Bulk Chemicals for MDOC - Michigan State Industries (MSI)

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) through Michigan State Industries (MSI) solicited bulk chemicals required for institutional operations and maintenance activities via RFP 260000001172, which was posted on February 12, 2026, with proposals due on March 2, 2026. The procurement encompasses 19 distinct chemical deliverables including automatic dishwashing detergent, degreasers, disinfectants, floor wax, bleach, and fragrances. The primary contractor must be a manufacturer-authorized distributor capable of providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and recall notifications, with all submissions subject to Fire Safety and Environmental Health approval. The evaluation committee, comprising seven MDOC staff members, assessed technical proposals across five weighted categories totaling 100 points, and the contract provides for a three-year initial term with up to two one-year renewal options. Two responsive bidders submitted proposals: Arrow Chemical Products, Inc. (Kalamazoo, MI) and Austin Sales Group, Inc. (Fraser, MI), with technical evaluations resulting in scores of 95 and 80 points respectively.

Neither bidder qualified for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business or Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise set-asides, and no incumbent vendor restrictions were imposed on the solicitation. However, Austin Sales Group, Inc.'s Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant product was deemed ineligible due to SDS non-approval by MDOC Fire Safety and Environmental Health, resulting in its exclusion from the award. Following a second round of pricing negotiations, Arrow Chemical Products, Inc. received an award recommendation valued at $2,193,557.10, while Austin Sales Group, Inc. received a recommendation of $928,732.27, both pending State Administrative Board approval. The total contract value across both recommended vendors is approximately $3.12 million for the initial three-year term, reflecting the comprehensive scope of chemical procurement required for MDOC institutional operations.