Livestock mortality composting economic feasibility

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is conducting a competitive procurement under Competitive Solicitation No. K6350 to develop a comprehensive economic feasibility analysis for livestock mortality composting across animal-derived feedstock (ADF) operations. The procurement seeks professional services to investigate infrastructure barriers, stakeholder perceptions, and potential state interventions for managing livestock mortalities through composting, with a focus on Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Chelan, and Yakima Counties. Key deliverables include an economic feasibility analysis report, regional site suitability assessment, and a comprehensive strategic report examining composting as an alternative to current disposal methods like rendering, burial, and landfilling. The project aims to develop actionable strategies for sustainable ADF management that support agricultural resilience and environmental objectives. Significant procurement dates include a pre-bid conference on November 4, 2025, a bid submission deadline of December 4, 2025, and an anticipated contract award on January 6, 2026, with the contract term running from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Evaluation criteria will assess performance requirements (400 points), cost factors (100 points), with additional scoring considerations for small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and compliance with state procurement priorities.

The solicitation includes specific procurement preferences and set-aside designations, with potential scoring advantages for Washington Small Businesses (50 points), Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses (25 points), and firms complying with Executive Order 18-03. Bidders must complete a detailed Bidder's Profile documenting business certifications, including options to self-identify as minority/women-owned businesses, Washington small businesses, and veteran-owned enterprises. The procurement encourages businesses to provide three commercial or government references for similar services and disclose any subcontractors. Prospective contractors must submit their Washington State Department of Revenue Registration Number and Taxpayer Identification Number. The maximum budget for this procurement is $165,000, with the project focusing on creating a comprehensive strategy for managing routine and emergency animal-derived feedstocks while supporting broader environmental and agricultural objectives. The procurement coordinator for this solicitation is Derek Thedell, with responses to be submitted via email to derek.thedell@agr.wa.gov.