Water Purification Chemical- Food Grade Granular Salt

The City of Newark, New Jersey, through its Division of Central Purchasing, is soliciting bids for Invitation to Bid (ITB) #2025-98 for Water Purification Chemical- Food Grade Granular Salt, to be delivered to the Pequannock Water Treatment Plant in West Milford. The procurement seeks a supplier of food grade granular salt (Culinox 999) used for onsite sodium hypochlorite generation in water treatment, with an estimated annual quantity of 550 tons and a minimum shipment of 22 tons. The contract will span twenty-four consecutive months, with delivery requirements seven days a week and a maximum delivery time of two days from order placement. Bidders must provide unit costs for 1-ton and 22-ton quantities, with prices to remain firm throughout the contract period. The salt must meet specific chemical and physical standards, including 99.95% sodium chloride, low sulfate and calcium/magnesium levels, and compliance with USDA No. 1 coarse sediment standards. Key submission deadlines include a November 19, 2025 deadline for questions, with responses due by November 25, 2025, at 10:15 am through the city's e-Procurement Portal. Contractors must provide NSF certification, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and a certificate of analysis with each delivery, and be prepared to respond to emergency service calls within 15 minutes.

The procurement opportunity includes several mandatory compliance requirements that may restrict potential bidders. Vendors must complete multiple forms demonstrating compliance with various state and federal regulations, including a Federal Non-Debarment Certification, Disclosure of Prohibited Activities in Russia and Belarus, Iran Investment Disclosure, and a comprehensive Vendor Submission Form package. These documents require detailed disclosures about business ownership, potential political contributions, and certifications of non-involvement in restricted international activities. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the extensive compliance requirements suggest a rigorous vetting process for potential contractors. The City of Newark reserves the right to award the contract in whole or in part and adjust quantities based on actual requirements. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the annual salt requirement of 550 tons suggests a significant procurement opportunity for the selected vendor. Potential bidders must carefully review all documentation and ensure full compliance with the city's extensive administrative and operational requirements to be considered for the contract.