Notice of Intent to Award for BAFO 180000000016

The State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality issued a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) solicitation (180000000016) for a one-time purchase of Backpack Electrofishing Units. The original Request for Proposal (RFP 180000001649) was posted on the SIGMA VSS platform on March 12, 2018, with a 15-day response period ending March 27, 2018; following a vendor protest, the solicitation was rebid as a BAFO posted on April 25, 2018, with a 9-day response period concluding May 3, 2018. The procurement sought complete electrofishing equipment packages including backpack units, lithium ion batteries, battery charging units, electrofishing wands with switches, wand rings, cathodes, low conductivity wands, and travel cases. Three vendors submitted responsive and responsible proposals meeting all mandatory requirements, and the evaluation process assessed bids based on lowest-priced compliant offering. Smith-Root Inc of Vancouver, Washington was recommended for award at $17,951.00 after discount (original price $18,400.00), pending State Administrative Board approval, with bidders not selected eligible to schedule debriefing sessions with Clayton Nurenberg, the Solicitation Manager, at nurenbergc@michigan.gov or 517-284-5009.

The solicitation documentation does not specify any set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendor requirements. The competitive bidding process included three qualified vendors: Halltech Aquatic Research Inc (Guelph, Ontario, Canada) at $17,951.00 after discount, Midwest Management, Inc (Polo, Missouri) at $48,715.00, and Smith-Root Inc at the recommended award amount of $17,951.00. No specific information regarding required certifications, minority business enterprise status, or integration with existing state infrastructure was noted in the award documentation. The final contract award amount of $17,951.00 represents the lowest compliant bid with discount applied, and the procurement was pending State Administrative Board approval as of the May 10, 2018 posting date.