Dane County Sustainability Campus – Initial Building and Infrastructure Construction

Dane County is seeking bids from qualified contractors for the Dane County Sustainability Campus – Initial Building and Infrastructure Construction, located at 7103 Millpond Road, Madison, WI 53718. This project involves initial building and infrastructure construction at Dane County's Sustainability Campus and is being delivered under a lump sum contract. Three buildings are anticipated to be constructed; the Education and Administration Center, Scale House, and Maintenance Shop. Work must comply with all applicable county specifications, ordinances, local permitting requirements, or prevailing wage laws.

Interested vendors should have demonstrated experience and the ability to manage projects of similar size and complexity. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:00 am at 7102 Maahic Way Madison, WI 53718, starting at the Landfill Trailer adjacent to Scale House, and all questions must be submitted by Friday, May 8, 2026. Bid packages are due by Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm.

Background

Dane County Department of Waste and Renewables (W+R) is responsible for the management and operation of Dane County’s landfills, renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities, Clean Sweep (a household hazardous waste and electronics recycling program), a construction and demolition (C&D) recycling facility and various other recycling programs for materials like tires and shingles. W+R’s mission is to provide environmentally sound and sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions for current Dane County residents and future generations. This includes looking at waste as a resource to create renewable fuels and the conservation of landfill air space through waste diversion, recycling, and efficient operations.

W+R has a long history of completing successful, innovative projects, such as the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Plant that converts landfill gas (LFG) to compressed natural gas and RNG Offload Station, C&D Recycling Facility, native prairie cover on the landfill, and the Trash Lab mobile education exhibit.  With less than three years of landfill space remaining, W+R has an opportunity to plan for the future of waste management in Dane County.  Dane County (County) purchased approximately 230 acres of land on the eastern portion of the Yahara Hills Golf Course, from the City of Madison (City) to develop a Sustainability Campus + Future Landfill.

The initial development includes all civil infrastructure along with the construction of three buildings; Education and Administration Center, Scale House, and Maintenance Shop. Additionally, a separate construction contract will be issued for landfill construction, to be located immediately south of this Work, and slated to begin in late-May 2026 or early-June 2026. The new landfill is being constructed to provide long-term solid waste disposal capacity. Coordination between this Work and landfill construction will be required.

Project Details

• Reference ID: 326002
• Department: Waste & Renewables
• Department Head: John Welch (Director)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-05-08T22:00:00.000Z
• Answers Posted By: 2026-05-14T22:00:00.000Z
• Pre-Proposal Meeting: 2026-04-22T15:00:00.000Z — 7102 Maahic Way Madison, WI 53718, starting at the Landfill Trailer adjacent to Scale House

Addenda

• Official Notice #1: Pre-Bid Meeting (released 2026-04-21T16:03:43.358Z) —

  The pre-bid meeting for RFB 326002 is scheduled to take place Wednesday, April 22 at 10am. This meeting will begin at Dane County Landfill Site 2 (7102 Maahic Way, Madison, WI), inside the job trailer adjacent to the Scale House. Refer to the attached map for more details (Attachment A). 

  Bidders are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn more about the project, have an opportunity to ask questions, and participate on a tour of the construction site. Refer to the attached agenda for more details (Attachment B). Please note, the minimum PPE requirements to attend this meeting include steel-toed boots and a high-vis vest. 

  For questions, please call or email Ali Rathsack at 608-514-2319 or rathsack.allison@danecounty.gov.  

Evaluation Criteria

• General Electronic Bid Submission Process —

  The Project Manual and Construction Documents for this project are available for download in the Attachments Section.

  To Submit a Bid:

  All interested bidders must register for free at Dane County’s eProcurement Portal:

  • Go to https://procurement.opengov.com/login
  • Click “Sign Up” to create a username and password, then activate your account.
  • Select relevant project categories to receive notifications (e.g., 91200 – Public Works Projects).
  • Use the RFB Number, Organization Name, or Proposal Title to locate the solicitation.
  • Subscribe to “New Project Updates” to stay informed.
  • Note that Unacknowledged addenda will not preclude a Bidder from submitting a Bid. Please ensure that Bidder is aware of all addenda prior to the unsealing of Bids.

