Request_for_Information_|_Problem_Materials,_Bulky_Waste,_and_Emerging_Materials_Management_at_the_Dane_County_Sustainability_Campus_(Addendum_#2_Revision).pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

2025-RFI-003

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION | PROBLEM MATERIALS, BULKY

WASTE, AND EMERGING MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AT THE

DANE COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY CAMPUS

County of Dane

City-County Building, Room 425, 53703

Madison, WI 53703

RELEASE DATE: January 21, 2025

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: March 7, 2025

RESPONSE DEADLINE: March 21, 2025, 11:59 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane

County of Dane

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and

Emerging Materials Management at the Dane County Sustainability

Campus

I. Introduction II. Project Overview

III. Vendor Questionnaire IV. RFI Guidelines

Attachments:

A - Dane County Overall Waste Composition Data September 2020

B - Statewide Waste Characterization Study 2020-2021

C - Waste Diversion Report

D - City of Madison + Dane County - Adoption of Covenants, Conditions and

Restrictions

E - Facility Needs and Recommendations Report

Request for Information (RFI) #2025-RFI-003 Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane County Sustainability Campus

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

Be part of an exciting new opportunity to reshape waste into a resource and advance the circular economy in a growing and dynamic area in the Midwest with an experienced partner!

The Dane County, Wisconsin, Department of Waste & Renewables is soliciting responses to this Request for Information (RFI) to gather information and qualifications from entities (Respondents) that are interested in establishing operations within the Sustainable Business Park to be co-located with the future Dane County landfill in Madison, Wisconsin. This project is underway with the first phase of construction commencing in 2026 for a new landfill and a new administration and education building

(conceptual administration and education building location below). Landfill and related support facilities will be operational in 2027/2028.

The purpose of this RFI is to identify entities, processes, and technologies that have the greatest potential to help the County divert a significant share of incoming waste and create marketable outputs such as energy, raw materials, or other products. RFIs are designed to evaluate interest, gather ideas, and assess feasibility while minimizing the burden on both respondents and the County. Responses to

RFIs will be used to identify the most promising approaches, and inform future Requests for Proposals

(RFPs).

Dane County is issuing a total of four RFIs concurrently:

• Partners in Problem Materials, Bulky Waste Streams, and Emerging Materials (2025-RFI-003)

• Partners in Research, Education, and Creative Fields (2025-RFI-004)

• Partners in Reuse, Retail, and Upcycling (2025-RFI-002)

• Partners in Large-Scale Waste Diversion, Processing, and Recycling (2025-RFI-001)

This RFI is not a solicitation for bids, nor is it an indication of intent to contract.

The contacts listed are the sole points of contact for questions and issues that may arise during the RFI process.

1.2. Background

Given the County’s goals, finding a partner(s) for diversion of problem materials, bulky waste streams, and emerging waste is a priority and may include, but is not limited to:

• The collection and temporary storage of materials for subsequent processing at an off-site facility

• Establishment of a new recycling or processing facility at the Sustainability Campus

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

Materials that could be considered part of the problem materials, bulky waste streams, and emerging waste streams in Dane County include:

• Mattresses

• Gypsum Drywall

• C&D Recycling Residuals/Fines

• Mixed Plastics

• Refrigerant-containing appliances

• Solar Panels

• Construction Composite Materials (e.g. vinyl siding, composite lumber, engineered stone)

• Carpet

• Styrofoam

• Plastic films

• Textiles

• Glass

• Batteries

• Electronics

• Fats, Oils and Greases

• Fiber Residual from Manure Digestion

• Organics or supporting activities not currently addressed by the County's efforts

Please note, the County has active contracts to manage asphalt shingles, automotive tires, electronics, food waste, and household hazardous waste (HHW) and is unlikely to issue awards to proposals that address only these materials streams.

Why Respond? What Does This Site And The County Have To Offer?

• The County is breaking ground on the new site within the next 12 months and early tenants may have influence over the development of the site to meet space, facility, and traffic needs.

• The County has a proven record of successful public-private partnerships to divert waste, including a large-scale construction & demolition waste recycling facility, and food/organic waste composting.

• The Department operates as an "enterprise fund" which means that all operations are funded by the fees charged for services provided and not by taxpayer dollars. In addition, excess https://landfill.danecounty.gov/compost

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane revenue from the sale of RNG helps fund other County initiatives. This integrated and innovative approach to operations ensures an affordable, long-term waste management system for Dane

County.

o This enables W&R to take on large-scale capital development projects, such as the construction of a renewable natural gas plant ($29 million) and C&D recycling facility ($15 million).

