160837-Furnish & Install Animal Composter

The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) issued Unsealed Invitation for Bids (UIFB #160837) to procure and install one animal composting machine at 4300 Pocahontas Trail, Quinton, Virginia 23141. The solicitation seeks a closed-loop composting system capable of grinding animal carcasses and converting them into compost, with a capacity of 300 cubic feet and the ability to process 3,000 pounds of mortality per batch or 15 to 20 deer within an 8-hour operating day. The equipment must weigh no more than 6,100 pounds, operate on 220-volt power with alternative options for 240, 208, or 480 volts, and produce finished compost sized between one-quarter and one-half inch. Contractors must deliver and install the equipment between 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with one week advance notice, and complete installation within thirty calendar days of purchase order receipt. Bid pricing must be firm, all-inclusive of delivery and installation costs, and will be evaluated on a lowest responsive and responsible bidder basis. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by 5:00 PM EDT on April 3, 2026, and sealed bids are due by 9:00 AM EDT on April 6, 2026, with submission required through the eVA electronic system. Upon installation, VDOT staff will conduct inspection and testing, and the contractor must correct any identified deficiencies within thirty days at no additional cost.

This procurement is set-aside with award priority for DSBSD-certified micro businesses and small businesses, including women-owned and minority-owned enterprises holding appropriate small business certifications. Bids from DSBSD-certified micro businesses under $10,000 deemed fair and reasonable may receive priority consideration, as may DSBSD-certified small business bids not exceeding $100,000. The contractor must furnish a comprehensive operations and maintenance manual including wiring diagrams and parts lists, provide preventive maintenance throughout the warranty period, and maintain minimum insurance coverage including workers' compensation, employer's liability of $100,000, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit. VDOT will provide site preparation, PVC piping installation with fresh water service, and electrical installation to deliver a minimum 50-amp 110-volt service to the installation location, eliminating certain infrastructure costs for the contractor. Payment will be made within thirty days of invoice receipt and verification of satisfactory goods receipt in compliance with the Virginia Prompt Payment Act. No incumbent vendor information or specific budget range has been disclosed in this solicitation.