754f96b5b33cdcaab03aea%7C0%7C0%7C637206504695285055&sdata=BE1rMRex1eJWeF6ppjLXPZAxARWzRnfI%2FlHitKqfE6E%3D&reserved=0

A2B: Yes, if it meets the base operating requirements as stated in Section 4.0 GENERAL

SPECIFICATIONS.

Q2C: Anaerobic digesters?

A2C: Yes, if it meets the base operating requirements as stated in Section 4.0 GENERAL

SPECIFICATIONS.

Q2D: Drums, tumbling equipment?

A2D: If necessary for the compost unit to function properly please include in base price.

If this would increase the efficiency of your proposed solution please price as an additional option.

Q2E: Mixing equipment located outside of the compost vessel?

A2E: If necessary for the compost unit to function properly please include in base price.

If this would increase the efficiency of your proposed solution please price as an additional option.

Q2F: Grinding equipment located outside of the compost vessel?

A2F: If necessary for the compost unit to function properly please include in base price. If this would increase the efficiency of your proposed solution please price as an additional option.

Q3: Please specify performance/product requirements for this system:

Q3A: What are the required minimum number of days retention for feedstocks to remain in the container?

A3A: We do not have a required minimum number of days retention. Our focus is on having a solution that can accommodate food waste from our University food service operations.

Q3B: Do you have process expectations regarding pathogen reduction, vector prevention, odor control, leachate management, stormwater management?

A3B: We do not have expectations, but based on the proposed solution we will need to understand technical requirements and hook-up need for operation of the solution.

Q3C: Do you have expectations regarding curing of the compost?

A3C: No, we are expecting that the finished compost may need to cure for a period of time. Specification of this process will be helpful for our understanding and planning, but we are not requiring anything.

Q3D: Do you have any requirements/expectations for the quality/characteristics of the finished compost?

A3D: No, we expect that the finished compost may require additional time to cure after processing.

Q4: Please specify functional requirements for this system:

Q4A: Are you requiring powered agitation and blending to be integrated inside of the container?

A4A: Yes, it would be our preference to have all agitation and blending be performed within the unit or container. We plan to install this until outside behind our facility.

Q4B: Are you allowing powered agitation and blending to take place in a separate front-end piece of equipment located outside of the composting container?

A4B: This would not be our preference, but can be proposed if the entire solution meets our requirements as stated in Section 4.0 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS.

Q4C: Are you allowing a tumbling motion for agitation or are you requiring an auger-based agitation system?

A4C: This would not be our preference, but can be proposed if the entire solution meets our requirements as stated in Section 4.0 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS.

Q4D: Are you requiring viewports on the composting process and an ability to inspect and sample compost that is in process?

A4D: This is not a requirement, but can be included.

Q4E: Are you requiring powered/mechanical aeration to be integrated into the container?

A4E: Yes, it would be our preference to have all agitation and blending be performed within the unit or container. We plan to install this until outside behind our facility.

Q4F: Can you specify the energy/electricity inputs that will be available to this system? (in particular, please specify the electrical service that would be available in terms of phase, voltage and available amps)

A4F: We will install what is required to power the proposed solution. The space will be built-to-suit.

Q4G: Are there any energy/electricity requirements or restrictions for this system?

A4G: No, we will install what is necessary to power the proposed solution. The space will be built-to-suit.

Q4H: Do you expect grinding/shredding/chipping of any feedstocks to be included as a part of the bid?

A4H: No, there is no requirement for this to be included. You can recommend additional equipment which could make the process more efficient. We will be using kitchen food waste (processed via a food pulper Hobart WPS 1260) and raw organic food waste from the kitchen.

Q4I: Do you expect screening of compost to be included as a part of the bid?

A4I: No, this is not expected to be part of the bid.

Q4J: Do you expect the provision of electrical service (the work of local electricians) to be included in this bid?

A4J: No, this is not expected to be part of the bid.

Q4K: Do you expect the provision of a stable foundation to be included in this bid?

A4K: No, the University will coordinate installation of any necessary foundation. A detailed specification is required in the RFB to ensure compatibility when installation occurs.

