The article below is from the Patriot Ledger....If you ever wondered what our recycling brings the town in terms of funds, read on!
SPEAK OUT: A real paper chase: Too good for the trash
By CLAIRE SULLIVAN
Cut down eight or nine trees. Chip wood. Fire up boilers. Pressure cook chips in lye for a few hours. Transform the equivalent of 120 gallons of fuel into a ton and a half of carbon dioxide. Acid wash with lots of water. Bleach if needed, and dry.That’s the recipe for making the half-ton of paper and cardboard that the average American (you and I) consumes each year from scratch. The sour stench downwind of pulping plants tells you they’re belching more than just carbon dioxide.After one use, more than half of our paper products get chucked in the trash. Burned or buried. Oxidized or reduced to carbon dioxide or its evil twin, methane.
Massachusetts cities, towns, colleges, hospitals, businesses - you and I - pay an average of $77 a ton for this.Meanwhile, paper mills here and abroad need to keep their plants running to feed our insatiable appetite. It’s much more efficient to make new paper from old paper than from wood. No trees, boilers, lye or acid. Just water to make paper soup. So they’re paying big bucks for waste paper, often more than we pay to throw it away. The lowest grade of baled paper, #6 News, is fetching more than $65 a ton here. Cardboard is now worth $110.
Here in Massachusetts, the Newark Group operates 100 percent-recycled paperboard mills in Haverhill and Fitchburg. They turn mostly residential waste paper and undeliverable mail into products such as cereal boxes, Scrabble and Monopoly boards, book covers, including the latest Harry Potter, and the like.Rand-Whitney, part of the Kraft Group, makes corrugated boxes, egg crates and other containers in Worcester from corporate discards.So go figure: In Massachusetts, the paper and cardboard we waste each year could fill Fenway Park to the height of the Prudential Center. More than 1.5 million tons. We pay more than $100 million a year to dispose of it. And that ‘‘waste’’ paper is worth about another $100 million. What’s wrong with this picture?We’ve gotten into some bad consumer habits. It’s too easy for us to get stuff, blissfully unaware of how it’s made, then throw it in the trash, oblivious to where it goes. It’s time to pay attention to what we’re doing, for our own good. For our economy, for our air and water, our climate, our kids. Like budgets, the Earth and its atmosphere have limits.
MassRecycle, the state’s recycling coalition, has launched a campaign to give waste paper the respect it deserves. Last fall, ‘‘Mass Recycles Paper!’’ kicked off at the Springfield Material Recycling Facility. Gov. Patrick proclaimed the date ‘‘Massachusetts Recycles Paper Day.’’ The goal and challenge to the state’s residents, businesses and institutions is to get a million tons of paper a year out of the trash.Last year, the Springfield plant supplied more than 30,000 tons of residential paper from 78 towns to Massachusetts mills, and paid those towns more than $1 million for their recyclables.Since municipal budgets will benefit from its success, more than 150 mayors and selectmen boards in the state have already signed a resolution to support the campaign in both word and deed.The Wall Street Journal noted that the average household that recycles well reduces its carbon footprint by 10 percent.
And Massachusetts Bar Association President David White Jr. recently exhorted members to ‘‘make the practice of law the most environmentally friendly business in Massachusetts.’’ Among his green guidelines: minimize printing, use recycled paper and recycle diligently.Did you make a New Year’s resolution? Pledging to reduce, reuse and recycle as much paper as you can, at home, at work, and at school can be a lot easier than going on a diet. If you aren’t in the habit yet, just put a bag or extra container next to all your trash cans, and put all your clean paper into them. Window envelopes, lottery tickets, paper clips can all go in now.To learn what kinds of paper can be recycled, see if your town leaders signed the resolution, and much more, go to www.MassRecyclesPaper.org.As the Rowe Elementary School students in Springfield sang at the kickoff, ‘‘It isn’t really trash till you mix it all together.’’
Claire Sullivan is executive director of the 15-town South Shore Recycling Cooperative. She has served on the Board of MassRecycle since 2001, and was president from 2005-07.
Copyright 2008 The Patriot LedgerTransmitted Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Monday, October 22, 2007
Paper Recycling
Recycling paper is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and preserve the environment - so why is it so hard to get people to take the time to do it?!
I just read a notice from North Pembroke Elementary School that said they were in danger of losing their Abitibi paper dumpster due to lack of use - they are not collecting enough to make it worth the vendors time to maintain it.
Let's hope the community can pull together and utilize this resource - for the environment, and for the example this provides for our children. Does anyone have suggestions to increase the paper output, not just for North, but for all our schools?
I just read a notice from North Pembroke Elementary School that said they were in danger of losing their Abitibi paper dumpster due to lack of use - they are not collecting enough to make it worth the vendors time to maintain it.
Let's hope the community can pull together and utilize this resource - for the environment, and for the example this provides for our children. Does anyone have suggestions to increase the paper output, not just for North, but for all our schools?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Wind Turbine
Here is another town's RFP for Wind Turbines that provides some insight for the process that Pembroke's Alternative Energy sub-committee will face regarding any projects or propositions.
Town of Ipswich
Request for Proposals for the Development and operation of WIND TURBINE(S) on town property
July 16, 2007
Introduction
The Town of Ipswich is seeking sealed proposals for the limited purpose of installing and operating a wind turbine to generate electricity on designated Town owned property.
