Evaluation of Procurement Practices as They Relate to Recycled Materials

The State of Oregon's Department of Administrative Services (DAS), in consultation with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), is seeking a contractor to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of state procurement practices related to recycled materials, as mandated by Senate Bill 582 from the 2021 legislative session. The procurement opportunity, identified as RFP S-10700-00007620, involves a detailed study of procurement practices focusing on recycled products, recycled polyethylene terephthalate, and other recycled materials as defined in ORS 279A.010. The project is structured into five distinct phases: project setup and management, evaluation of current procurement practices, feasibility study on increasing purchases of products with post-consumer recycled content, development of recommendations for best practices and potential legislation, and preparation of a final report. Proposers must demonstrate expertise in recycling and recycled content product evaluation, data analysis, and providing legislative, policy, and rule recommendations. The solicitation requires detailed cost proposals including personnel rates, travel, supplies, and other associated costs. Proposals are due by August 10, 2023, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time, with all work to be completed and a final report presented by April 30, 2024.

The procurement includes specific provisions for disadvantaged business enterprises, requiring proposers to take reasonable steps to ensure certified minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses have equal opportunities to compete and participate in potential subcontracting opportunities. Proposers must complete a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan, indicating whether they are a certified firm, listing previous contractual relationships with certified firms, and describing steps to solicit certified firms for subcontracting. The solicitation shows a preference for Oregon-based goods and services and those utilizing recycled materials. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement anticipates awarding a single contract with a not-to-exceed compensation amount. The geographical scope encompasses Marion County and the City of Salem, with the contract requiring comprehensive documentation, including a Proposer Information and Certification Sheet, a Responsibility Inquiry form, and potential disclosure exemption considerations. Proposers must also provide detailed information about their financial resources, past contract performance, and capability to meet the contractual requirements.