Road Chemicals

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is soliciting bids on a statewide contract for road chemicals—road salt, brining salt, and liquid magnesium chloride—with proposals due July 7, 2026. This is a formal sealed-bid procurement (IFB) under South Dakota's Vendor's Manual for purchases exceeding $50,000, with award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder within forty-five days of bid opening.

The scope covers two categories of solid chemicals and one liquid product across four regions (AB, MT, PR, RC) for the 2026-2027 winter season. Road salt (ASTM D632 Type 1, Grade 1) must contain a minimum of 95% sodium chloride with anti-caking agents; brining salt (ASTM D632 Type 1, Grade 2) must meet 98% sodium chloride minimum and appear on the Clear Roads Qualified Product List Category 8A-B. Liquid magnesium chloride (28–32% concentration by weight with incorporated corrosion inhibitor) must be on the current Clear Roads Qualified Product List. Total anticipated volumes are 55,275 tons of road salt, 650 tons of brining salt, and 212,400 gallons of liquid magnesium chloride, with regional distribution and phased delivery from September through post-November 2026.

Road salt and brine deliveries must occur Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., within 25 calendar days of order, with $250 per-load liquidated damages for November-through-April delays. Magnesium chloride must be delivered within seven calendar days (48 hours for emergency November-April orders, with 10% premium) and incurs 5% daily liquidated damages starting day 8. Fuel cost adjustment mechanisms are included for both product categories, triggered by diesel-price fluctuations exceeding 10% from the June 3, 2026 baseline of $5.392 per gallon. Non-compliant shipments trigger liquidated damages (1–100% of product price depending on deficiency severity); two non-conforming loads per contract year may result in termination. All deliveries require advance notice, certified documentation, and independent laboratory testing with satisfactory results before payment.

The contract covers a two-year period for the 2026-2027 seasons. Bids are firm fixed-price, F.O.B. destination, net of all transportation charges, with no state sales tax included except gasoline.