Project Information

Bid Title

RFP 2026-049 Pilot Fiberboard Machine

Issuing Agency

University of Maine

Location

Maine

Published Date

Dec 5, 2025

Closing Date

Dec 17, 2025

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

2026-049

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

bid #	due date	due time	commodity	attachments	addenda
2026-049	17-Dec-2025	11:59 pm	RFP 2026-049 Pilot Fiberboard Machine	No attachments available	No addenda file(s) available

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Administered by University of Maine System

Office of Strategic Procurement

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Pilot Fiberboard Machine

RFP #2026-049

Issued Date: 12/4/2025

Response Deadline Date/Time: 12/17/2025, 11:59 p.m. EST

Response Submission Information:

Submitted electronically to UMSResponses@maine.edu

Email Subject Line – DH: Pilot Fiberboard Machine - RFP#2026-049

Response Contact Information:

Email: UMSResponses@maine.edu

Request for Proposal – Pilot Fiberboard Machine

Dated: 12/4/2025

Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Definitions, Background, Purpose and Specifications................................................. 3

1.2 General Information ............................................................................................................... 5

1.3 General Submission Provisions ......................................................................................... 9

2.0 EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS............................................................................... 11

2.1 Evaluation Criteria................................................................................................................ 11

2.2 Award....................................................................................................................................... 12

2.3 Tie Bids.................................................................................................................................... 12

2.4 Negotiations ........................................................................................................................... 12

2.5 Award Protest ........................................................................................................................ 13

3.0 RESPONSE FORMAT REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................. 13

3.1 General Format Instructions.............................................................................................. 13

3.2 Response Format Instructions ......................................................................................... 14

Appendix A – University of Maine System Response Cover Page................................... 15

Appendix B – Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification...................... 16

Appendix C – Required Cost Evaluation Exhibits................................................................. 17

Appendix D – Master Agreement ............................................................................................... 19

Appendix D1 – Evaluation Question(s) – Master Agreement ............................................. 29

Appendix E – Organization Reference Form ............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Appendix F – Proposal ................................................................................................................. 33

University of Maine System RFP

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Request for Proposal – Pilot Fiberboard Machine

Dated: 12/4/2025

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Definitions, Background, Purpose and Specifications

1.1.1 Definitions

The University of Maine System will hereinafter be referred to as the "University."

Respondents to the document shall be referred to as "Respondent(s)” or

“Respondent”.

The Respondent to whom the Agreement is awarded shall be referred to as the

"Contractor."

The University of Maine System and other components of the University shall be

referred to as “Multi-Institution”.

1.1.2

Background

Overview

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System (UMS) unites six distinctive

public universities, comprising 10 campuses and numerous centers, in the

common purpose of providing quality higher education while delivering on its

traditional tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service.

A comprehensive public institution of higher education, UMS serves more than

30,000 students annually and is supported by the efforts of more than 2,000 full-

time and part-time faculty, more than 3,000 regular full-time and part-time staff,

and a complement of part-time temporary (adjunct) faculty.

Reaching more than 500,000 people annually through educational and cultural

offerings, the University of Maine System also benefits from more than two-thirds

of its alumni population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals.

The System consists of six universities: The University of Maine (UMaine),

including its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMM); the

University of Maine at Augusta (UMA); the University of Maine at Farmington

(UMF); the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), the University of Maine at

Presque Isle (UMPI); and the University of Southern Maine (USM). The System

also includes the University of Maine School of Law and the University of Maine

Graduate and Professional Center.

Campus thumbnails

University of Maine

The University of Maine, founded in Orono in 1865, is the state's land grant and

sea grant university. As the state’s only public research university, UMaine has a

statewide mission of teaching, research and economic development, and

community service. UMaine is among the most comprehensive higher education

institutions in the Northeast with nearly 100 majors and academic programs. It

attracts students from Maine and 49 other states, and more than 60 countries. It

currently enrolls more than 11,400 undergraduate and graduate students who can

directly participate in research, working with world-class scholars. UMaine offers

more than 100 degree programs through which students can earn graduate

certificates, master's, doctoral or professional science master's degrees. The

university promotes environmental stewardship, with substantial efforts campus

University of Maine System RFP

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Request for Proposal – Pilot Fiberboard Machine

Dated: 12/4/2025

wide aimed at conserving energy, recycling and adhering to green building

standards in new construction.

