Furnish and Deliver Longleaf Pine Straw

Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) in Hammond, Louisiana, is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the furnishing and delivery of Longleaf Pine (Pinus Palustris) straw on an as-needed basis. The primary requirement is for bidders to supply and deliver up to ten 53-foot semi-trailer loads per year during a twelve-month contract period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with each load containing approximately 1,400 bales of fresh, dry, clean straw meeting quality standards of less than 1% debris by volume. Bidders must deliver loads within two weeks of order placement during normal business hours (7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday), with the semi-trailer remaining on site until the next delivery cycle approximately three to four months later. The solicitation also includes optional items for delivery and installation of rectangular or round bales as mulch in landscape beds. Key qualifications include obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage with minimum commercial general liability limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate, in addition to workers' compensation and automobile liability coverage. Bid prices must be quoted F.O.B. Destination with freight prepaid and must include all transportation, handling, and expenses, excluding only state sales tax. The deadline for fax inquiries is April 21, 2026, with sealed bids due by May 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time at the SLU Purchasing Department, where the bid opening will occur immediately thereafter.

Louisiana preference is available for products produced, manufactured, or harvested in Louisiana that are equal in quality to out-of-state products, giving eligible local suppliers a competitive advantage. There are no identified set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to disadvantaged enterprises, allowing all qualified bidders to compete. Bid prices must remain firm for a minimum of thirty calendar days, and the contract includes a renewal option of four additional 12-month periods at the same price, terms, and conditions if mutually agreed upon by both parties. Payment terms are Net 30 days following receipt of invoice or delivery, whichever is later. The SLU Purchasing Department reserves the right to award items separately, grouped, or on an all-or-none basis and to reject any or all bids. While no specific budget range or award value is published in the solicitation documents, the contract scope of up to ten loads per year provides a defined procurement volume for pricing considerations. All sealed bids must be submitted in writing with proper authorization signatures; facsimile and email submissions are not permitted.