Soap Detergent Coach Wash for Bus Rack System

The City of Detroit Office of Contracting and Procurement, on behalf of the Department of Transportation, is soliciting competitive quotes for the supply of biodegradable liquid detergent (coach wash) for automated bus wash systems serving the bus rack system at various city locations. The procurement is structured as a Request for Quote (RFQ #540040.1) for a two-year contract term with one optional one-year renewal. Qualified vendors must be firms regularly engaged in the manufacture or supply of coach wash detergent for a minimum of four years and must provide three customer references from transit agencies or comparable fleet operations. Deliverables include bi-monthly delivery of 275-gallon or 330-gallon totes with annual usage of 8,250 gallons (30 totes per year), and the detergent must meet specific performance standards including biodegradability, non-toxicity, a pH of 7.5 to 8.5, specific gravity of 1.02 minimum, and effective performance when diluted at a 1:25 ratio for exterior washing. Bidders must submit complete Technical Data Sheets and Material Safety Data Sheets, provide samples for testing and approval prior to contract award, and deliver a 16-ounce sample from each delivery tanker for quality inspection. The contract is subject to compliance with Federal OSHA directives, Michigan MIOSHA standards, and City of Detroit ordinances regarding health, safety, and environmental regulations. The advertisement date was February 27, 2026, with questions due by March 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST, and quotes due March 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST; all bids must be submitted through the Bonfire procurement portal with no pre-bid conference scheduled. Contract award is anticipated to be made to one or multiple vendors following evaluation and City Council approval.

The City of Detroit offers equalization credits and competitive advantages to certified businesses participating in procurement opportunities, with eligible vendors including Detroit-based businesses, Detroit resident businesses, Detroit headquartered businesses, small and micro businesses, construction workforce businesses, and joint venture or mentor venture participants, providing equalization allowances ranging from 1 percent to 5 percent depending on business classification. Under Detroit City Municipal Code Section 17-5-12, the lowest equalized bidder shall be awarded the contract provided the equalized bid does not exceed 12 percent above the lowest responsible bid submitted or $100,000, whichever is less, and the Purchasing Director may limit bidding exclusively to Detroit-based or small/micro businesses when at least three eligible certified firms exist. Successful respondents must complete mandatory clearance requirements prior to contract award, including submission of a notarized City of Detroit Consolidated Affidavits package, Certificate of Insurance, Income and Revenue Tax Clearance from the City of Detroit Treasury, and compliance certifications regarding hiring policies, slavery era records, prison industry participation, and political contributions disclosures. Required forms and affidavits include a Certificate of Authority, Affidavit of Disclosure of Interests, Non-Collusion Affidavit, and an Amendment Acknowledgment form where applicable, all requiring notarization and submission with the proposal. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is identified in the procurement documents, and no specific budget or award value is disclosed in the available materials; pricing will be evaluated based on submitted quotes for the coach wash detergent supply contract.