The University is estimating the need for a poured concrete pad 25’ x 10’ to accommodate potential proposed solutions. Please define detailed requirements in bid proposals.

Q4L: Please state any requirements in terms of automation of the composting process?

A4L: We do not have any specific requirements in terms of automation.

Q4M: Do you have expectations around compost temperature monitoring or data logging?

A4M: No, we do not have any requirement in regards to temperature logging but we do plan to track system outputs.

Q5: What are you expectations regarding how feedstocks should be loaded into the system? What methods of loading would be acceptable to you?

A5: We do not have any expectations of how feedstock should be loaded.

Q6: What are you expectations regarding how feedstocks should be discharged from the system? What methods of discharging would be acceptable to you?

A6: We do not have any expectations of how feedstock should be discharged.

Q7: Would you be willing to share the list of vendors who have received or will receive this RFB?

A7: This document was shared publicly at https://vendornet.wi.gov/Bid.aspx?Id=0023bc89-3869-ea11-811c-0050568c7f0f we emailed contacts who have assisted us in the past with information and whom may have interest in bidding on this RFB.

Q8: Can you provide a sense of your budgetary/capital expectations for this piece of equipment? Approximately speaking, what is a reasonable budgetary range that you are expecting for this system?

https://vendornet.wi.gov/Bid.aspx?Id=0023bc89-3869-ea11-811c-0050568c7f0f&name= https://vendornet.wi.gov/Bid.aspx?Id=0023bc89-3869-ea11-811c-0050568c7f0f&name=

A8: We are requesting bids that meet our minimum requirements as stated in Section 4.0 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS of the Request for Bid # GBTO 6815 document.

Q9: Will you be sharing a summary a of all bidder questions/answers with all bidders?

A9: Yes, all questions and answers will be compiled and shared.

Q10: Quote from RFB: "Delivery and installation to occur no later than June 1, 2020"

Q10A: This timing requirement would seem to be inadequate to construct, ship and install the desired composting system.

A10A: We are willing to consider alternative timelines based on recent developments and the impact of COVID-19.

Q10B: Does the equipment have to be made of all new materials? Are pre-owned systems acceptable for this RFB?

A10B: The composter must be a newly constructed unit and not pre-owned. However we will accept pre-used construction materials if that is a standard practice when creating a newly constructed unit. For example using a used shipping container as a component of a new composting solution.

Q10C: Can this time requirement be extended to allow additional time? (for instance, September 1, 2020 would be more realistic).

A10C: Yes, our timeline can be flexible. Please indicate your proposed timeline in your bid document.

Q11: Quote from RFB: "Composter should provide a minimum processing capacity of At least 2,000 pounds of raw organic waste per 7 day period or 660 gallons (does not include woodchip additive)

Q11A: Can you provide a more specific description of: "raw organic waste"? Please specify a complete description of all planned feedstocks. Please describe all expected feedstocks in detail and specify their relative proportions (or the relative quantities of each feedstock per week in pounds or gallons). Also, please specify the typical and maximum expected moisture content for each feedstock, particularly those with a moisture content greater than 50%.

A11A: Below is a list of the most common items we expect to put into the composter:

- Used organic food materials from cafeteria dining which has been processed through a food pulper. Estimated at ~60%

- Cuttings and left over raw organic food waste from meal preparation. Estimated at ~30%.

- Unsold food waste not processed in kitchen pulper ~10%

- During our peak usage, we have previously used (qty 18) 55 gallon collection bins or (qty 1) 3 yard dumpster of organic waste emptied weekly of organic waste.

Q11B: Regarding seasonality/peaking, please specify how the feedstocks might vary throughout the year, if at all.

A11B: Typically our heaviest usage occurs between September – November and January – May with lower usage in June – August and minimal usage in December.

Q11C: Do you assume that a "woodchip additive" or similar carbon-rich bulking agent will be required to create a compostable mix?

A11C: Yes, we are assuming the solution would require the use of a woodchip additive. If this is not a requirement of your proposal please note in your submission.

Q11D: Do you expect there to be any contaminants (e.g., plastics) in the feedstocks?

