Sealed positive-pressure cage system for germ-free rats (UW-MAD) [20-0012]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for a sealed positive-pressure cage system for germ-free rats through Request for Bid (RFB) 20-0012, issued by UW Purchasing Services on behalf of the Department of Bacteriology. The procurement requires a comprehensive caging system that includes positive pressure sealed cages for rats, HEPA filtration for supplied and exhausted air, battery backup, at least 30 autoclavable rat cages, in-cage HEPA filters, and one operation manual. Delivery is specified as FOB Destination Installed to the Service Memorial Institute (SMI Building), Room 620, in Madison, Wisconsin. The bid timeline includes written questions due by August 12, 2019, and final bids due by 2:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time on August 19, 2019. Bidders must submit a complete hard copy with original signatures, one Flash Drive copy, or an email submission. Evaluation criteria include the lowest extended net total bid judged to be in the best interest of the University, with bid prices and terms remaining firm for 60 days from the bid opening date. The University reserves the right to conduct on-site demonstrations within 30 working days and may require oral presentations for evaluation purposes.

The University encourages bids from Wisconsin-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman-Owned Businesses (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), potentially offering preference for qualified bids within 5 percent of the apparent low bid. Contractors must be original manufacturers, authorized distributors, or authorized dealers with service and repair capabilities, demonstrating at least three years of experience providing sealed positive-pressure cage systems for germ-free rats. Bidders are required to provide three client references from comparable-sized institutions within the past three years. The successful contractor must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and add the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System as an additional insured. Payment terms are Net 30 days following acceptance of goods and services, and the contractor must maintain the manufacturer's standard warranty on all items. Additionally, the contractor must comply with Wisconsin Statutes regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, and certify that they are not engaged in or will not engage in a boycott of the State of Israel per Executive Order 261.