Aquatic Plant Harvester

Dane County, Wisconsin, through its Land & Water Department, is seeking to procure a new Aquatic Plant Harvester via a Request for Proposal (RFP) released on November 22, 2024, with proposals due on January 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm. The county requires a completely self-contained, self-powered aquatic plant harvester capable of operating on water and transportable over public roads, with the ability to cut, load, and unload bottom-rooted and floating aquatic plants and marine debris without manual assistance. The desired delivery date is on or before May 31, 2026, with specific technical requirements including a stainless steel barge, specialized conveyor and cutting mechanisms, a Hatz Diesel Engine, and detailed component specifications. The evaluation process is points-based across eight categories: organizational capabilities (15 points), organizational experience (15 points), project team (10 points), harvester design (20 points), project timeline (15 points), training (5 points), cost (20 points), and local vendor preference (5 points), totaling 105 possible points. The county aims to select the most responsive and responsible bidder that meets their specific technical and operational requirements.

The RFP includes a local vendor preference provision, with vendors located in Dane County receiving five points and vendors in adjacent counties receiving two points in the evaluation process. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the procurement appears open to qualified vendors who can meet the technical specifications. Vendors are required to submit unit costs for ten line items, including the barge, conveyors, power plant, hydraulics, propulsion system, control bridge, finish, and delivery to Dane County. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed technical requirements and points-based evaluation suggest the county is seeking a high-quality, specialized piece of equipment. The comprehensive RFP indicates the county is looking for a vendor with significant expertise in aquatic plant harvesting equipment, capable of providing a sophisticated, purpose-built machine that meets the Land & Water Department's specific operational needs.