Rock Salt for Snow and Ice Control

The City of Wichita, Kansas, through its Public Works & Utilities Department, Street Maintenance Division, is soliciting competitive bids for the supply of rock salt for snow and ice control operations. The procurement requires a uniform rock salt mixture meeting specified gradation requirements and treated with anti-caking compounds at a minimum of 20 parts per million, with an estimated annual requirement of 6,000 tons divided equally between vendor delivery and City pickup options. Vendors must provide pricing for delivery to multiple locations including the Central Maintenance Facility, West Substation, Northeast Substation, and City-designated sites, with delivery required to commence within 48 hours of order placement and complete within seven calendar days. Successful bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years' experience providing similar services, maintain registration with the Kansas Secretary of State, carry specified insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by May 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time via email or the procurement portal, with bids due electronically on May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Award will be based on the lowest and best total net bid from a responsible and responsive vendor, with the City reserving the right to award to up to three lowest responsible bidders and guaranteeing a minimum purchase of 1,000 tons from the single lowest bidder during the contract term. The contract term is one year with two optional one-year renewal periods under identical terms and conditions, cancellable by either party with 30 days' written notice.

This competitive procurement contains no identified set-aside designations or restrictions limiting bidder eligibility based on disadvantaged enterprise status or organizational type, allowing any qualified vendor meeting the stated experience and insurance requirements to respond. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. The City of Wichita is exempt from state sales tax and federal excise taxes under Federal Excise Tax Exemption Certificate Number 48 77 0021K, which bidders must accommodate in their pricing. The anticipated contract award and budget range are not explicitly stated in the solicitation; however, based on the estimated annual requirement of 6,000 tons and the minimum guaranteed purchase of 1,000 tons from the lowest bidder, the contract value will be contingent on submitted pricing. City Council approval is tentatively scheduled for June 9, 2026, and the procurement portal will serve as the official submission and communication mechanism throughout the bidding process.