Water Microbiology Proficiency Testing Samples (UW-MAD) [18-5873]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking bids for Water Microbiology Proficiency Testing Samples through a Request for Bid (RFB) on behalf of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Proficiency Testing Department. The procurement involves two separate lots: Lot 1 for lyophilized samples and Lot 2 for whole-volume samples, with only one lot to be awarded. The annual estimated quantities include 200 full sample sets for the Water Microbiology Certification program (5 samples per set, 2 shipments annually) and 75 full sample sets for the Water Microbiology Quality Assurance program (3 samples per set, 2 shipments annually). Bidders must submit responses by December 6, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. CST, with the initial contract term running from January 1, 2018, through October 31, 2020. Key requirements include cGMP manufacturing compliance, specific organism concentration requirements, sample validation, shipping via express courier with tracking, ISO certification, and maintaining a 3% overage on manufactured samples. The award will be based on the lowest net line item price or lowest net lot total, serving the University's best interest.

The procurement includes supplier diversity preferences, allowing awards to certified Minority Business Enterprise or Disabled Veteran-Owned Business firms submitting qualified bids not more than 5% higher than the apparent low bid. The contract's scope extends beyond the University of Wisconsin-Madison to other UW System campuses, Wisconsin state agencies, and municipalities. Pricing must remain firm for the initial contract term, with any price increase requests limited to fully documented cost increases and requiring submission 180 calendar days before the next contract term. Bidders are required to quote firm prices for specific sample items and offer a single percentage discount on non-listed, related items from manufacturer catalogs. All prices must be FOB Destination, with delivery and freight costs borne by the contractor, and must comply with campus truck restrictions. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the procurement involves multiple sample sets across two lots, suggesting a moderate-value contract with potential for multi-year renewal.