Seed potato test plot planting & maintenance (UW-MAD) [22-5990]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for seed potato test plot planting and maintenance services through a Request for Bid (RFB) for its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program. The procurement covers establishing and managing approximately 16.75 to 19.00 acres of test plots, with potential expansion to 22-24 acres. Contractors must provide land, equipment, facilities, and labor for comprehensive potato testing services, including soil preparation, planting, cultivation, irrigation, and pest management. The project requires bidders to have three years of seed potato testing experience and submit three client references. Key deliverables include planting potato seed samples between November 16 and December 4, with university personnel providing oversight and a specialized seed potato planter. Bid submissions were due electronically by July 1, 2021, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with written questions accepted until June 25, 2021. The University will evaluate bids based on the lowest qualified extended net total bid, with consideration given to the overall best interest of the institution.

The solicitation includes potential preferences for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVB) when bids are within five percent of the lowest bid. Contractors must maintain $1 million in commercial liability and bodily injury insurance and comply with federal and state procurement regulations, including debarment certification. The contract will run from September 1, 2021, through August 31, 2022, with automatic renewal options for two additional one-year terms. Pricing must be submitted on a net unit price per-acre basis, with any future price increases limited to documented, industry-wide cost changes and submitted 60 calendar days prior to renewal. The University reserves the right to terminate the contract without cause, providing 30 days' notice and payment only for work completed to date. Contractors must also demonstrate American manufacturing capabilities where applicable and ensure all services are performed within the United States. While no specific budget range was explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the service suggests a potentially significant annual contract value for the selected vendor.