• Potential opportunities may include the County investing in or supplying land, buildings, equipment, staff, auxiliary facilities, or capital and/or operating costs.

• The Sustainable Business Park consists of approximately 30 developable acres located centrally within the County and within the City of Madison, the County’s largest single source of waste.

• The site is shovel-ready and consists of generally flat land served by municipal water and sanitary sewer with electrical utilities in place. Major upgrades to the storm water management infrastructure have also recently occurred.

• Dane County has an existing interstate natural gas pipeline connection and offload facility at its existing landfill located directly across US Highway 12 & 18 from the Sustainable Business Park.

The interconnect allows other biogas producers in the area to access renewable energy markets.

• The site is located directly off of US Highway 12 & 18 and close to Interstates 90 and 94. The

Wisconsin Department of Transportation recently completed an interchange improvement project adjacent to the site, making accessibility even more convenient.

• The Sustainability Campus is zoned Industrial-General District within the City of Madison.

• The County envisions constructing a waste drop-off site at the Sustainability Campus, which could result in sorted goods available for tenant use.

• Per the County’s Development Agreement with the City of Madison, projects “will be eligible to apply for financial assistance from the City, if the project meets program guidelines and policies at the time of application.”

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

What’s Next?

The County intends to issue one or more formal Requests for Proposal in late 2025 leveraging information gathered through this RFI process to target the most promising respondents, processes, and technologies. Shortly thereafter, the County will select one or more successful respondent(s) to negotiate a specific diversion project(s) with the estimated goal of beginning construction in 2027 and starting initial operations by 2028.

1.3. Contact Information

Project Contact:

Wyeth Augustine-Marceil

Sustainability & Engagement Coordinator

Email: augustine-marceil.wyeth@danecounty.gov

Phone: (608) 590-9534

Procurement Contact:

Pete Patten

Purchasing Manager mailto:augustine-marceil.wyeth@danecounty.gov tel:(608)590-9534

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

Email: patten.peter@countyofdane.com

Phone: (608) 267-3523

Department:

Waste & Renewables

1.4. Timeline

Release Date January 21, 2025

Webinar (Non-Mandatory) January 29, 2025, 11:00am https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4Y74v98hR

Ii_uoDMke-0ag

Site Visit (Non-Mandatory) February 11, 2025, 12:00pm

Dane County Sanitary Landfill - 7102 Maahic Wy, Madison, WI 53718

Question Submission Deadline March 7, 2025, 4:00pm

Question Response Deadline March 14, 2025, 4:00pm

Response Submission Deadline March 21, 2025, 11:59pm mailto:patten.peter@countyofdane.com tel:(608)267-3523 https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4Y74v98hRIi_uoDMke-0ag https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4Y74v98hRIi_uoDMke-0ag

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

2. Project Overview

The following definitions and links are used throughout the RFI.

County: Dane County

County Agency: Department/Division utilizing the service or product.

Dane County Purchasing website: https://www.danepurchasing.com/

Respondent/Proposer/Vendor/Firm/Contractor: a company submitting a response to this RFI.

2.1. Waste Stream Opportunity – Problem Materials, Bulky Waste Streams, and Emerging Materials

The Department of Waste & Renewables is responsible for the management and operation of Dane

County’s landfills, renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities, Clean Sweep, construction and demolition

(C&D) recycling facility and various other recycling programs serving nearly the entire County. The

Department currently processes over 1,000 tons per day of solid waste and aims to divert a large share of the total incoming waste to the landfill and/or divert problem waste streams while advancing the regional economy, creating new jobs and viable business. Further details on the available waste stream are included later in this document. This creates an exciting opportunity for entities specializing in the handling of problem materials, bulky waste streams, and emerging waste streams to be a key partner with the County in meeting these goals and serve as an important and highly visible tenant of the

Sustainability Campus. To further this effort, the County already has procured a site, made infrastructure improvements, and begun a detailed planning and implementation process to expedite buildout of the

Sustainable Business Park and new landfill.

