Fully Accessible Playground Equipment

The City of Madison Parks Division is seeking proposals for fully accessible playground equipment to replace the existing community-level playground at Elver Park in 2018. Vendors must submit a minimum of three playground designs featuring a fully ramp-connected main play structure with equipment age-rated for 2-5 and 5-12 year olds, plus a triple-bay arched swing with specific seat configurations. The proposal requires six stand-alone play components including spring riders, spinners, disc swings, dome/cocoon spaces, net climbers, and a vendor-choice component. All designs must be from a single manufacturer and product line, presented via rendered plan views and 3D illustrations, and must comply with ADA standards, CPSC, ASTM, and IPEMA guidelines. Key evaluation criteria include uniqueness of equipment, product line options, number of play events, past performance, design guideline compliance, durability, use of green materials, and manufacturer reputation. The RFP was issued on August 15, 2017, with questions due by August 23, 2017, answers posted August 30, 2017, and proposals due September 12, 2017, at 2:00 PM CST.

The procurement includes local vendor preference for suppliers registered with the City of Madison as of the bid due date. Contractors with 15 or more employees and aggregate annual business exceeding $25,000 must comply with affirmative action requirements, and service contracts over $5,000 are subject to living wage provisions. The City is tax-exempt and will not guarantee contract use, as the final playground design will be selected by the neighborhood after initial vendor proposals. The total budget for playground equipment is capped at $110,000, excluding delivery costs, with vendors required to guarantee equipment delivery within four weeks of purchase order receipt. Materials must be new steel or aluminum with PVC-coated components, molded slides and roofs with UV-stabilized coloring, and stainless steel hardware, with wood construction explicitly prohibited. Vendors must provide comprehensive warranty information, which will be considered during the evaluation process. The actual site location and playground square footage will be finalized during the neighborhood design selection phase.