Variable Frequency Drives & Motor Controllers (UW-MAD) [18-5812-R1]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for Variable Frequency Drives and Motor Controllers through a Request for Bid (RFB) issued on February 13, 2018, with responses due by March 6, 2018, at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time. The procurement is divided into two primary lots: Lot 1 covers soft start motor controllers (Benshaw or equal) ranging from 7.5 HP to 150 HP at various voltage specifications, while Lot 3 focuses on variable frequency drives (ABB or equal) from 5 HP to 150 HP across multiple voltage configurations. Bidders must submit one hard copy of a sealed bid to the Purchasing Services office, with electronic submissions permitted via email if properly signed. The contract period will run from March 1, 2018, through February 28, 2021, with potential automatic renewal for two additional one-year terms. Award will be determined based on the lowest net line item price or lowest net lot total, prioritizing the University's best interests. Evaluation criteria include pricing, with prices required to remain firm for one year and subsequent increases limited to documented cost increases with 30 days' written notice.

The solicitation includes significant supplier diversity provisions, encouraging contractors to allocate at least 5 percent of contract value to Wisconsin-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and 1 percent to Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVBs). Contractors must maintain a minimum two-year warranty on all items and carry $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance, with certificates naming the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System as an additional insured. The contract extends purchasing privileges beyond the University of Wisconsin-Madison to other UW System campuses, State of Wisconsin agencies, and Wisconsin municipalities. No specific budget range was explicitly stated, but the comprehensive nature of the solicitation suggests a potentially significant procurement value across motor controller and variable frequency drive categories. The RFB does not mandate oral presentations, product demonstrations, or site visits, providing flexibility in the bidding process while maintaining clear technical and insurance requirements for potential vendors.