2.2. Overview of Dane County and the City of Madison

Dane County is located in south central Wisconsin approximately 50 miles from the Illinois/Wisconsin border, 70 miles from the Milwaukee metro area, and 140 miles from the Chicago metro area. It is the fastest growing county in Wisconsin with a population of 599,930. The City of Madison is the largest city with a population of over 291,000 and is home to the state capitol and the University of Wisconsin. On average, the population of Dane County has grown by approximately 2.18 percent annually over the last

5 years, and growth is projected to continue. The City and County are growing rapidly and demands on the waste management system will continue to grow along with an increase in all materials available for diversion.

Dane County’s economy and key industries include:

• Technology, Education, and Research and Development: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Epic

Systems, Exact Sciences, PPD, Inc., and LabCorp Drug Development

• University of Wisconsin Flagship Campus: Madison is the home to the University of Wisconsin –

Madison, ranked 39th overall in the 2025 edition of US News & Work Report’s best college rankings, and has strong Engineering and Computer Science programs among others.

• Healthcare: UW Health, UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital, U.S. Veteran’s Medical Center, SSM

Health, and Dean Health https://www.danepurchasing.com/ https://landfill.danecounty.gov/services/landfill https://landfill.danecounty.gov/sustainability https://landfill.danecounty.gov/services/clean-sweep https://landfill.danecounty.gov/services/construction https://landfill.danecounty.gov/services/construction https://landfill.danecounty.gov/services/recycling

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

• Insurance and Financial: WPS Insurance, American Family Insurance, and CUNA Mutual Group

• Government: State of Wisconsin, Dane County, City of Madison, and University of Wisconsin

Systems

• Madison Region: More than one million people choose the eight-county Madison Region of south-central Wisconsin as their home, and the region boasts game-changing research and development while playing a critical role in the global supply chain marketplace.

• Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP): MadREP is the region’s lead public-private economic development organization and key partner with the County in seeking businesses for the Sustainable Business Park and advancing the circular economy; you can find more information on economic development in the region on MadREP’s website.

Dane County, the City of Madison, and many other communities in the region have prioritized sustainability as a key objective. This includes Dane County’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% countywide by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050, its accomplishment in becoming the fourth county in the nation to use all renewable energy sources for electricity needs, the establishment of the County Office of Energy and Climate Change, and its millions of dollars in investment over the past decade into sustainability programs, initiatives, planning, and infrastructure.

2.3. Sustainability Campus Overview

With fewer than five years of landfill space remaining at the current Dane County Landfill No. 2

(Rodefeld Landfill), the County has an opportunity to plan for its changing waste stream and purposefully set the foundation to advance Wisconsin towards a circular economy. The County’s vision for the next landfill site includes the development of a Sustainability Campus, which will include a

Sustainable Business Park. The Sustainability Campus will divert waste and create local circular economies by hosting reuse, repair, and recycling businesses; new waste management technologies;

and research and education opportunities.

Dane County has designated approximately 30 acres of the 230-acre total property area for the

Sustainable Business Park. The proposed Sustainability Campus is located at 4402 Brandt Road, Madison, Wisconsin. The property was purchased from the City of Madison and was previously the northeast corner of the Yahara Hills Golf Course.

To find out more about the Sustainability Campus, please visit the Department’s webpage:

https://landfill.danecounty.gov/projects/WastandRenewableProjects/Sustainability-Campus

City-County Sustainability Campus and Landfill Development Agreement

In 2023, Dane County and the City of Madison entered into a Sustainability Campus and Landfill

Development Agreement (Agreement) as part of the County’s purchase of a portion of the City’s Yahara

Hills Golf Course for the Sustainability Campus. Per the Agreement, the County agreed to issue RFIs, RFPs, or RFQs to divert at least four separate waste types, or less than four waste streams if the https://madisonregion.org/ https://landfill.danecounty.gov/projects/WastandRenewableProjects/Sustainability-Campus

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane identified waste streams equal at least 50% of the total incoming waste to the landfill as identified by the WDNR waste sort performed in 2020 to 2021.

Per the Agreement with the City, the County prepared and recorded a set of property Covenants for the

Sustainability Campus (see attachments). The purpose of the Covenants to promote an integrated land use plan that includes sustainable and accessible design and ensures an effective, safe, and appropriate physical environment while helping to divert waste, promote circular economies, and educate the public about sustainability and waste minimization. The Covenants include permitted uses for the Sustainable

Business Park as well as the submission and approval process for potential entities to establish a business/operate at the Park. The Covenants are administered by a Project Review Board consisting of three members appointed by the Director of the County Department of Waste and Renewables.

