Basal access and subglacial exploration (base) drill(UW-MAD0[22-0068]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) is seeking proposals for a Basal Access and Subglacial Exploration (BASE) Drill through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Specifically, the U.S. Ice Drilling Program (IDP) requires a commercial rock coring drill that can be modified for ice drilling and sub-glacial rock coring operations in polar regions. The proposed drill must meet extensive technical specifications, including the ability to operate at rotation speeds of 0-500 RPM, function in ambient temperatures as low as -40°C, and be storable at temperatures down to -50°C. Proposers must demonstrate drill rig quality, reliability, assembly capabilities, and provide detailed operational parameters including wireline winch and pump requirements, along with comprehensive safety features. The evaluation will be conducted on a 1,000-point scale, with 800 points allocated to technical specifications and 200 points to cost, requiring a minimum technical score of 550 to be considered for cost evaluation. Key dates include a September 16, 2022 deadline for written questions, with answers provided by September 21, 2022, and oral presentations scheduled between October 19-26, 2022, with award notification expected by October 31, 2022.

The RFP indicates potential preference for Certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVBs), who may receive a five percent weighting advantage in the evaluation process. Delivery is specified as FOB Destination to 1 Marsh Court, Suite 15, Madison, Wisconsin 53718, with all freight and delivery charges to be covered by the contractor. Payment terms are set at Net 30 days following acceptance of goods that meet all specified requirements. The University reserves the right to negotiate with the awarded vendor and is not obligated to purchase any specific quantity or dollar amount under the contract. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive technical requirements suggest this is a sophisticated, high-value procurement targeting specialized scientific drilling equipment. Bidders must certify compliance with competition and conflict of interest requirements, including confirming no collusion and that neither the bidder nor their principals are debarred or suspended from government contracting.