  For help setting up or navigating your account, contact: procurementsupport@opengov.com

  Questions & Inquiries:

  • All inquiries related to this Request for Bids (RFB) must now be submitted electronically through Dane County’s eProcurement Portal.
  • Questions must be submitted before 5:00 pm on Friday, May 8, 2026. Bidders are responsible for raising any questions, exceptions, or suggested changes during this period.
  • If a bidder identifies any ambiguity, error, conflict, omission, or inconsistency in the RFB, they must immediately notify the designated County contact to request clarification or a revision.
  • Direct communication with Dane County employees is strictly prohibited, except as outlined in this RFB. Only the designated County contacts listed in the RFB are authorized to provide information or respond to inquiries.
  • Bidders are responsible to check back regularly for Addenda or Updates.

  For questions about this RFB, contact:
  Allison Rathsack, Special Projects & Materials Manager
  Phone:(608) 514-2319
  Email: rathsack.allison@countyofdane.com

   

  Dane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Schedule of Base Bids —

  The Bidder, having examined the site where the Work is to be executed and having become familiar with local conditions affecting the cost of the Work and having carefully examined the Drawings and Specifications, all other Construction Documents and Addenda hereby agrees to provide all labor, materials, equipment and services necessary for the complete and satisfactory execution of the entire Work, as specified in the Construction Documents, for the Base Bid stipulated sum as follows:

   

  Base Bid 01 - Perform all work detailed in the Construction Documents for Volume 1

  Base Bid 02 - Perform all work detailed in the Construction Documents for Volume 2

  Base Bid 03 - Perform all work detailed in the Construction Documents for Volume 3

  Base Bid 04 - Perform all work detailed in the Construction Documents for Volume 4

• Bid Submittal Requirements —

  Bidders submitting on this project must adhere to the following:

  Best Value Contracting (BVC):

  • All contractors are required to be pre-qualified as a Best Value Contractor prior to bid due date.
    • Subcontractors must become pre-qualified ten (10) days prior to commencing work.
  • To avoid delays, Bidders are urged to become pre-qualified as early as possible.
  • Additional information can be found at https://publicworks.danecounty.gov/bvc
    • For a list of current contractors, visit https://publicworks.danecounty.gov/bvc/current
    • To submit an application for BVC certification, visit https://publicworks.danecounty.gov/bvc/application

  Bid Submittal Documentation:

  • Bidders shall upload ALL required documentation and answer ALL questions in the Bid Submission - Checklist Section. Omission of any required documentation/information may result in rejection of Bid.
  • Bidders shall provide their electronic bid pricing in the Bid Submission - Pricing Section. Definition(s) of Base Bid, Alternate Bids, Allowances, Unit Pricing and another pricing items can be found in this section.
• Schedule of Alternate Bids —

  The Bidder agrees to add the alternate(s) portion of the Work as described, for the following addition(s) to or subtraction(s) from the Base Bid, as stipulated in the "Pricing" table.

  Alternate Bid 01 - Addition of 3-sided Structure

  Alternate Bid 02 - Solar PV Array at Maintenance Shop

  Alternate Bid 03 - Addition of Sound Masking System

• Schedule of Unit Pricing —

  The Bidder, having examined the site where the Work is to be executed and having become familiar with local conditions affecting the cost of the Work and having carefully examined the Drawings and Specifications, all other Construction Documents and Addenda hereby agrees to provide all labor, materials, equipment and services necessary for the complete and satisfactory execution of the entire Work, as specified in the Construction Documents, for unit pricing as follows:

   

  Unit Pricing No. 01 - Unsuitable Rock Removal

  Unit Pricing No. 02 - Unsuitable Soils - Trenches

  Unit Pricing No. 03 - Unsuitable Soils - Structural Fill

  Unit Pricing No. 04 - Unsuitable Soils - General Fill

• Schedule of Allowances —

  Provide a lump sum allowance of one-hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00).  This allowance will be used for unforeseen field conditions in coordination with the County & the Architect / Engineer.  Specification Section 01 21 00 titled “Allowances” details additional requirements.

