Yard waste grinding and removal services

The Town of Manchester, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, is soliciting bids for Yard Waste Grinding and Removal Services through Invitation to Bid #22/23-86. The procurement seeks a vendor to process approximately 5,328 tons of yard waste annually, with responsibilities including on-site grinding at 311 Olcott St, providing a front-end loader and operator, and removing processed materials. The contract covers yard waste collection from a year-round transfer station and weekly residential curbside collection over a 10-month period from the 3rd Monday in March to the Friday of the 2nd full week in January. Bidders must submit proposals by June 13, 2023, at 11:00 am, with a virtual bid opening via Zoom, and the initial contract term runs from the award date through July 31, 2024, with potential extensions up to four additional years. The pricing structure is based on a per-ton rate for waste removal, grinding, and disposal, with an additional requirement to deliver up to 2,000 cubic yards of finished compost for resident use. Pricing will include provisions for managing unexpected debris from weather events at an hourly rate, and future contract extensions will feature price adjustments based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.

The procurement is subject to the Town of Manchester's Living Wage Ordinance, which mandates covered employers pay either $15.34 per hour with comprehensive health care benefits or $23.35 per hour without benefits. Bidders must complete a Living Wage Certification Form indicating their status as a covered employer or demonstrating exemption based on criteria such as being a nonprofit, employing fewer than 25 eligible employees, or having an annual contract value less than $25,000. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the certification process suggests a commitment to fair labor practices. The Town reserves the right to terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice and to make awards in the municipality's best interest. Specific budget ranges are not provided, but the estimated annual waste volume of 5,328 tons and requirements for on-site processing and compost delivery suggest a substantial contract value. The procurement appears open to various vendors capable of meeting the technical and operational requirements, with a focus on efficient yard waste management and community service through compost production.