A11D: We would not expect there to be a significant quantity of contaminants. However, we cannot guarantee zero, these would include plastic utensils, produces labels, etc.

Q12: Quote from RFB: "The bidder shall include in their proposal a detailed narrative on maintenance support services available to the University that are included in the price."

Please describe what kind of maintenance support services the University would like to have included in the price. In particular, please specify:

Q12A: Is the University seeking a menu of possible options for maintenance support services or a single price including all possible maintenance support services?

A12A: The University would like to understand what is included for basic maintenance/support, if any, under the original purchase price. Additionally, please indicate what options are available after the initial warranty period for service and support on the proposed solution should we have questions or issues.

Q12B: How many years of a parts replacement warranty would you like to have included in the price?

A12B: Under this RFB there is a standard warranty period of 1 year see Standard Terms and Conditions section 22 “equipment purchased as a result of this request shall be warranted against defects by the bidder/proposer for one (1) year from date of receipt.”

Q12C: Would you like labor services to repair or replace any damaged parts be included in the price? Would you like this maintenance labor to be included in the price only if a damaged component is deemed by the manufacturer to be defective? Or do you want this maintenance labor to be included regardless of the cause of the component damage (wear and tear, abuse, etc)? How many years of maintenance labor would you like to be included in the price?

A12C: Under this RFB there is a standard warranty period of 1 year see Standard Terms and Conditions section 22 “equipment purchased as a result of this request shall be warranted against defects by the bidder/proposer for one (1) year from date of receipt.”

You can include additional coverages and suggestions as an optional pricing add-on.

Q12D: Would you like labor for all preventative maintenance to be included in the price?

A12D: No, this is not a requirement.

Q12E: Would you like to manage some preventative maintenance in-house but receive yearly service visits from a manufacturer's representative for check-ups/tune-ups?

A12E: Yes, we plan to utilize on-campus staff to perform basic preventative maintenance on the unit.

Q13: Quote from RFB: "The bidder must supply a detailed parts list and potential sources for parts" Please specify what types of parts would need to be included on the detailed parts list.

Q13A: Would this parts list need to include replacement parts only?

A13A: This would include all components of the unit that could commonly fail in the event that we would need to source a replacement.

Q13B: How many sources for each replacement part would be required for this RFB?

A13B: There is not a specific requirement for the number of sources. We are looking for sources to assist with future parts replacement.

Q13C: If proprietary parts/components are only available from the manufacturer, is this acceptable?

A13C: Yes, we understand and would expect that a contact for replacement parts be noted should we need to replace something.

Q13D: If specific vendor relationships are proprietary, will you accept sourcing from the manufacturer only?

A13D: Yes, we understand and would expect that a contact for replacement parts be noted should we need to replace something.

Q14: Quote from RFB: "Proposal price must be inclusive of all optional winterization features for the Wisconsin climate (January has an average low temperature of 20° F with sub-zero temperatures possible)" and "Optional pricing may include pricing for a standalone water source or container solution for operation in winter weather"

Q14A: Can you confirm if you expect the system to be able to compost year-round, including in cold, winter Wisconsin weather?

A14A: Yes, we expect this until to be composting year-round including through a Wisconsin winter.

Q14B: Do you expect a base price for warm weather composting and a separate upcharge for cold weather composting?

A14B: We are asking for a price for a unit that can function all year round including in the cold winter months.

Q14C: Or do you want one price for year-round composting, regardless of weather?

A14C: Yes, we the unit is expected to be utilized year-round.

Q14D: Will a water source not be available at the site?

A14D: If needed we can pipe water to the location but it must be specified in the requirements of the unit.

Q15: Bid due to Purchasing Office. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in New York State, we remain at home therefore we would like to send the bid via email.

A15: Due to COVID-19 all bids must be submitted electronically to ortschet@uwgb.edu

Q16: All bids must include procurement, delivery, setup and installation of the composter. A logistic trucking company delivers the Rocket to our clients sites and the client uses a fork lift to down load the Rocket and place it at the final destination. The trucks do not carry a fork lift therefore the clients always do this part. Would it be the same case and we will not include this job in the pricing? If you decide otherwise, we would find someone local to do it. We would need to know the distance from where the truck would be able to deliver the unit to the final destination. Also if its easy for the operator to maneuver the fork lift with the Rocket without obstacles that would delayed the job.

