University of Montana Missoula Natural Gas

The University of Montana Missoula is seeking a firm natural gas supply contract through a competitive bidding process, with an Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation for comprehensive natural gas services. The procurement covers approximately 531,600 MMBTU of annual natural gas delivery, with daily delivery capabilities up to 5,000 MMBTU, to be delivered into Northwestern Energy's transmission system. The contract will span two years, beginning July 1, 2025, with potential renewals extending up to a total of seven years. Key objectives include providing natural gas to the main University of Montana campus and Scisson Craighead Apartments, with the successful vendor responsible for nominating gas volumes, managing storage subscriptions, and invoicing facilities based on actual gas volumes delivered. The bid will be awarded on an all-or-none basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with specific requirements including transmission and storage fuel reimbursements, upstream pipeline charges, and accounting for Northwestern Energy's 2.46% transmission fuel reimbursement rate. Critical deadlines include a June 4, 2025 deadline for submitting questions through the state's eMACS system, with final bid responses due by June 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM MST.

The procurement does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract allows the successful contractor to retain up to 10% of verified transportation discounts and requires facilities to purchase all natural gas volumes throughout the contract term. While no incumbent vendors are specifically identified, the solicitation includes a mandatory provision that offerors cannot have discriminatory practices against firearm entities or trade associations. The estimated annual contract value appears to be substantial, with the usage and customer list detailing approximately 255,570 MMBTU annual consumption for the main University of Montana site and 9,890 MMBTU for the Scisson Craighead Apartments. The commodity is categorized under code 2306 for Fuel/Energy - Natural Gas, and potential bidders should be prepared to provide comprehensive natural gas supply and transmission services. The contact for the Request for Proposal (RFP) is Bob Hlynosky, who can be reached at bob.hlynosky@mso.umt.edu or +1 406-243-5595 for additional information.