Memorial Benches and Commemorative Plaques

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) has issued Request for Quotation (RFQ) 26006077 to procure memorial benches and commemorative plaques for deployment across its various divisions, with particular focus on state parks. The procurement encompasses three categories of deliverables: partially recycled materials benches available with or without backrests and armrests, fully recycled materials benches constructed entirely from recycled plastics and rubber with similar configuration options, and replacement plaques only for installation by DEM staff. All benches must meet specified dimensions of 71 inches in length, 24 3/16 inches in width, and 2 feet 9 inches in total height, with walnut-colored recycled plastic seat slats and black base posts. The vendor must demonstrate a minimum of five years' experience in this field and provide a minimum 10-year warranty against structural failure for recycled plastic benches, plus an additional one-year warranty for other goods and services. Deliverables must include fully assembled benches with mounted plaques delivered within 90 days of order completion, and 2 by 10 inch commemorative metal or cast iron plaques with engravings limited to "In Memory of" or "In Honor of" designations approved by DEM. The solicitation period runs from April 6, 2026, through May 4, 2026, with vendor questions accepted through April 20, 2026. The initial contract period will begin approximately July 1, 2026, and extend through June 30, 2027, with options for renewal for up to two additional 12-month periods based on vendor performance and fund availability. Pricing must be submitted as a firm, fixed unit price per item quoted net F.O.B. destination including inside delivery, with all product specifications required as part of the bid proposal.

A 15 percent minority business enterprise (MBE) participation requirement applies to the total dollar value of this procurement. All vendors must be registered in Ocean State Procures to submit responses, and proposals submitted through alternative means such as email, mail, fax, or hand delivery will not be accepted. Required insurance coverage includes general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation at $100,000 limits, and automobile liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence. A contract administrative fee of 0.33 percent of annual spend will be withheld by the State at invoice payment. The solicitation anticipates replacement of approximately 100 existing benches across Rhode Island state parks, with approximately 10 benches projected for replacement within the first year and subsequent years requiring fewer replacements based on the average 10-year lifespan of previously used equipment. Pricing for the first three years of the contract will remain fixed at rates outlined in the cost proposal, with potential negotiated increases during renewal periods limited to reasonable amounts supported by documented cost increases, and DEM reserves the right to terminate the contract without obligation if requested price increases are deemed excessive. No estimated total contract value is specified in the solicitation documents.