Mass Animal Mortality RFI updated 1-28-2022.docx

State of Illinois Department of Agriculture Request for Information

Full-Service Emergency Response for Livestock Carcass Removal Management

21-406AGR-FDSAF-B-27173

1. Purpose and Objective The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is for the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture to collect information and data to assist in a possible solicitation for full-service management of livestock carcass disposal during a mass animal mortality event.

NOTE: Do not include pricing in your response to this Request for Information as you will be disqualified from bidding on these services in the future.

2. Information Requested

This RFI invites Respondents to submit information about industry standards, process, guidelines, and required qualifications. The RFI is not a procurement method and will not result in a participant receiving a contract (44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.15). Responding to the RFI is not a prerequisite to participate in a future procurement(s)and does not obligate the State to conduct a future procurement. All information received in a participant’s response will be available for public review. (44 Ill. Adm. Code 1.2050[j])

3. Requested Content of Submission

A. Details Associated with carcass management and disposal capabilities.

The primary goal of this RFI is to gain an understanding of the possible industry solutions regarding the following issues:

· Full-service management of livestock carcass disposal operations during a response to a mass animal mortality event.

· Compliance with all Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency policies for approved methods of carcass disposal.

· Best industry practices for carcass disposal methods; i.e. burial, windrow composting, above ground burial, etc.

· Staffing and emergency response activities for a mass carcass disposal operation.

· Levels A, B, C and D Personal Protective Equipment capabilities for mass casualty events.

· Training exercises at the local and/or state level to coordinate and improve livestock emergency preparedness.

B. Information Requested

· Name of your Organization

· Company Description and market sector

· Organizational purpose and mission

· Contact for follow-up regarding this RFI, including direct telephone number and email address.

4. Conditions

The Illinois Department of Agriculture reserves the right not to issue a Request for Proposal to procure these products or services as a result of this Request for Information. Failure to respond to the RFI does not preclude subsequent participation in any procurement process developed as a result of this RFI.

The IDOA shall not be responsible for any costs incurred by any Respondent to this RFI as a result of responding to the RFI.

Responses to this RFI shall be subject to disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

The IDOA reserves the right to conduct an informal meeting with the Respondents to this RFI at a date to be determined. If presentations are requested, they will be held in held at the Department of Agriculture, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, Illinois. The State will provide an equal opportunity (location and time allowance) for all Respondents to present. All presentations will be open to the public and may be announced if associated with this RFI. The time allocated for presentations will be dependent upon how many Respondents choose to present. The State anticipates affording ample time for each presenting Respondent. Presentations are limited to industry information and shall be presented in a format to satisfy the Content listed in Section 3 of this Request for Information.

5. Submission Contact/Due Date & Time

All interested and qualified parties may respond to this RFI. Due to the COVID -19 Pandemic, all submissions must be emailed to the Contact person listed below. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Grimsley via email Michelle.Grimsley@Illinois.gov.

Michelle Grimsley, Agency Procurement Officer Illinois Department of Agriculture 801 E. Sangamon Avenue Springfield, IL 62702 217-524-7030 Michelle.Grimsley@illinois.gov