Aseptic Beverage Innovation System (UW-MAD)[20-0060]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, specifically the Center for Dairy Research (CDR), is seeking bids for an Aseptic Beverage Innovation System through Request for Bid (RFB) No. 20-0060. The procurement is located in Dane County, Madison City, and targets a sophisticated beverage processing system capable of producing pasteurized, extended shelf-life, and aseptically processed beverage products. The system must include multiple processing capabilities such as indirect and direct heating modules, modular configuration options, various holding time features, and packaging equipment including bottle filling and bag-in-box filler systems. Key technical specifications include a processing flow rate of 100-300 liters per hour, capacity for 250-400 milliliter PET bottles, three heating loops, tube-in-tube heat exchangers, an aseptic surge tank of 100-400 liters, and an aseptic PET bottle filler capable of 250 bottles per hour. Bidders must submit a comprehensive package including signed bid forms, detailed specifications, descriptive brochures, an itemized bid list, vendor information, and client references. The original bid due date was February 6, 2020, which was subsequently amended to February 14, 2020, at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time, with the University anticipating an award within three weeks of the bid due date and desired equipment delivery by August 31, 2020.

The procurement allows for preference consideration for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman-Owned Business (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVB) certified firms submitting qualified bids within 5 percent of the apparent low bid. Bidders must demonstrate at least three years of experience providing aseptic beverage innovation systems and possess manufacturer authorization with service and repair capabilities. While no specific contract value is disclosed, bidders are required to provide pricing in U.S. dollars, including all associated costs such as packing, freight, insurance, setup, instruction, operation manuals, and installation charges. The University reserves the right to require oral presentations, product demonstrations, and vendor site visits before making an award. Notably, the successful vendor will not be responsible for FDA filing costs, as the customer will handle that aspect of regulatory compliance. Payment terms will be negotiated with the awarded vendor, with payment contingent upon the equipment meeting all specified requirements. The contract will be effective upon award, with standard Net 30 days payment terms following acceptance testing and successful specification verification.