Reusable To-Go Container Program (UW-MAD) [19-5753]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Purchasing Services Department is seeking proposals for a Reusable To-Go Container Program to support its dining operations across multiple campus facilities serving approximately 14,380 meals daily. The procurement requires a comprehensive solution involving sustainable, reusable containers with specific technical requirements including size variations, microwave and dishwasher safety, BPA-free materials, NSF certification, and customization options. Proposers must detail container dispensing and collection mechanisms, usage tracking capabilities, and provide comprehensive cost breakdowns for an initial purchase of roughly 15,000 containers. The evaluation process will score proposals on a 1,000-point scale, with points allocated across containers (300), dispensing containers (200), collecting containers (200), usage and reports (100), and costs (200), with only proposals scoring 500 or higher on technical sections advancing to cost evaluation. Written questions were due by June 18, 2018, with final proposals submitted by July 2, 2018 at 2:00 PM CDT, and contract award notifications planned for August 1, 2018, with the program required to be operational by August 15, 2018.

The contract includes provisions for potential five percent preference points for Certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) or Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVBs) when their proposals are within five percent of the top scoring submission. The three-year contract includes options to renew for two additional one-year periods, with automatic extensions unless 90 days' written notice of non-renewal is provided. Pricing must remain firm for the first year, with subsequent adjustments allowed only for documented, industry-wide cost increases submitted 30 days in advance. The University reserves significant contractual flexibility, including the right to conduct oral presentations, product demonstrations, and on-site visits prior to award, and to terminate the contract without cause upon 30 days' notice or immediately for performance failures. Importantly, the contract allows purchasing access not just to UW System departments, but also to State of Wisconsin agencies and eligible Wisconsin municipalities. Delivery terms are FOB Destination with the contractor responsible for delivery charges and loss risks, and payment terms are net 30 days following acceptance and testing verification.