Compostability Research and Technical Report

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a contractor to conduct comprehensive compostability research and produce a technical report in support of legislative obligations set forth by SB 582 (2021). The primary objective is to study the impacts of covered products, including packaging, food serviceware, and printing/writing paper, on compost facilities and finished compost products. Potential offerors must demonstrate extensive experience in conducting literature reviews, performing partner interviews, facilitating focus groups, and synthesizing findings into science-based policy options. The contractor will be responsible for developing a large technical report and must have robust project management systems for tracking tasks, milestones, and providing regular progress updates to DEQ. Evaluation criteria include project plan and technical approach (50 points), project team qualifications (25 points), work samples (15 points), understanding of Oregon context (10 points), equity and engagement approach (5 points), and budget proposal (5 points). Key procurement dates include a pre-offer conference on 10/9/2025, questions due by 10/13/2025, offer submissions due by 10/30/2025, and anticipated award notification by 12/15/2025.

The procurement emphasizes the State of Oregon's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively encouraging participation from small businesses, minority-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and emerging small businesses. Offerors must complete a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan detailing their approach to including certified disadvantaged businesses in the procurement process. The contract has a total budget cap of $100,000, with an initial two-year term and options to renew for up to an additional two years. Contractors must meet comprehensive qualification requirements, including maintaining various insurance coverages such as workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and professional liability insurance. Proposers must also complete a Responsibility Inquiry form assessing their financial stability, contract performance history, legal standing, and operational capabilities. The procurement includes provisions for protecting sensitive commercial information through a Disclosure Exemption Affidavit, allowing businesses to safeguard proprietary processes or confidential business details that could provide a competitive advantage.