Cage & Bottle Washer for Halsey Science

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is seeking bids for a comprehensive cage and bottle washer procurement for the Halsey Science Center through Request for Bid #SP-23-65. The procurement involves supplying, installing, and setting up a new heavy-duty, cabinet-style aqueous-solution washer designed specifically for cleaning and sanitizing laboratory animal cages, bottles, pans, and vivarium equipment. The required washer must meet precise technical specifications, including dimensions of 70-72 inches wide by 76-78 inches high by 50-52 inches deep, featuring a vertical split door configuration and stainless steel construction with steam heating capabilities to reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The washer must accommodate a minimum of 72 standard mice or 12 standard rat cages per load, with a preference for custom loading racks that can hold 20-22 rat cages. Additional required deliverables include a bottle wash cart, transfer cart, and custom loading racks, along with complete removal of existing equipment and installation services. The bid deadline is March 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. CDT, with desired delivery between May 1 and September 1, 2023, and a preferred installation date of June 30, 2023.

The University encourages participation from certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVBs), and Woman-Owned Businesses (WBEs), offering a 5% preference for certified MBEs and DVBs submitting qualified bids that do not exceed 5% above the lowest bid. Bidders must demonstrate specific qualifications, including five years of experience providing cage and bottle washers, and must be either the original manufacturer, an authorized distributor, or a dealer authorized by the manufacturer with service and repair capabilities. Contractors are required to maintain commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, worker's compensation as mandated by Wisconsin Statutes, and automobile liability coverage of $1,000,000 combined single limit. The contract will require a minimum two-year warranty covering parts and labor, with warranty repair calls to be acknowledged within 24 hours during normal business hours and completed within one week of initial contact. Bidders must also provide three client references from comparable institutions within the past three years. While no specific budget range was disclosed, the procurement includes comprehensive delivery, installation, and removal services on an F.O.B. Destination Installed basis, with payment terms set at Net 30 days following acceptance and successful testing by the University.