Sustainability Campus Implementation Schedule

Comprehensive planning efforts for the Sustainability Campus began in the summer of 2023, and local teams from SCS Engineers (SCS) and Vandewalle & Associates (V&A) have been selected as consultants to lead this process through its completion in 2026. The primary implementation phases for the

Sustainability Campus are outlined below:

Sustainability Campus Implementation Project Components and Schedule

Property Acquisition and Site Preparation

Acquisition 2023 County acquired the property for the Sustainability Campus and

Landfill #3 from the City of Madison.

Zoning 2022 Property rezoned from “Parks and Recreation” to “Industrial –

General.”

Infrastructure installation

2023/2024 Millpond Road provides direct access to the site and its entire length was reconstructed to accommodate the expected heavy truck traffic along with the installation of City of Madison potable water and sanitary sewer extensions. In addition, a large regional storm water pond was constructed as necessary to serve the anticipated needs of the Sustainability Campus.

Zoning and

Covenants

2023 County prepared and recorded a set of property covenants for the

Sustainability Campus to ensure future development will be compatible and consistent with the County’s goals for the

Campus.

Administration and Education Center

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

Design, Construction

Documents and

Bidding

Fall 2024 –

Fall 2025

The County has selected an A&E team consisting of Strang architects and Foth engineers to site and design a 30,000 square foot administrative and public education center on the Campus.

Design work is expected to be completed in May 2025 followed by construction documents and bidding through fall 2025.

Construction Fall 2025 –

Early 2027

The Department anticipates beginning construction on the administration and education center in fall 2025 and completing the project by the beginning of 2027.

Proposed Landfill Site #3

Siting and permitting

Fall 2022-

Spring 2026

The County has selected SCS Engineers to assist in completing the state landfill permitting process and receive all regulatory approvals. The full process is expected to be complete by spring

2026.

Construction Spring 2026 –

Fall 2026

Upon the completion of the siting and permitting process, the

County will embark on constructing the first cell of the landfill and support.

Start of Waste

Disposal

Late 2027 Initial waste placement starts Summer/Fall 2027.

Organics Recycling Facility

Scale up and

Operations

2024-2029 In early 2024, the County selected Purple Cow Organics to process food scraps, brush, leaves, and yard waste for composting. The five-year contract includes one year of pilot and set-up beginning in late 2024 and will expand volumes and start a public food scrap drop off program in 2025.

Problem Materials, Bulky Waste Streams, and Emerging Materials Project(s)

RFP Fall 2025 –

Spring 2026

Using the results from this process, the County and the Project

Review Board will determine which processes and technologies are the most feasible and consistent with County goals and issue a formal RFP(s) to develop large-scale diversion project(s).

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

Development

Agreement

Negotiations

2026 Upon the conclusion of the RFP process, the County will enter into negotiations with the selected partner(s) to define a specific project, the nature of the relationship between and responsibilities of the parties, and a project implementation schedule.

Design &

Permitting

2026-2027 Consistent with the project as approved in the Development

Agreement, partners will prepare detailed plans and seek all necessary federal, state, and local permits including approvals from the Project Review Board administering the Sustainability

Campus Covenants.

Construction Fall 2027 – Fall

After selecting a partner(s) through the RFP process, the County anticipates negotiating the details for a specific project(s) in 2026 with construction to begin in 2027 and initial operations to be started in 2028.

Sustainability Campus Guiding Principals

The following Guiding Principles were developed at the forefront of the Sustainability Campus planning project. Their intent is to provide value statements that help the County make decisions to determine project direction and course.

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

2.4. Current County Waste & Renewables Operations

The Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables Department’s (W&R) mission is to provide environmentally sound and sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions for Dane

County residents. This includes using waste as a resource to create renewable products and fuels, and a heightened focus on the conservation of landfill airspace through waste diversion, recycling, and efficient operations. W&R operates as an enterprise fund, meaning its operations are funded by the fees charged for services and does not draw from taxpayer dollars. Therefore, it is important to Dane County that its waste diversion programs and partnerships are also economically sustainable.

W&R is responsible for the management and operation of Dane County’s landfills (active and closed), Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Plant, Clean Sweep (household hazardous waste and electronics recycling program), a Construction and Demolition (C&D) Recycling facility, and various other recycling programs for materials like tires and shingles. Dane County owns and operates these facilities and programs, with the exception of the C&D Recycling facility, which is owned by the County and operated by a private contractor.

