Recycling Waste Containers and Sorting Stations

The Minnesota Department of Administration is soliciting proposals for recycling waste containers and sorting stations, with questions due November 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM Central Time and proposals due December 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM Central Time. Only OEMs and authorized distributors are eligible, since brokers are not accepted under Minnesota Rules 1230.0150, and the RFP designates no set-aside. The procurement serves state agencies and Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV) members in support of the Office of Sustainability's goal of a combined 75% recycling and composting rate by 2030.

The solicitation has three line items: containers and sorting stations, replacement parts and accessories, and services. Products include elevated modular, fully enclosed plastic, standard plastic, outdoor weather-resistant, bear-resistant metal, and indoor return-station units, with custom colors, graphics, and multilingual labeling under Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards. Responders must provide MPCA-compliant branding, accessibility-compliant signage with Braille pricing, dedicated customer representation for quotes and technical support, statewide delivery, and annual usage reporting. Nine pass/fail requirements apply, including statewide service coverage, no-charge customized graphics and non-visual communication standards, and replaceable parts. Triclosan, coal tar, and certain PFAS-containing products are prohibited, and all data storage and processing must occur within the United States. Pricing is a percentage discount from OEM or dealer list price across 40 required line items in six categories, with delivery within 15 calendar days and FOB Destination shipping included. Responders may propose all or specific product tiers and alternate production models.

The estimated contract value is $500,000 to $600,000 per year, which is neither a minimum nor a maximum, and all quantities are estimates. The term runs April 1, 2027 through March 31, 2028, with an option to extend up to an additional 48 months in increments determined by the State. The contract is non-exclusive. Required insurance includes commercial general liability of $2,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, and commercial automobile liability of $2,000,000 combined single limit. Responders must submit a Workforce Certificate for contracts exceeding $100,000 and an Equal Pay Certificate for contracts exceeding $500,000.

Evaluation proceeds in three phases. Phase 1 assesses responsiveness and mandatory requirements on a pass/fail basis. Phase 2 scores acceptance of State terms (100 points), product documentation (100 points), and cost detail (800 points), with up to 120 additional preference points for eligible targeted group, economically disadvantaged, or veteran-owned businesses. Phase 3 selects finalists by best value, with evaluation anticipated to conclude January 2027. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the SWIFT Supplier Portal, and late, fax, and non-electronic responses are not accepted. Direct questions to Kara Ramm at kara.ramm@state.mn.us or 651-201-3142. SWIFT portal support is available at 651-201-8100, Option 1, then Option 1.