  Allowance No. 01 - Lump sum of $100,000 for unforeseen field conditions in coordination with the County & the Architect / Engineer.

Submission Requirements

• CONTACT INFORMATION
• Contact Name (required)
• Title or Position (required)
• Telephone No. (required)
• Email Address (required)
• BID SUBMISSION —

  Upload the following required documents.

• Bid Guarantee (required) —

  Each bid shall be accompanied by a bank certified check, cashier’s check, or bid bond in the amount of 5% of the total bid price, made payable to Dane County.

  Please scan and upload a copy of your bid bond/cashier's check. DO NOT UPLOAD ANY FILES OTHER THAN BID BOND.

• Proposed Subcontractor List (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Project Experience / Reference Summary (required) —

  Before award of Contract can be approved, Owner shall be satisfied that Bidder involved meets following requirements:

  • Has completed at least one (1) project of at least fifty percent (50%) of size or value of Division of work being bid and type of work completed is similar to that being bid. If greater magnitude of experience is deemed necessary, other than size or value of work, such requirements will be described in appropriate section of Specifications.
  • Maintains permanent place of business.
  • Can be bonded for terms of proposed Contract.
  • Contractor and subcontractors shall meet all applicable Best Value Contractor requirements.

  Has record of satisfactorily completing past projects [and supplies list of no more than [three (3) to five (5)] most recent, similar projects, with architect or engineer’s and owner’s names, addresses and telephone numbers for each project. Submit to NO VALUE Project Manager with Bid. Criteria which will be considered in determining satisfactory completion of projects by bidder will include:

  • Completed contracts in accordance with drawings and specifications.
  • Diligently pursued execution of work and completed contracts according to established time schedule unless Owner grants extensions.
  • Fulfilled guarantee requirements of construction documents.
  • Is not presently on ineligible list maintained by County’s Department of Administration for noncompliance with equal employment opportunities and affirmative action requirements.
  • Authorized to conduct business in Wisconsin. By submitting Bid, bidder warrants that it has: complied with all necessary requirements to do business in State of Wisconsin; that persons executing contract on its behalf are authorized to do so; and, if corporation, that name and address of bidder’s registered agent are as set forth in Contract. Bidder shall notify Owner immediately, in writing, of any change in its registered agent, their address, and bidder’s legal status. For partnership, term “registered agent” shall mean general partner.

  County’s NO VALUE Project Manager will make such investigations as are deemed necessary to determine ability of bidder to perform the Work, and bidder shall furnish to County’s NO VALUE Project Manager or designee all such information and data for this purpose as County’s NO VALUE Project Manager may request. Owner reserves right to reject Bid if evidence submitted by, or investigation of, bidder fails to satisfy Owner that bidder is responsible and qualified to carry out obligations of Contract and to complete the Work contemplated therein.

• Supplemental File(s) Upload —

  Submit any additional or supplemental files here.

• BIDDER'S AFFIDAVITS
• Acknowledgment of Start & Completion Dates (required) —

  Assuming a start date of July 6, 2026, Dane County Public Works requires this project to be substantially completed by September 30, 2027. Are you able to complete this project within this timeframe?

• Enter the date your firm can substantially complete this project: (required)
• BVC-Does your company meet Dane County's Best Value Contracting requirements for this project? (required) —

  General Contractors and subcontractors shall meet all applicable Best Value Contractor requirements. BVC applies to contracts over $50,000 single trade and $100,000 multiple trade. For additional information: https://publicworks.danecounty.gov/bvc

  Failure to be properly and accurately certified as a Dane County Best Value Contractor will result in an automatic rejection of a bid submission.