Dane County Rodefeld Landfill

The Dane County Landfill Site No.2 (Rodefeld Landfill) receives waste from a variety of generators, including residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial. The Rodeld Campus is located directly north of the Sustainability Campus across US Highway 12/18. All waste handled at the Rodefeld Landfill is delivered via waste haulers or self-hauled by commercial entities or residents. The majority of the cities, towns, and villages located in Dane County have organized hauling within their communities, where the municipality either performs or contracts with a private hauler to perform the waste and recycling pickup for single-family homes and multi-family residential with four units or less.

Dane County’s largest single source of waste is the City of Madison. However, the City collects household recycling materials (except multi-family with more than four units) that it processes and sells independent of the County. In the municipalities surrounding Madison, a majority of the communities are currently served by a single private waste hauler, which disposes waste at the Rodefeld Landfill. A handful of additional haulers active in Dane County service other communities and haul to other landfills. Hauling contracts are competitive and are subject to change over time.

In Dane County’s current local agreement, only 10% of waste disposed of at Dane County’s landfills is allowed to be from outside of Dane County. The actual quantity of out-of-county waste accepted is far less, and this option is exercised only in unique circumstances.

Existing Waste Stream Diversion Programs

W&R has a proven track record for creative waste diversion programs and using public-private partnerships to achieve waste diversion goals. These include:

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

• The Department owns a Construction and Demolition Recycling facility located at the Rodefeld

Campus. W&R contracts for the operation of the facility, which processes over 60,000 tons per year. The facility is located adjacent to the current Rodefeld Landfill and is expected to remain in that location even after the existing landfill closes in 2028.

• W&R also provides spaces at the existing Rodefeld Landfill site for the collection of tires and shingles for off-site recycling by private entities, collection of household hazardous waste and electronics at its Clean Sweep facility, and yard waste processing.

• In 2019, the Department constructed a $29 million renewable natural gas (RNG) processing facility at the Rodefeld Campus, which uses cutting-edge technology to transform landfill biogas into renewable natural gas. The Department injects the RNG into an interstate natural gas pipeline, reducing the demand for fossil fuel-derived natural gas. W&R also constructed a first of its kind offload station at the RNG plant, which allows other biogas producers in the area to access the interstate pipeline and renewable energy markets. Dane County’s investment in this connection opens the doors for regional biogas producers to take advantage of these renewable energy markets at a much more affordable cost.

• In 2024, W&R established a public-private partnership with Purple Cow Organics to expand food waste and yard waste composting services over the next five years (Press Release). The program will have one year of pilot and set-up phasing before expanding to full volumes in late 2025. The new compost operation, located about half a mile north of the Rodefeld Campus, will be able to accept up to roughly 22,000 tons of leaf, brush, and yard waste, and up to 1,200,000 pounds of food waste per year. The County expects to expand these volumes as program participation grows. Organics initially will be collected through new drop-off sites for residents established throughout Dane County and pre-consumer sources like grocery stores and commercial kitchens.

Dane County estimates the following waste diversion rates were achieved in 2024 at the Rodefeld

Campus:

• 635 tons of tires were recycled into playground tile or incinerated for energy.

• 62,000 tons of C&D material was processed for recycling.

• 3,200 tons of woody material were ground into wood chips to be used as animal bedding and mulch.

• Over 2.8 million equivalent gallons of gasoline were produced by the RNG facility.

• 14,600 tons of shingles were recycled into asphalt.

• 40 tons of products were reused through Clean Sweep's exchange program.

• Over 85 tons of electronics were processed for recycling.

https://www.danecounty.gov/PressDetail/11353

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

Waste Sort and Diversion and Reports

A waste sort was performed at the Dane County Rodefeld Landfill between 2020 and 2021, and a Waste

Diversion Report was completed in 2024 (see Attachments for a link to the full report). The results from the Dane County Rodefeld Landfill overall Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) composition, by weight are shown in the chart below:

2020/21 Dane County Rodefeld Landfill Waste Sort by Weight

The diversion report provides an understanding of what additional waste diversion opportunities exist, where the waste diversion gaps are within Dane County, and who operates in these spaces locally. The report identifies organics, plastics, and paper as larger portions of the incoming landfilled waste stream that present opportunities for diversion. Bulky wastes (mattresses, carpet/carpet padding and furniture), problem materials (batteries, electronics, and Styrofoam), construction and demolition debris

(especially wood, drywall/gypsum, and fines), and solar panels are also of interest for diversion based on

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane challenges to managing these waste streams, minimal existing outlets for recycling locally and the potential for increased incoming volumes.

