Furnace Dryer for Tobacco Barn

Auburn University is seeking sealed bids for a specialized Furnace Dryer for a Tobacco Barn through a competitive Request for Bid (RFB) process, solicitation number AU-2023-0000589. The procurement is for a comprehensive tobacco barn system with precise technical specifications, including a fully metal-constructed agricultural facility designed for tobacco curing and drying. The system requires a 10 HP, 220v, 1-phase squirrel cage fan, stainless steel heat exchanger, and a two-stage burner compatible with LPG or natural gas. The furnace must include advanced programmable, computer-controlled furnace controls with redundant safety mechanisms, digital displays for dry and wet bulb temperatures, relative humidity, and temperature advance rates. The procurement covers both the equipment and its delivery/installation, with specific commodity codes 41104600 for laboratory furnaces and accessories and 23201200 for industrial drying equipment. Bids were to be submitted through the JAGGAER Sourcing Event Portal, with the solicitation opening on November 8, 2022, and closing on November 16, 2022, at 10:30 AM CST.

The contract opportunity emphasizes support for Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business (SB & SDB) suppliers, requiring contractors to make concerted efforts to utilize such enterprises during contract performance. Bidders were required to submit a completed and notarized vendor disclosure statement and comply with Alabama state bid laws and E-Verify requirements. The university reserves the right to award the contract in whole or in part, with payment terms set at Net 30. The procurement potentially extends contract availability to other eligible entities, including Auburn University at Montgomery and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. While specific budget ranges were not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive technical specifications and specialized nature of the equipment suggest a significant investment in agricultural research and technology infrastructure. The bid includes standard legal provisions related to immigration law compliance and indemnification, reflecting a comprehensive approach to procurement that goes beyond simple equipment acquisition.