Spread Fertilizer Service

The University of Montana's College of Forestry and Conservation is seeking bids for a Spread Fertilizer Service contract (UOM-IFB-2025-3301) to provide fertilizer spreading services across four specific fields at the Bandy Ranch in Ovando, Montana. The procurement covers a total of 167 acres, including a 70-acre grass field, a 22-acre grass-alfalfa pivot, a 36-acre grass-alfalfa pivot, and a 39-acre grass field. Bidders must demonstrate the capability to apply various fertilizer blends with precise specifications, and provide comprehensive documentation including references, company profiles, and resumes proving their ability to meet project requirements. The solicitation requires contractors to submit proposals through the State of Montana's eMACS system by March 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM MST, with questions accepted until March 14, 2025. Evaluation criteria include responsiveness, responsibility, and the ability to meet specific agricultural service requirements, with the contract to be awarded on an all-or-none basis to the lowest qualified bidder.

The procurement offers potential opportunities for businesses, with a notable emphasis on compliance with specific state regulations, including a possible 5% bonus points for companies demonstrating compliance with Executive Order No. 12-2016 on Equal Pay for Montana Women. Bidders must meet stringent insurance requirements and comply with Montana's Workers' Compensation Act, prevailing wage provisions, and a non-discrimination clause that prohibits discrimination against firearm entities or trade associations. The contract is structured for an initial one-year term with potential renewals up to a maximum of seven years, and includes fixed pricing throughout the contract period. The total estimated cost of ownership is approximately $12,000, with payment terms set at Net 30 in US Dollars. Commodity codes 0102 (Agricultural - Fertilizer) and 1607 (Environmental Services - Fertilizer Services) are used to classify the work, and the primary contact for the bid is Chris Newlon, who can be reached at chris.newlon@mso.umt.edu.