As part of the study process, a workshop with Department personnel was conducted to identify key waste streams of concern and of interest for diversion. The Waste Diversion Report identified programs and material processing technologies that potentially could be used to divert waste and potential markets for end users of diverted materials. The results of this report led to solicitation of this RFI.

County Needs Assessment Report

A County Needs Assessment Report was completed in 2024 that focuses on the physical lands and operational opportunities available on County-owned properties in and around the Sustainability

Campus (see Attachments for a link to the full report). It analyzed existing operations and future operational opportunities and developed alternatives for the transition of services and operations between the Rodefeld Campus and the Sustainability Campus. Finally, it explored various potential

Sustainability Campus users, their space needs, and how those could be accommodated within the

County-owned properties. Similar to the Waste Diversion Report, the results of this report informed the solicitation of this RFI.

2.5. Response Considerations

The Vendor Questionnaire lists the types of information requested from Respondents. It is understood that it may be unlikely that any given entity will have robust levels of information for every area listed below; however, Respondents are encouraged to provide as much information as reasonably feasible.

The information solicited through this process will be used to identify, understand, and further analyze potential partnership opportunities between Dane County and public or private entities on the

Sustainability Campus.

Following this RFI process, the County intends to issue a formal RFP(s) in late 2025 targeted to approaches that are deemed to be the most viable and consistent with the County’s goals. The entity selected from an RFP process will then enter into negotiations with the County for a final contract that will describe the full nature of the relationship and the County’s specific participation in the project.

Other potential project partners needed for the full development and operation of the plan will be established at the RFP stage.

As you complete your response, please note the following:

• The County is open to considering any established, emerging, or innovative technology, approach, or process related to the reuse or resale of waste from the landfill.

• Lower emission generation and energy consumption are key priorities for the Sustainability

Campus.

• Processes/ technologies that produce odorous materials or that can’t be stored indoors will be highly scrutinized for compatibility with the project setting and the Campus Guiding Principles.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane/projects/141792/document?section=1282032

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

• The County is interested in information from potential partners that could either operate on-site or utilize the site as a collection location for operations that take place elsewhere. Respondents are not limited to either approach.

• RFI responses will identify priority approaches and operations for the County to pursue, which will result in future RFPs for operator partners. These operator agreements likely will model after existing operator partnerships with Dane County Waste & Renewables, such as the C&D

Recycling facility private-public partnership with Lakeshore Recycling Services and the Dane

County private-public partnership with Purple Cow Organics for composting.

• If additional sorting/processing is required, sorting/processing must be included with

Respondent’s described offering. Additionally, prior to operation at the Sustainability Campus, Respondents will be responsible for obtaining necessary permits, and Dane County will collaborate with the entity in obtaining any applicable permits.

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

3. Vendor Questionnaire

Please complete this vendor questionnaire to respond to the RFI. This process is intended to be streamlined to minimize burden on both respondents and the County. The County intends to use the results of this process to issue targeted RFPs and/or RFBs based on the most promising responses.

Additional information beyond this survey may be submitted through the supplemental upload section below.

3.1. RFI QUESTIONS

3.1.1. Proposed Approach, Process, or Technology

Please describe your process or technology and how see you it integrating into the Sustainability

Campus. Indicate whether your solution is pilot scale, commercially-demonstrated, or commercially-proven.

3.1.2. Examples and Experience with Proposed Technology

Please provide examples of where your proposed process or technology has been implemented (either by your organization or others).

3.1.3. Targeted Input Materials

Please specify the material streams you plan to target, along with the anticipated volumes or tonnages of material to be processed. Please outline the required condition, separation methods, and storage needs for the input material streams.

3.1.4. Outputs

Please detail the expected outputs of the proposed process or technology, including:

• Quantities of outputs

• Management of any non-marketable outputs, byproducts, or residuals

3.1.5. Environmental Benefits

Please describe the environmental benefits associated with your proposed process or technology (e.g., waste diversion, greenhouse gas reduction, pollution reduction etc.).

3.1.6. Business Approach and Costs

Please briefly describe the proposed business model for operations.

