UNC-Energy Servies - Cogeneration Systems Sodium Hydroxide

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a vendor to supply sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) for its cogeneration facility's water treatment system through Invitation for Bid (IFB) #3000012570. The procurement involves an estimated annual requirement of 47,000 gallons of a 49-51 percent sodium hydroxide solution with specific technical requirements, including a 1.53 specific gravity at 60F, 52F freezing point, and 60 centipoise viscosity at 70F. Delivery expectations include approximately 98 percent of volume via tanker truck in 3,000-4,000 gallon batches, with the remaining 2 percent in 55-gallon drums, all delivered within three days of order on a Free-On-Board Destination basis anywhere in North Carolina. Vendors must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience selling and servicing sodium hydroxide products and provide customer references and independent laboratory test results confirming specification compliance. The bid submission deadline is January 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST, with written vendor questions due by December 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST. The initial contract term is three years with two optional one-year renewal periods, and award will be made to the lowest responsive bidder meeting all specifications.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses, though the bid documents include HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) participation information. The university reserves the right to make separate awards to different vendors or reject all bids entirely. While no specific budget range is provided, the annual volume of approximately 47,000 gallons suggests a potentially significant contract value. The procurement process includes several required attachments such as pricing forms, worker location documentation, financial condition certification, and potential Executive Order 50 price-matching requests. Vendors must be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation demonstrating their capability to meet the technical specifications and delivery requirements. The university's approach indicates a comprehensive evaluation process focused on both price competitiveness and technical capability, with a strong emphasis on vendor qualifications and product performance specifications.