UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MERCED
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
NO. UCM_ RFP_ 003853-Nov2025_Universal Testing Machine
FOR
300 kN Electromechanical Universal Testing System
______________________________________________________________________________
Register and Submit Proposals at the University CalUSource Portal
The information contained in this Request for Proposal (RFP) is confidential and proprietary to the
University of California and is to be used by the recipient solely for responding to this RFP.
Request For Proposal No.
UCM_ RFP_ 003853-Nov2025_Universal Testing Machine
Table of Contents
1 Instructions to Proposers.............................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Issuing Office and University Contact ......................................................................................... 3
1.2 Schedule of Events ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Proposer Questions..................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Communication Restrictions ....................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Addenda to the RFP .................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Instructions for Submitting Proposals......................................................................................... 4
1.7 Proposal Receipt ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.8 Proposal Format and Required Submittals ................................................................................. 5
1.9 Proposer Representation ............................................................................................................ 5
1.10 Simplicity of Preparation............................................................................................................. 5
1.11 Complete Proposals .................................................................................................................... 5
1.12 Meet/Exceed Specifications........................................................................................................ 5
1.13 Amendments to RFP before Due Date........................................................................................ 5
1.14 Firm Proposals............................................................................................................................. 5
1.15 Proposal Preparation Costs......................................................................................................... 6
2 Intent and Service Requirements .................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Intent........................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Scope of Services......................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Safety Requirements ................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Compliance with Environmental Regulations ............................................................................. 9
2.5 Standards of Performance/ Workmanship ................................................................................. 9
2.6 Spoils Removal ............................................................................................................................ 9
2.7 Additional Work Requirements ................................................................................................ 10
2.8 Corrective Work ........................................................................................................................ 10
2.9 Inspections ................................................................................................................................ 10
2.10 Hours of Operation ................................................................................................................... 10
2.11 Vehicles and Equipment............................................................................................................ 10
2.12 Safety, Accident Prevention and Notification ........................................................................... 11
2.13 Damage ..................................................................................................................................... 11
2.14 Contractor’s Responsibility for Work ........................................................................................ 12
2.15 Non-Performance of Service ..................................................................................................... 12
2.16 Pedestrian Safety ...................................................................................................................... 12
2.17 Delay by UC Merced.................................................................................................................. 13
2.18 Contractor and Employees........................................................................................................ 13
2.19 Employee and subcontractors Background Check.................................................................... 14
2.20 License(s)- If applicable ............................................................................................................. 14
2.21 Program Evaluation................................................................................................................... 14
2.22 Contract Term ........................................................................................................................... 14
3 Additional Terms and Conditions ................................................................................................ 15
Request For Proposal No.
UCM_ RFP_ 003853-Nov2025_Universal Testing Machine
3.1 UC Policy on Equal Opportunity in University Business Contracting ........................................ 15
3.2 University of California Terms and Conditions of Purchase...................................................... 15
3.3 University of California Employees ........................................................................................... 15
3.4 Supplier Code of Conduct ......................................................................................................... 15
3.5 University’s Right to Reject or Modify ...................................................................................... 16
3.6 Supplemental Terms and Conditions/ Modifications ............................................................... 16
3.7 Form of Agreement................................................................................................................... 16
3.8 Disclosure of Records ................................................................................................................ 16
3.9 Release of Information.............................................................................................................. 17
3.10 Marketing References ............................................................................................................... 17
3.11 Proprietary Information ............................................................................................................ 17
3.12 Hold Harmless Agreement ........................................................................................................ 17
3.13 Ethics ......................................................................................................................................... 17
3.14 Insurance Requirements ........................................................................................................... 18
3.15 Independent Contractor Status ................................................................................................ 18
3.16 UC Fair Wage/ Fair Work .......................................................................................................... 18
3.17 Quantities.................................................................................................................................. 18
3.18 Payment .................................................................................................................................... 18
3.19 Termination of Agreement ....................................................................................................... 18
3.20 Mutually Extended Pricing and Terms ...................................................................................... 18
4 Evaluation Criteria ...................................................................................................................... 20
5 Proposal Response ..................................................................................................................... 21
5.1 Proposer Profile ........................................................................................................................ 21
5.2 References................................................................................................................................. 21
5.3 Understanding of Technical Specifications and Service Requirements .................................... 21
5.4 Personnel Background/ Experience .......................................................................................... 21
5.5 On-Site Training ........................................................................................................................ 22
5.6 Sustainable Procurement.......................................................................................................... 22
5.7 Cost ........................................................................................................................................... 22
5.8 Terms and Conditions ............................................................................................................... 23
6 Basis for Award .......................................................................................................................... 24
6.1 Proposal Evaluation Method..................................................................................................... 24
6.2 Contract Award in Best Interest................................................................................................ 24
7 Pricing Schedule ......................................................................................................................... 26
8 Terms and Conditions........................................................................................................................ 1
• Attachment A – Sample Master Purchase Agreement
Request For Proposal No.