3.1.7. Needs from the County

Please describe the space and infrastructure requirements for your proposed project, including:

• Size and condition of land area needed

• Indoor and outdoor space requirements

• Transportation access and utility requirements

• Material collection and sorting needs

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

3.1.8. Fit and Interest

Please describe the motivation for developing this project, why it would be a good fit for the

Sustainability Campus, and how it would create a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties.

3.1.9. Timeline

Provide an estimated timeline for establishing a facility and beginning operations. If your technology is in the pilot phase, describe the process and timeline for scaling it to commercial operation.

3.1.10. Contingency Planning

Please identify any potential challenges or barriers that could impact the development or implementation of your process or technology, and how these might be addressed.

3.1.11. Organization Experience and Qualifications

Please describe your organization's experience with waste diversion and processing, including:

• Number of years in business

• Number of employees

• Locations of current operations

3.1.12. Educational Opportunities and Inclusivity

Describe how you will incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in your planning and execution.

Describe your interest and ability to provide educational opportunities at your facility, either for the public or for solid waste professionals.

3.1.13. Where did you hear about this RFI?

This can help us increase efficiency for future vendor outreach.

3.1.14. Other

Please provide any other information you feel is relevant.

3.1.15. Supplemental Document Upload

Upload any additional documents that supplements your response.

3.2. VENDOR INFORMATION

3.2.1. Company Name*

*Response required

3.2.2. Contact Name*

*Response required

3.2.3. Contact Title*

*Response required

3.2.4. Contact Phone Number*

*Response required

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

3.2.5. Contact Email Address*

*Response required

3.2.6. Company Address*

*Response required

3.2.7. Fair Labor Practice Certification *

Has your company been found by the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") or the Wisconsin

Employment Relations Commission ("WERC") to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed?

If yesis answered, a copy of any relevant information regarding such violation is required to be uploaded with your bid submission.

Additional information about the NLRB and WERC can be found using the following links:

www.nlrb.gov and http://werc.wi.gov.

☐ No, our company has NOT been found by the NLRB or the WERC to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed.

☐ Yes, our company HAS been found by the NLRB or the WERC to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed.

*Response required

3.2.8. Designation of Confidential and Proprietary Information* Please specify what information you wish to designate as confidential and proprietary. Please identify section#/ pages/ topic /documents, etc.

If nothing will be designated, simply type "None" in the section below.

*Response required

3.3. SIGNATURE AFFIDAVIT

3.3.1. RFI Response Signature Affidavit*

This is an electronic signature form via DocuSign that is required to be signed upon finalizing submission of response.

NOTE: For detailed instructions on how to complete the forms via DocuSign, please access the help articles below:

How to Complete DocuSign Forms

How to Download, Complete and Upload without DocuSign

Click here to go to the form

*Response required http://www.nlrb.gov/ http://werc.wi.gov/ https://help.procurement.opengov.com/en/articles/5659414-how-to-complete-docusign-forms https://help.procurement.opengov.com/en/articles/5608000-how-to-download-docusign-forms https://na4.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=edc59ca5-ec84-4fbd-949b-c65e2eec75b7&env=na4&acct=89dea4ef-d946-42fe-b789-43edb8d4c6b1&v=2

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

4. RFI Guidelines

4.1. REASONABLE ACCOMODATIONS

The County will provide reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you need accommodations at a vendor conference or site visit, contact the Purchasing Officer listed or call WI

Relay 711 for TDD Services.

4.2. CLARIFICATIONS OF THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION / QUESTIONS

1. All inquiries concerning this solicitation must be submitted via the County's eProcurement

Portal.

2. Questions must be submitted before 4:00 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025.

1. Requests submitted after that time frame will not be considered.

3. Proposers are expected to raise any questions, exceptions, or additions they have concerning the solicitation at this point in the process. If a proposer discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in this solicitation, the proposer should immediately notify the contact person of such error and request modification or clarification to the solicitation document.

4. Proposers are prohibited from communicating directly with any employee of Dane County, except as described herein. No County employee or representative other than those individuals listed as County contacts on this solicitation is authorized to provide any information or respond to any question or inquiry concerning this solicitation.

Dane County strongly encourages all vendors to submit responses well in advance of the solicitation deadline. By doing so, if there are any technical difficulties, there is time to attempt to resolve the situation before the deadline. Late bids will not be accepted.

If there are technical difficulties while trying to submit, first, contact OpenGov Support by clicking into the small blue circle on the bottom, right side of your screen while logged into the OpenGov system.