1.1.3

Purpose

The Forest Bioproducts Research Institute at the University of Maine is seeking

responses to provide Pilot Fiberboard Machine as defined in this document. This

document provides instructions for submitting responses, the procedure and

criteria by which the Respondent(s) will be selected, and the contractual terms

which will govern the relationship between the University and the awarded

Respondent(s).

Respondents should review 1.1.4 Specifications / Scope of Work of this

document to see the full Scope of Services/Products required.

The University is committed to providing increased access and opportunity to

diverse businesses include and not limited to: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and

Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTQ+BE); Minority Business Enterprise

(MBE); Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE); Small Business

Enterprise (SBE); veteran-owned; service-disabled veteran-owned; HUBZone;

small disadvantaged business; women-owned; minority-owned; Veteran Business

Enterprise (VBE); and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE).

1.1.4 Equipment Specifications

1. Equipment Overview

• Item: Small pilot-scale twin-wire dewatering press.

• Condition: New or Used (must be in excellent condition).

• Application: Production of fiber board, wall board, insulation board, and

panel board.

• Configuration: Single sturdy frame mounting (skid-mounted) for easy

transportation and installation.

2. Technical Specifications

• Capacity: Production rate ≤ 5 dry tons per day.

• Input: Headbox inlet consistency between 1% and 4% solids.

• Output: Target output of 40% solids (pressing dewatering only; no heat

drying capability required).

• Dimensions: Board width between 12" and 48"; Caliper between 1/4"

and 1".

3. Operational Features

• Variable machine speed control via operator panel.

• Variable press-nip loading.

• Fabric/felt tensioning and tracking capabilities.

• Standard/common parts must be readily available for maintenance.

4. Scope of Supply

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Request for Proposal – Pilot Fiberboard Machine

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• Core System: From headbox to press outlet.

• Consumables: Must include at least two (2) sets of fabrics and/or felts.

• Optional (Please Quote Separately): Cutter, layboy, board-stacking,

palletizing, and vacuum dewatering systems (these are not required but may be

included as options).

5. Vendor & Service Requirements

• Compliance: Manufacturer must meet Build America, Buy America

(BABA) requirements.

• Experience: Vendor must be a reputable manufacturer with a proven

track record.

• Support: Quote must include on-site installation and erection

supervision by an experienced technician, as well as post-sale remote

consultation.

1.2 General Information

1.2.1 Contract Administration and Conditions

1.2.1.1 The winning Respondent will be required to execute a contract in the

form of a University of Maine System Master Agreement, which is

attached to this response as Appendix D. The Master Agreement

initial term and renewal periods are reflected in Section 2 of Appendix

D, Master Agreement, and are subject to continued availability of

funding and satisfactory performance.

The Master Agreement entered into by the parties shall consist of the

University of Maine System Master Agreement (attached to this

document), the RFP, the selected Respondent’s submission, including

all appendices or attachments and clarifications, the specifications

including all modifications thereof, and a Purchase Order or Letter of

Agreement requiring signatures of the University and the Contractor,

all of which shall be referred to collectively as the Agreement

Documents.

In the event of a conflict of terms the following precedence will apply:

1. University of Maine System Master Agreement

2. Agreement Riders as required

3. Contract Amendments (as required)

4. The University’s RFP

5. Respondent’s Submission

6. Purchase Order or Letter of Agreement

1.2.1.2

Modification of Agreement terms and conditions is permitted except

that the University, due to its public nature, will not:

a. Provide any defense, hold harmless or indemnity;

b. Waive any statutory or constitutional immunity;

c. Apply the law of a state other than Maine;

d. Procure types or amounts of insurance beyond those UMS

already maintains or waive any rights of subrogation.

University of Maine System RFP

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