Gnotobiotic Rodent Containment System (UW-MAD) [18-0014]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Purchasing Services Department is seeking bids for two gnotobiotic rodent containment systems, specifically sealed positive pressure (SPP) type systems with multiple cages per rack and intra-cage HEPA filters for the Department of Bacteriology. The procurement is a Request for Bid (RFB) issued on September 8, 2017, with written questions due by September 14, 2017, and final bids due on September 21, 2017, at 2:00 PM CDT. Bidders must have five years of experience providing germ-free mouse containment systems and must be original manufacturers or authorized distributors with service and repair capabilities. The University may require oral presentations, product demonstrations, or vendor site visits to validate bid information. Award will be based on the lowest extended net total bid deemed in the best interest of the University, with bid prices remaining firm for sixty days from the bid opening date. Delivery is expected to occur as soon as possible after order receipt, and the University reserves the right to adjust quantities based on actual needs.

The University is committed to supplier diversity and encourages contractors to award subcontracts to certified minority business enterprises (MBE), woman-owned businesses (WBE), and disabled veteran-owned businesses (DVB), with a goal of allocating at least five percent of the contract price to such enterprises. Bidders must provide three client references from comparable institutions and maintain appropriate insurance coverage. Pricing must include all packing, freight, insurance charges, and installation/operation manuals under FOB Destination terms, with delivery charges and risk of loss borne by the contractor. The University qualifies for governmental and educational discounts, which must be reflected in unit pricing. Prices will remain fixed for ninety days from the award date, with any subsequent price increases requiring thirty days' notice and full documentation of industry-wide cost increases. Payment will be processed net thirty days upon acceptance of goods and services. While specific budget ranges were not disclosed, the procurement is for two complete gnotobiotic rodent containment systems for research purposes.