4.3. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Responses must be submitted via the County's eProcurement Portal before 11:59 pm on Friday, March 21, 2025. Late, faxed, mailed, hand-delivered, or incomplete responses will be rejected unless otherwise specified. Dane County is not liable for any cost incurred by proposers in replying to this Request for Information.

2. To Submit a Response:

1. Register at the County's eProcurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/countyofdane

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

2. Click on the green "+Subscribe" button on the left side of the screen and proceed to create an account or sign in if an account already exists.

3. Once registered, click on the "draft" button to draft your response.

4. Provide company information

5. Complete the entire Vendor Questionnaire

6. Where indicated, upload the required documents.

7. The file upload status can be seen for each document uploaded.

8. Confirm all files have been uploaded

9. Review your work and click on "submit" proposal

10. Acknowledge any addenda

3. Multiple Response Submissions

1. Multiple responses from a vendor will be permissible; however, the proposer must create separate accounts with separate log-in sequences, emails, and passwords on the County’s eProcurement Portal. Each such response must be submitted separately and labeled as

Response #1, Response #2, etc.

2. Please message procurementsupport@opengov.com with any questions regarding set up.

4.4. DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIAL & PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

1. All restrictions on the use of data contained within a response and all confidential information must be clearly stated on the Vendor Information Attachment under the “Designation of

Confidential and Proprietary Information” section.

2. Proprietary information submitted in a response, or in response to the RFI, will be handled in accordance with the applicable Wisconsin State Statute(s).

3. Submitted pricing will always become public information when response are opened and therefore cannot be designated as confidential.

4. Other information cannot be kept confidential unless it is a trade secret. Trade secret is defined in Sect. 134(80)(1)(c) Wis. State Statutes, 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.

mailto:procurementsupport@opengov.com

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

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

5. To the extent permitted by law, it is the intention of Dane County to withhold the contents of the response from public view until such times as competitive or bargaining reasons no longer require non-disclosure, in the opinion of Dane County. At that time, all responses will be available for review in accordance with the Wisconsin Open Records Law.

6. In the event the Designation of Confidentiality of this information is challenged, is required to provide legal counsel or other necessary assistance to defend the Designation of Confidentiality.

7. Failure to designate confidential and proprietary information within the Designation of

Confidential and Proprietary Information section of the Vendor Information Attachment may mean that all information provided as part of the response will be open to examination or copying. The County considers other markings of confidential in the response document to be insufficient. The undersigned agrees to hold the County harmless for any damages arising out of the release of any material unless they are specifically identified within the Designation of

Confidential and Proprietary Information section of the Vendor Questionnaire.

4.5. FAIR LABOR PRACTICES CERTIFICATION

A. Dane County Ord. 25.09 (1) is as follows:

1. (28) BIDDER RESPONSIBILITY. (a) Any bid, application or response for any contract with the county, including public works contracts regulated under chapter 40, shall include a certification indicating whether the bidder has been found by the National Labor Relations

Board (NLRB) or the Wisconsin Employment Relations Committee (WERC) to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations within the last seven years.

The purchasing manager shall investigate any such finding and make a recommendation to the committee, which shall determine whether the conduct resulting in the finding affects the bidder’s responsibility to perform the contract.

B. If a company indicates that they have been found by the NLRB or WERC to have such a violation in the Vendor Questionnaire section, a copy of any relevant information regarding such violation with is required to be uploaded with the bid submission.

C. Additional information about the NLRB and WERC can be found using the following links:

www.nlrb.gov and http://werc.wi.gov.

4.6. DANE COUNTY SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

On October 18, 2012, the Dane County Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 103, 2012-2013 establishing the following sustainability principles for the county:

• Reduce and eventually eliminate Dane County government’s contribution to fossil fuel dependence and to wasteful use of scarce metals and minerals;

https://www.nlrb.gov/ http://werc.wi.gov/

Title: Request for Information | Problem Materials, Bulky Waste, and Emerging Materials Management at the Dane

• Reduce and eventually eliminate Dane County government’s contribution to dependence upon persistent chemicals and wasteful use of synthetic substances;

• Reduce and eventually eliminate Dane County government’s contribution to encroachment upon nature and harm to life-sustaining ecosystems (e.g., land, water, wildlife, forest, soil, ecosystems); and

• Reduce and eventually eliminate Dane County government’s contribution to conditions that undermine people’s ability to meet their basic human needs.