Bundled Firewood for Resale at State Park Campgrounds

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division is soliciting proposals through Request for Proposal No. 240000000806 for the supply and delivery of bundled firewood to be resold at state park campgrounds across Michigan. The procurement seeks heat-treated and non-heat-treated firewood bundles meeting industry standards of approximately one-quarter cubic foot per bundle with preferred dimensions of 12" x 12" x 16" and containing 60-90% hardwood content depending on bundle type. Deliveries are required to 12 specified state park and recreation area locations—including Baraga State Park, Bewabic State Park, Brighton Recreation Area, Highland Recreation Area, Muskegon State Park, North Higgins Lake State Park, Pinckney Recreation Area, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Proud Lake Recreation Area, Silver Lake State Park, Van Buren State Park, and Van Riper State Park—with combined estimated annual requirements of approximately 43,600 to 49,350 bundles. Contractors must provide detailed pricing for heat-treated bundles, non-heat-treated bundles, and expedited delivery services of less than seven days, and submit proposals through the state's SIGMA VSS system by 3:00 p.m. EST on January 26, 2024, with bidder questions due by 3:00 p.m. EST on January 19, 2024. The evaluation prioritizes heat-treated firewood meeting USDA/APHIS Treatment Schedule T314-c (160F for 75 minutes) or T314-a (140F for 60 minutes) through a tiered preference system, followed by proposals from vendors actively pursuing kiln certification, with additional preference given to bidders offering biodegradable or recycled wrapping materials. Contractor responsibilities include delivery on specified days between 8:00 a.m. and noon at each location, truck unloading, pallet jack operation, hand stacking, lift gate services, and movement of bundles to designated storage areas, with specific vehicle restrictions and pallet weight limitations at certain locations and liquidated damages of $500 plus $100 per day for late or improper completion. Contract execution is anticipated by May 1, 2024, with required deliveries commencing as early as May 8, 2024, subject to Michigan Department of Transportation spring load restrictions.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting response to particular enterprise categories, indicating the procurement is open to all qualified vendors. Bidders must complete all mandatory documents including a Confidential Treatment Form, Vendor Questions Worksheet, Statement of Work (Schedule A), Location Specification Sheets and Pricing (Schedule B1), and Vendor Price Spreadsheet (Schedule B2), and must disclose USDA/APHIS kiln certifications, prior debarments or suspensions, litigation history with Michigan, and compliance with state labor, antidiscrimination, environmental, and tax laws. The State anticipates awarding contracts to multiple vendors based on best value considerations rather than lowest price alone, and reserves the right to conduct facility inspections, interviews, reference checks, and background verification. Contractors offering USDA/APHIS heat-treated firewood will receive five base years plus up to five one-year renewal options; those pursuing kiln certification will receive three base years plus up to seven one-year renewal options contingent on certification achievement; and those supplying non-heat-treated wood will receive three base years plus up to two one-year renewal options, with pricing firm for 365-day periods subject to adjustment based on documented cost changes and mutual written agreement. The specific contract value or budget range is not disclosed in the solicitation documents. Required insurance includes Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 per accident, and Workers' Compensation coverage, with all payments made exclusively through Electronic Funds Transfer within 45 days of invoice receipt.