Automotive and industrial batteries(UW-MAD)[20-5946]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for automotive and industrial batteries through a Request for Bid (RFB) solicitation covering three distinct lots: Lot 1 featuring automotive and golf cart batteries, Lot 2 encompassing custodial and industrial batteries, and Lot 3 focused on industrial batteries. The procurement requires bidders to be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or manufacturer-authorized dealers with a minimum of three years of experience providing automotive and industrial batteries. Vendors must supply three client references from comparable-sized institutions and provide detailed pricing for each battery line item, including manufacturer information, stock numbers, cold crank amperage specifications, and warranty periods. The initial contract term runs from January 19, 2020, through December 31, 2023, with potential automatic renewal for two additional one-year terms. Key submission deadlines include written questions due by December 6, 2019, and sealed bids due by December 20, 2019, at 2:00 PM Central Time. Bid prices must remain firm for the first calendar year, with potential price increases subject to written justification submitted 30 days prior to the effective date.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though it encourages bidders to identify products meeting Energy Star requirements and those with recycled content or environmentally friendly production methods. No minimum order quantities or dollar amounts are specified, and the University reserves the right to make multiple awards to ensure its needs are met. Contractors must undergo criminal background checks for employees and maintain specified insurance coverage, with the Board of Regents added as an additional insured. The procurement allows for a single percentage discount from manufacturer's published price lists for non-listed related items, which must remain firm during each contract term. While specific award values are not detailed, the comprehensive battery requirements across automotive, custodial, and industrial categories suggest a potentially significant procurement scope. Bidders must provide company identification, an authorized signature, FEIN number, DUNS number, and contact information, and must certify the absence of conflicts of interest, collusion, or debarment status.