• Enter the date (MM-DD-YY) in which your company was approved as a Dane County Best Value Contractor. (required) —

  Your status can be viewed/confirmed at:

   https://publicworks.danecounty.gov/bvc/current

• Fair Labor Practice Certification (required) —

  Has your company been found by the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") or the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission ("WERC") to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed?

  If yes is answered, a copy of any relevant information regarding such violation is required to be uploaded with your bid submission.

  Additional information about the NLRB and WERC can be found using the following links:
  www.nlrb.gov and http://werc.wi.gov.

  • No, our company has NOT been found by the NLRB or the WERC to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed.
  • Yes, our company HAS been found by the NLRB or the WERC to have violated any statute or regulation regarding labor standards or relations in the seven years prior to the date this bid submission is signed.
• Please supply your supplemental documents in the file upload.
• Emerging Small Business Report (required) —

  For projects over $100,000, Bidder has already or will submit Emerging Small Business Report to the Office of Equity and Inclusion within 10 business days of Bid Due Date. For more information refer to 00 21 13 - Instruction to Bidders or contact:

  Dane County Contract Compliance Specialist

  City-County Building, Room 356

  210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

  Madison, WI 53703

  OEI@danecounty.gov 

  608/266-4192

• Bidder has reviewed and acknowledges all Q&A. (required)
• I understand that if any addendum is issued, I will have to acknowledge the posted addendum. (required)
• W9 Upload (required) —

  Please upload your company's most recent W9 form signed within the past 12 months.

• SIGNATURE DECLARATION
• RFB Solicitation Response Declaration (required) —

  In submitting and confirming this solicitation response, we certify that we have not, either directly or indirectly, entered into any agreement or participated in any collusion or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competition; that no attempt has been made to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a solicitation response; that this solicitation response has been independently arrived at without collusion with any other vendor competitor or potential competitor; that this solicitation response has not been knowingly disclosed prior to the opening of bids to any other vendor or competitor; that the above statement is accurate under penalty of perjury.

  Further, by submitting this solicitation response, firm agrees with all the terms, conditions, and specifications required by the County in this solicitation and declares that the corresponding solicitation response and pricing are in conformity therewith.

  I have read and understood the entire document.

  I declare under penalty of false swearing under the law of Wisconsin that the foregoing is true and correct.

• Electronically signed by: (required) —

  Provide First Name, Last Name and Title

• Signed on: (required) —

  Write in month, day, year and city/state in which the submission occurred.
  Example: June 27, 2025 in Madison, WI

• Estimated Project Start Date (required) —

  Enter your estimated assumed start date in the form of "January 1, 2023"

• Project Completion Date (required) —

  Enter your project's required completion date in the form of "January 1, 2025"

• Project Address (required) —

  List the project address all on one line.

• Is the project receiving WisDOT or any other Grant Funding? (required) —

  If yes, be reminded that you will need to complete and save the FHWA/WISDOT Subrecipient LPA Title VI Nondiscrimination Assurances form(s) to your project folder for submittal to WisDOT.

• Is this project eligible for energy incentives or rebates? (required) —

  If yes, be reminded that you will need to complete and save the applicable form(s) to your project folder for submittal.

• Will your project have alternate bids? (required) —

  If you need an extra section in OpenGov to spell out your alternate bids, then click "YES"

• Are you requiring the Proposed Subcontractor List? (required) —

  If you want Question 2.3 requiring the Proposed Subcontractor List, click "YES"

• Are you requiring References / Project Summary? (required) —

  If you want the question with verbiage to require qualifications, click "YES"

  This question will require editing to meet your project's needs in the Bid Submission - Checklist section

• Do you need a drop box for supplemental files? (required) —

  Click "YES" if you want to provide the Bidders with a place to be able to upload misc. information.  More often than not, Bidders have been uploading bid qualification statements, which is not ideal when evaluating bids.

Questions & Answers