UW Platteville's College of Engineering Mathematics and Science is looking for a CNC metal cutting fiber optic type laser capable of cutting ferrous and nonferrous metals.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, through its Purchasing Services Department, is seeking to procure a CNC metal cutting fiber optic laser system for the College of Engineering Mathematics and Science. The specific procurement involves acquiring a 1000W solid state fiber laser capable of cutting both ferrous and nonferrous metals with precise specifications. The laser system must have a minimum cutting area of 49" x 25" and demonstrate the ability to cut 10mm mild steel and 3mm aluminum, brass, and copper materials. Critical requirements include a fully enclosed cutting area with laser radiation shielding and safety interlocks, and the ability to fit through a 74" wide x 95" high doorway with an 8'x8' or smaller footprint. Bid questions were due by February 18, 2018, with answers posted on VendorNet by February 23, 2018. Sealed bids were required to be submitted by March 7, 2018, at 3:00 PM, with a public bid opening scheduled for March 8, 2018, at 3:00 PM. Bids were to remain firm for sixty days from the date of bid opening, with award notification to be provided in writing following bid evaluation.

The procurement offers a potential five percent minority business enterprise (MBE) preference for vendors certified by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. Vendors must accept standard State of Wisconsin terms and conditions or submit detailed exceptions with proposed alternative language. Successful bidders are required to maintain commercial liability insurance with a minimum of one million dollars coverage and workers' compensation insurance as mandated by Wisconsin Statutes. The equipment must be warranted against defects for one year from receipt, with the manufacturer's standard warranty serving as a minimum baseline. Governmental and educational discounts must be reflected in unit pricing, and the contract includes termination provisions allowing the University to cancel with thirty calendar days' notice and contractors to cancel with one hundred twenty calendar days' notice. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement is for a single unit of the specified CNC metal cutting laser system, suggesting a specialized equipment purchase for the university's engineering program.