Portable Valve Actuator

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the procurement of a portable valve actuator system, with solicitation number MDC 0000000017SL. The solicitation opened on July 28, 2025, at 8:00 AM and closed on August 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time. The procurement consists of five line items: a cordless, battery-powered portable valve actuator designed to open and close screw gates with a minimum torque capacity of 55 newton-meters, a spare rechargeable battery with minimum 5 amp hours capacity, a battery charger, a 2-inch square socket to 3-4-inch adapter, and a metal support leg with wheels adjustable between 2 and 3 feet in height. The actuator must feature a splined shaft to 3-4-inch square drive interface. All pricing must be quoted on an FOB Destination, Freight Prepaid and Allowed basis, with all costs including fabrication, freight, and delivery incorporated into the stated prices. The contract will be awarded as a blanket purchase agreement with a firm, fixed pricing structure for a one-year contract period beginning from the date of award. No pre-bid conference, site visit, or bidder's meeting was scheduled. Evaluation was based on price only, with the contract awarded to the lowest and best responsive bid that complied with all mandatory requirements. Payment terms are net 45 days upon acceptance of goods by the Department.

No specific set-asides or restrictions limiting the types of organizations eligible to respond were designated for this solicitation; however, Organizations for the Blind and Sheltered Workshops could receive bonus points ranging from 5 to 15 points on a sliding scale if they provided services or products equal to at least the greater of $5,000 or 2 percent of the total contract value. Suppliers were required to demonstrate business compliance including Missouri tax clearance ("Vendor No Tax Due" certificate), Secretary of State registration or exemption, and general business compliance documentation prior to award, and all responses had to include completed business compliance exhibits and employee conflict of interest documentation. Registration in MissouriBUYS, powered by MOVERS, was mandatory for consideration. Only one supplier submitted a response to this solicitation, and the contract was awarded in its entirety to Mellen and Associates Inc on August 13, 2025, for a total award amount of $8,911.00, consisting of $6,890.00 for the valve actuator, $294.00 for the spare battery, $166.00 for the battery charger, $729.00 for the adapter, and $832.00 for the metal support leg. No incumbent information or renewal options were specified in the award notice.