Curbside Food Waste Collection Pilot

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is requesting proposals for curbside food waste collection services from households throughout Delaware, with proposals due October 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. and an estimated award notification date of December 17, 2026.

The scope requires the vendor to provide subscription-based residential curbside food waste collection, transport collected waste to a composting facility, and manage the project from planning through implementation. The vendor must hold Delaware business licensure, obtain commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and automotive liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and provide at least three business references.

The contract term is three years with two optional one-year extensions. The State reserves the right to award multiple contracts and will not necessarily select the lowest-priced proposal.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: experience and reputation in providing public services including collection and hauling (20 points); experience and qualifications of the individual leading the project (15 points); experience in obtaining customers, providing customer service, and creating similar projects (20 points); capacity to provide necessary equipment, staff, and supplies (20 points); demonstrated ability to maintain records (15 points); and references (10 points). Selected vendors may be required to participate in oral presentations and site visits at the vendor's expense. Monthly usage reports and quarterly subcontracting diversity supplier reports are mandatory for awarded vendors.

Questions are due September 22, 2026, with responses posted by October 6, 2026. No mandatory pre-bid meeting has been established. Vendors must submit one paper copy and one electronic copy of proposals and bear all costs associated with proposal preparation and submission.