A16: The University will provide the foundation built to spec and run necessary utilities to the foundation. All bids must include delivery, setup and installation of composter. The identified location has semi-truck access. The distance from delivery to the final destination is estimated at less than 15 feet.

Q17: Maintenance & Training

Q17A: The bidder must provide the University with copies of any maintenance or operational manuals, including maintenance schedules. Do we need to include this as part of the bid?

A17A: No this is not required as part of the bid. You are required to provide this if you win the award. You must agree to provide this in order to have a successful bid.

Q17B: The bidder must supply a detailed parts list and potential sources for parts. Can you elaborate on this point. Which parts? . Also, do we need to include this as part of the bid?

A17B: This would include all components of the unit that could commonly fail in the event that we would need to source a replacement. No, this does not need to be included with the bid, you must agree by submitting your bid to supply this if you are awarded the contract.

Q18: Vendor Designation of Confidential and Proprietary Information (DOA-3027). This form is not included in the package. Is this the form? (attached)

A18: Yes, see attached form (DOA-3027)

Q19: Optional pricing may include pricing for a standalone water source or container solution for operation in winter weather. Can you elaborate on the standalone water source , what type of water source?

A19: If the unit requires water to function, what quantity is needed and can this need be handled through a standalone (not piped) solution that can be carried outside to the unit from a nearby source.

Q20: What is the process to provide an alternate proposal to treat and beneficially reuse 2,000 pounds of organic waste daily? It would be an "or equal" technical solution that will save the University of Wisconsin initial purchase price and ongoing operating costs. The RFP appears to be directed towards a certain stand alone in-vessel composter system.

A20: For the purposes of this RFB we have identified and are seeking in-vessel composting solution that are contained and will not require the University to build an enclosure. All bids must meet specified requirements as stated in Section 4.0 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS.

Q21: Can you define what a “enclosed containerized (standalone) solution” is?

A21: The University is expecting to provide a proper foundation built to suit and the proposed solution must be enclosed in a container, housing, or protective exterior that would not require the University to build an additional structure. This is to assist in the operation of the unit during the winter weather.

B

DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION OF ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS

DOA-3027 (R07/2014)

S. 19.36(5), WIS. STATS

RETURN FORM TO:

STATE BUREAU OF PROCUREMENT

101 E. WILSON ST., 6TH FL

P. O. BOX 7867

MADISON, WI 53707

DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The attached material submitted in response to Bid/Proposal #GBTO 6815 includes proprietary and confidential information which qualifies as a trade secret, as provided in s. 19.36(5), Wis. Stats., or is otherwise material that can be kept confidential under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. As such, we ask that certain pages, as indicated below, of this bid/proposal response be treated as confidential material and not be released without our written approval.

Prices always become public information when bids/proposals are opened, and therefore cannot be kept confidential.

Other information cannot be kept confidential unless it is a trade secret. Trade secret is defined in s. 134.90(1)(c), Wis.

Stats. as follows: "Trade secret" means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process to which all of the following apply:

1. The information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use.

2. The information is the subject of efforts to maintain its secrecy that are reasonable under the circumstances.

We request that the following pages not be released.

Section Page # Topic

In the event the designation of confidentiality of this information is challenged, the undersigned hereby agrees to provide legal counsel or other necessary assistance to defend the designation of confidentiality and agrees to hold the state harmless for any costs or damages arising out of the state's agreeing to withhold the materials.

Failure to include this form in the bid/proposal response may mean that all information provided as part of the bid/proposal response will be open to examination and copying. The state considers other markings of confidential in the bid/proposal document to be insufficient. The undersigned agrees to hold the state harmless for any damages arising out of the release of any materials unless they are specifically identified above.

Company Name

Authorized Representative

Signature

Authorized Representative

Type or Print

Date

This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.