Disposable Rodent Caging Systems (UW-MAD) [18-5928]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for disposable rodent caging systems primarily for laboratory research animals, specifically rats and mice. This Request for Bid (RFB) solicits proposals from manufacturers, authorized distributors, or dealers with at least three years of experience providing such systems. Bidders must submit unit list prices with percentage discounts and net prices, with all discounts rounded to whole numbers. The contract term will run from August 1, 2017, through July 31, 2020, with potential automatic renewal for two additional one-year terms. Evaluation will be based on the highest percentage discounts for items on the Itemized Bid List, with the University reserving the right to award to a single bidder or multiple contractors. Key deadlines include written questions due by August 22, 2017, and final bids due on August 28, 2017, at 2:00 PM CDT. Bidders may conduct site visits by contacting Mike Gallardo and must be prepared to potentially provide oral presentations, product demonstrations, and allow vendor site visits for validation.

The University encourages subcontracting with certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), with a target of at least 5 percent of contract value awarded to such enterprises. Eligible purchasers under this contract include all University of Wisconsin System campuses, State of Wisconsin agencies, and Wisconsin municipalities. Bidders must provide three client references from comparable institutions and maintain appropriate insurance coverage naming the Board of Regents as additional insured. Compliance with federal and state debarment, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action requirements is mandatory. The procurement requires F.O.B. Destination pricing, with all delivery charges, freight, insurance, and installation manuals included. Pricing must remain firm for the initial contract term, with any price increase requests limited to fully documented cost increases submitted 30 calendar days prior to the next contract term. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the comprehensive requirements suggest a significant procurement for laboratory research infrastructure.