QA Compostability Research and Technical Report RFP~1.pdf

OregonBuys Bid Solicitation #S-34000-00014782 Page 1 of 2 Q&A (Dated 10/17/2025)

OregonBuys Bid Solicitation #S-34000-00014782 Compostability Research and Technical Report RFP

Questions & Answers (Dated 10/17/2025)

1. Estimated 2 year project length?

DEQ’s Response: DEQ’s report to the legislature is due on December 15th, 2026. The initial work will be wrapped up before then. We listed 2 years on the RFP so that we could have flexibility to work with the contractor into early 2027 in case there are any follow-up tasks.

2. What are the work samples for? We can’t share a lot of the reports that we do for clients.

DEQ’s Response: The work samples will be used to demonstrate that the bidder has done similar types of work. You may submit redacted documents or awarded SOWs to serve this purpose.

3. Are all the defined feedstocks anticipated to be included in the research, including Type X (as asked by CMA in 10/9 pre-bid meeting)?

DEQ’s Response: The focus will be on compostable food service ware and other related compostable covered products (see question #9). Type X will not be included in the research.

4. Can the bidder make additional recommendations for areas of inquiry?

DEQ’s Response: Yes, so long as the total budget cap for the project does not exceed $100,000.00.

5. (P.4) Under the composting definition, aerobic digestion is covered under this definition, which is not aligned with process definitions for composting in our experience. Is the main point of including it here to note that digestate is a feedstock that may also be part of the feedstock profile into a composting site, or is anaerobic digestion expected to be a technology that is considered an appropriate technology in which to process compostable products?

Same question but worded differently: We note that anaerobic digestion (AD) has been included in the definition of composting in the RFP. Given that AD is biologically distinct process from composting, could DEQ clarify the rationale for including AD under the composting definition and provide additional context for this approach? How does the inclusion of AD in the definition of composting expand the scope of the contractor's research and interview processes, and/or necessitate engagement of additional stakeholders within OR's broader organics management system?

DEQ’s Response:

• Anaerobic digestion is included because the definition of composting facility in OAR 340-093-0030

(28) includes anaerobic digestion: "Composting Facility" means a site or facility composting feedstocks to produce a useful product through a managed process of controlled biological decomposition. Examples of composting facilities include sites used for composting windrows and piles, anaerobic digestion, vermiculture, vermicomposting and agricultural composting.

• The inclusion of anaerobic digestion will expand the scope of work. The contractor is responsible for determining how it will be incorporated into the proposed project approach.

OregonBuys Bid Solicitation #S-34000-00014782 Page 2 of 2 Q&A (Dated 10/17/2025)

6. (P.5 ) Is wax coated cardboard considered an acceptable feedstock in general for compost facilities in Oregon?

DEQ’s Response: No.

7. (P. 16) It is noted that there will be no public bid opening. Will DEQ identify the bidding parties prior to the award?

DEQ’s Response: Section 3.3.8 Opening of Offers states “Agency will record and make available the identity of all Offerors after Opening.” Interested parties may email BIDSDEQ@deq.oregon.gov after the Opening date/time and DEQ will provide a list of the Offerors.

8. Does DEQ have field testing data on compostable products, and if so, is it able to be shared with the Project Team to inform this study?

DEQ’s Response: DEQ does not have field testing data on compostable products in the Oregon composting industry at this time. The report will rely on literature reviews, knowledge of the context and operations of compost facilities in Oregon, and interviews. A recommendation coming out of this report could be to conduct field testing.

9. Covered products under ORS 459A.863 include printing and writing paper. Could DEQ clarify the priority level for printing and writing paper as an input category relative to other packaging and foodservice materials? Should it be considered with equal importance and priority?

DEQ’s Response: Per DEQ’s statutory obligation, the research includes all covered products; However, certain covered products have the potential for a greater impact on composting facilities than others.

With that in mind, DEQ is prioritizing a focus in the contract scope on food service ware and certain types of packaging over printing and writing paper.

10. Regarding Task 3, will the contractor be solely responsible for recruitment? Or does Oregon DEQ have a comprehensive list of composting facilities and haulers in Oregon?

DEQ’s Response: DEQ will provide a comprehensive list of DEQ-permitted composting facilities. For the list of haulers, DEQ regional staff maintains a list of haulers in their respective regions. DEQ will provide this list to the contractor, but it may not be 100% current so some outreach will be required.

11. Regarding Task 3, has a Technical Advisory Committee specifically for compostable products and packaging already been formed?

DEQ’s Response: No, DEQ does not see the need for a technical workgroup being established for this project.

12. Regarding Task 5, can DEQ provide more information on the accessibility requirements for this report?

DEQ’s Response: DEQ adheres to state and federal accessibility standards, primarily those found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA for digital content, including its website, documents, and technology systems. More information can be found at this website: https://www.oregon.gov/pages/accessibility.aspx. DEQ is in the process of updating the document and webpage accessibility requirements and should have an update by the end of December 2025.

mailto:BIDSDEQ@deq.oregon.gov https://www.oregon.gov/pages/accessibility.aspx.