Septic Tank & Vault Pumping Services - MDOT Grand Region

The Michigan Department of Transportation is soliciting proposals under RFP 270000000140 for septic tank and vault pumping services at Grand Region rest areas and roadside parks, with a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on November 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET via Microsoft Teams and proposals due November 12, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET through SIGMA VSS. Amendment 1 corrected the proposal deadline from 12:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. Bidders must hold current EGLE licensure for septage waste servicing, EGLE licensing for every septage waste removal vehicle, and EGLE land application permits where applicable, and proposals are scored pass/fail on these mandatory minimums. The State may consider Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business preference qualification under Michigan statute.

Work is as-needed. Contractors must complete each request within 24 hours of contact by MDOT's Program Manager, provide backup equipment for mechanical breakdowns, and list equipment they own and will have available at contract start. Septage must go to EGLE-authorized receiving facilities or permitted land application, with receipts submitted alongside invoices. Bidders may price only the counties and locations they can service. Required insurance includes commercial general liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million general aggregate, environmental and pollution liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate, and automobile liability of $1 million per accident. Certificates in ACORD format are due before contract execution.

The contract runs three years, effective approximately December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2029, with up to two additional one-year renewals at the State's sole discretion. Quantities are estimates, and the State is not obligated to purchase in those amounts. Pricing is firm for 365-day periods, with adjustments only upon documented cost changes and mutual agreement. Payment is Net 45 by electronic funds transfer for accepted deliverables only. Liquidated damages are $500 plus $50 per day for each day a deficiency remains unremedied. Multiple contracts may be awarded, with award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder on county-specific pricing.

Redlines must include justifications, and bidders submitting extensive redlines or general negotiation statements may be deemed non-responsive. Termination for convenience, Michigan governing law, and the absence of State indemnification and binding arbitration are non-negotiable. A Confidential Treatment Form is mandatory for every proposal, and pricing and resumes cannot be designated confidential. The Vendor Questions Worksheet requires three relevant projects of similar size and scope from the last five years and disqualifies any bidder that participated in developing the solicitation. Written questions are due November 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET, with answers posted by November 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET.