Livestock Market RFID Mux Project

The State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) issued Request for Proposal No. 180000001520 on March 8, 2018, seeking procurement of nine internet-based RFID (radio frequency identification) multiplexer devices to replace outdated dial-up equipment at Michigan livestock markets and slaughter facilities located in Croswell, Battle Creek, Marlette, Lake Odessa, Wayland, Jackson, St. Louis, Marion, and Cass City. The mux devices must be compatible with existing Allflex RFID panels and capable of capturing and transmitting RFID data via ethernet and high-speed internet connections to improve animal disease traceability and biosecurity across Michigan's livestock industry. Deliverables include nine units of equipment with installation support, training capabilities, warranty coverage with repair procedures, energy efficiency documentation, hazardous material disclosure, and toll-free technical support during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, with all nine locations expected to be operational by September 30, 2018. Bidders must submit proposals by March 15, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, with a bidder question submission deadline of March 12, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern and answers posted March 13, 2018. Technical evaluation is weighted at 100 points across four criteria: Product Quality (55 points), Service Capabilities (15 points), Delivery Capabilities (15 points), and Vendor Questions Worksheet (15 points), with proposals requiring a minimum technical score of 80 points before pricing evaluation; pricing proposals must be submitted separately and evaluated only after technical scoring completion. The anticipated contract begin date is March 21, 2018, with installation performed in phases by MDARD staff with remote vendor support and pricing invoiced upon completion of mux installation at individual facilities, payable via electronic funds transfer.

The RFP does not identify any set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that can respond. No incumbent contractors or current vendors are specified in the solicitation documents. The procurement requires integration with existing Allflex RFID panel infrastructure at the nine designated livestock market and slaughter facility locations. The State is not obligated to accept the lowest price proposal and will evaluate fair market value, total-cost-of-ownership factors, and overall economic impact in its award decision. Bidders must comply with certifications regarding abusive labor practices, Michigan business tax filings, Iran-linked business restrictions, environmental compliance, convict labor laws, and State tax and debt obligations. Pricing must be firm for the entire contract term with comprehensive costs including setup charges, shipping, handling, and per-piece pricing. Contracts exceeding $500,000 require State Administrative Board approval, though no specific budget range or award value is identified in the available solicitation documents.