Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Kid Cushions /Engineered Wood Fiber Project

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is seeking bids for a playground engineered wood fiber procurement through an Invitation for Bids (IFB) numbered 163-05282025KidCushions-AS. The project involves furnishing and delivering 10,000 yards of engineered wood fiber to various sites within Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The initial contract term will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with potential options for two additional one-year renewals. Specific technical requirements mandate that the wood fiber meet ASTM F1951-99 standards for wheelchair and stroller accessibility, ASTM F1292-04 for shock absorbency, and ASTM F2075-04 for purity testing, with mandatory IPEMA certification. Bids will be electronically opened on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 3:00 pm EST through the North Carolina Business Invitation Delivery System (NC BIDS), with electronic submissions being the only acceptable method. Delivery expectations include an average of 4-6 truckloads per week, and all invoices will be processed through David Caldwell. Bidders must provide comprehensive, all-inclusive pricing covering materials, delivery, and associated costs, with optional pricing for years two and three subject to mutual agreement and funding availability.

The procurement includes specific provisions for minority, women, and small business enterprise participation, requiring bidders to complete a utilization form demonstrating commitment to inclusive contracting practices. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the requirement for 10,000 yards of engineered wood fiber suggests a substantial procurement opportunity. The contract does not appear to have restrictions limiting participation to specific types of organizations beyond the minority business enterprise considerations. Bidders will need to demonstrate technical compliance with specified material standards, IPEMA certification, and the ability to consistently deliver wood fiber across multiple sites in Mecklenburg County. The electronic submission process through NC BIDS indicates a preference for vendors with digital procurement capabilities. The potential three-year contract duration (with two possible renewals) offers vendors the opportunity for a sustained business relationship with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. All proposed pricing must be comprehensive and transparent, covering all aspects of material procurement and delivery.