UCM_ RFP_ 003853-Nov2025_Universal Testing Machine
1 Instructions to Proposers
1.1 ISSUING OFFICE AND UNIVERSITY CONTACT
This RFP is issued by the University Procurement and Contracts Division, which is the sole authority to
modify, clarify, or interpret any provisions contained herein and to award resulting contract(s). All
official communications, amendments, and clarifications shall be directed to the designated
procurement contact listed below. No other University entity is authorized to make changes to this RFP.
a) Issuing Office: University Procurement and Contracts Division
b) Primary Contact: Veronica Pacheco-Busko, Buyer, (209) 205-6871, Vpacheco-busko@ucmerced.edu
c) Amendment Procedures: All changes will be issued as written addenda through the CalUSource
portal.
1.2 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The key action dates and times for this RFP are outlined below. If the University finds it necessary to
revise any of these dates, such changes will be communicated through an official addendum distributed
accordingly.
Event
RFP Issued
Deadline for Questions
Addendum Issued
Proposal Due Date
Anticipated Award Date
Date / Time (PT)
11/24/2025, 3:00 PM PST
12/05/2025, 5:00 PM PST
12/15/2025
12/19/2025, 12:00 PM PST
01/23/2025
It is the responsibility of each Proposer to be familiar with all specifications, terms and conditions
and site conditions (if applicable). The Proposer agrees and acknowledges all RFP specifications,
terms, and conditions and indicates the ability to perform by submission of a proposal. By the
submission of a proposal, the Proposer certifies that if awarded a contract, they shall make no
claim against UC Merced based upon ignorance of conditions or misunderstanding of the
specifications.
Upon award, UC Merced will issue a Purchase Agreement to the successful Supplier for execution.
The Supplier shall return the signed Purchase Agreement.
No work shall be initiated, nor shall any obligations or liabilities be incurred by either party until
a duly executed Purchase Agreement has been entered into by all parties.
Following execution of the duly executed Purchase Agreement, UC Merced will issue a Purchase
Order authorizing the commencement of work.
Request For Proposal No.
UCM_ RFP_ 003853-Nov2025_Universal Testing Machine
1.3 PROPOSER QUESTIONS
Each Proposer shall exercise their best professional, independent judgment in analyzing the
requirements of this RFP to ascertain whether additional clarification is necessary or desirable
before responding. If there are any discrepancies in, omissions to, or questions about the
information provided in the RFP or by any other source, a request shall be submitted via the
CalUSource portal using the Discussion Forum
right of the page.
, which is located on the top
Responses to individual Proposer questions shall be made available to all Prospective Proposers.
All contacts during the proposal process shall be made through the Procurement and Contracts
Division. Attempts by the Proposer to contact department representatives may result in
disqualification of the Proposer from the proposal process.
1.4 COMMUNICATION RESTRICTIONS
All communications regarding this RFP shall be directed to the Procurement and Contracts Division.
Contacting other University staff (department representatives) may result in disqualification.
Exceptions:
• Allowed solely during site inspections or scheduled presentations.
Disqualification Risks
• Unpermitted communication may result in proposal rejection.
1.5 ADDENDA TO THE RFP
Any changes, additions, or deletions to this RFP shall be in the form of a written addenda issued
by the University via the CalUSource portal. Any addenda to this RFP shall be distributed to all
participating Proposers via the CalUSource portal. The University shall not be responsible for the
failure of any prospective Proposer to receive such Addenda. All Addenda shall become part of
the RFP.
1.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS
a) Submit proposals online via the University of California Supplier Registration and Sourcing
web tool (CalUSource).
b) Proposals submitted by other means will not be accepted. Late proposals will be rejected.
c) Responses will take time to enter into the CalUSource System. The Proposer shall provide a
complete response to all prerequisites, questions and/or information in the RFP as requested
in the CalUSource portal.
1.7 PROPOSAL RECEIPT
The University reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or waive minor irregularities, and proposals
that do not comply with established criteria or are informal may be rejected
This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.