Multi-Step ITB Purchase of Polymer Flocculent

Clean Water Services, a district in Oregon, is conducting a Multi-Step Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the purchase of polymer flocculent to be used in dewatering anaerobically digested sludges at their wastewater treatment facilities. The procurement process is structured in two distinct phases: first, vendors must participate in bench and performance testing to demonstrate their product's ability to meet the district's specific requirements, with vendors eligible to receive $3.51 per active pound for trial product supplies. Following successful performance testing, qualified vendors will be invited to submit electronic bids, which are due by 2:00 p.m. PST on November 9, 2023, with a subsequent public bid opening. The contract will initially be for one year, with options to renew for up to two additional one-year periods. Evaluation criteria will focus on product performance, compatibility with existing centrifuge equipment, and ability to meet the district's technical specifications. Vendors are encouraged to conduct optimization testing prior to the performance testing phase to maximize their chances of qualification.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on participating organizations. Clean Water Services reserves the right to award multiple contracts under this procurement and may reject bids that do not comply with the established procedures or cancel the solicitation if deemed in the public interest. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the contract will cover polymer product procurement for wastewater treatment sludge dewatering processes. The district appears open to competitive bidding from qualified vendors who can successfully demonstrate their polymer's effectiveness through the two-step testing and bidding process. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or specific integration requirements beyond the need for the polymer to work effectively with existing centrifuge equipment at the treatment facilities.