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
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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.
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.