Covered Product Leakage Needs Assessment

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a contractor to conduct a comprehensive Plastic Leakage Needs Assessment through OregonBuys Bid #S-34000-00015010. The project aims to research and model the scale of plastic leakage, including litter and marine debris, for products covered under the Plastics Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. Key deliverables include a detailed report to the Oregon legislature due September 15, 2026, which will quantify sources of plastic leakage, analyze composition, evaluate direct and indirect economic costs, and assess potential policy solutions. The procurement requires a contractor with advanced research capabilities, demonstrating expertise in modeling plastic leakage across global, regional, and local scenarios, with the ability to utilize both generic and context-specific data. Evaluation criteria will be point-based, with 40 points for Approach, 20 points for Project Team qualifications, 30 points for Relevant Examples, and 10 points for Price. The solicitation was issued on October 1, 2025, with proposals due by November 1, 2025, and a pre-offer conference scheduled for October 7, 2025. The contract term is anticipated to run from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

The procurement encourages participation from small businesses certified by the Oregon Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID), including minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses. Offerors are required to submit a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan detailing their commitment to engaging certified firms and potential subcontracting opportunities. While diversity participation will not directly impact scoring, the state seeks to promote equitable business practices. The total budget for the project is capped at $250,000, with contractors required to provide fully loaded hourly rates for key personnel and a comprehensive pricing breakdown across two project phases. Proposers must demonstrate financial stability, legal standing, and operational readiness through a detailed Responsibility Inquiry form, which evaluates financial resources, past contract performance, and business capabilities. Additionally, offerors must provide professional references and certify compliance with various state requirements, including tax laws, non-discrimination policies, and wage regulations.