Project Description
Ipswich has for the past five years investigated the sighting of a large-scale wind turbine on a portion of town owned land at the end of Town Farm Road. A thirty-nine meter wind-monitoring tower was placed on site from June 03 until June 04 collecting wind speed/direction data at 10, 30 and 39 meters. The results of this data collection can be found in the “wind resource data interpretation report” prepared by the University of Massachusetts Renewable energy research laboratory. In addition the Ipswich Municipal Light Department contracted Meridian Engineers Inc. to conduct a Wind Feasibility Study (October 20, 2005) and a Wind Turbine Phase 2 report (December 15, 2006). All of this information is available on the Town Web Site at WWW.town.ipswich.ma.us (http://www.town.ipswich.ma.us/ub/wind/wtg.htm)
The Town is now investigating the benefits of a public/private partnership for the construction and operation of the proposed Wind Turbine.
Scope of Services
Become familiar with the project and complete the necessary permitting for the specific site - local, state and federal.
Design and construct a Wind Turbine on the Town designated site.
Operate and maintain Wind Turbine for the entire contract period.
schedule
· Submission of proposals by Thursday, August 16, 2007, at 11:00 AM
Committee review from August 17, 2007 to August 24, 2007
Interviews August 27, 2007 to August 31, 2007
Recommendation to Award September 3, 2007
Proposal Submission Requirements
Letter of Interest
A one page letter, signed by the principals of the company and outlining the reasons behind the firm’s interest in the RFP.
Proposed scope of services
Provide design, construction, operation and maintenance services necessary for the development and operation of a Wind Turbine on the Town’s designated site.
Company’s Team
Provide names and resume (limit of two pages each) for all professional members of the company’s team. Each team member’s educational and professional experience shall be provided. Special skills shall be summarized, including recent seminars and courses relevant to this project. Identify the person(s) who will be team leader with ultimate responsibility for the project.
Related Experience
Provide details of experience and past performance of the company and team members on comparable projects. This section shall address, at minimum, the substantive nature of comparable engagements, the experience of the team members in working successfully in matters of similar complexity, and a record of the team’s ability to complete comparable projects in a timely manner. Specific projects should be identified within this section including summarized examples of previous work.
References
Provide the names, titles and telephone numbers of at least three persons who can substantiate the company’s summary of qualifications and experience relevant to this project.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Minimum Criteria: Each proposal must fulfill all of the following criteria in order to be considered for further evaluation. Failure to meet the following criteria will result in immediate rejection of the proposal.
Principals must have a minimum of five years experience in the civil engineering field and demonstrated experience in the development of wind projects.
References from similar projects.
Demonstrated successful working relationships with municipal clients.
Comparative Criteria: The following rating schedule will be used on those firms who meet the minimum evaluation criteria listed above. If a proposal fails to meet any of the comparative criteria, it shall be deemed unacceptable and automatically removed from the selection process. Proposals will be evaluated by Director of Utilities (or his designee),a member from ICARE (Ipswich Citizens Advocating Renewable Energy), a member from the Towns Finance Committee, a member from the Board of Selectmen, a member from the Electric Light Sub Committee who will consider the following weighted comparative criteria and evaluate each according to the following schedule:
· Highly Advantageous: Proposal excels on the specific criteria. (4 pts)
· Advantageous: Proposal meets evaluation criteria. (3 pts)
· Not advantageous: Proposal does not fully meet the evaluation criteria or fails to adequately address a particular issue or question. (2 pts)
· Unacceptable: Proposal does not meet the evaluation criteria and proposal is automatically eliminated from further consideration. (1 pt)
The comparative criteria are as follows:
Experience in civil engineering with emphasis on development of Wind Turbine facilities. The proposal clearly identifies the experience serving in this capacity and the firm is familiar with the techniques, methods and current literature pertinent to this project. (20%)
Scope of services/allocation of resources: Proposal establishes a clear work plan with realistic timetables and goals that correspond to the town’s timetable and goals. (20%)
Ability to complete project: The team is available and is not committed to other projects, which would interfere with the town’s timetable. Additional consideration given to proposals that can demonstrate access to Wind Turbines considered for this project. (10%)
Financial Resources: Bidder has demonstrated the ability to finance the project with resources capable of insuring a successful project. (10%)
Terms of PSA: The Power Supply Agreement is reasonable for the success of the project. Not only for the investor but to the IMLD as well. Proposal provides a clear transfer of wind turbine ownership (to the Town) in future years. (40%)
Reviewers:
The Town will evaluate the proposals and may choose to interview consultants who meet the minimum and comparative criteria. Proposals will be reviewed by the Director of Utilities (or his designee),a member from ICARE (Ipswich Citizens Advocating Renewable Energy), a member from the Towns Finance Committee, a member from the Board of Selectmen, a member from the Electric Light Sub Committee.
Award of Contract
It is the Town’s intention to evaluate the benefits of a public private project for the wind turbine project through this proposal process. If as a result of this evaluation the Town decides to adopt this arrangement the successful company will be notified by September 3,2007. Any lease arrangements may be subject to Town Meeting approval which is to be held on October 8, 2007.
Contact Information
Tim Henry, Director of Utilities
P.O. Box 151
Ipswich, MA 01938
Phone: 978-356-6635 ext 109
Fax: 978-356-6634
e-mail: thenry@town.ipswich.ma.us
Due Date and submittal Address
Four copies plus one original proposal shall be submitted by 11:00 a.m. on August 16, 2007, to the following address:
Purchasing Office
Town Hall
25 Green Street
Ipswich, MA 01938
Tel. 978-356-6608
The proposal documents must be signed by a person or persons authorized to bind the bidder.
Certifications and Legalities
In addition to being familiar with the “General Requirements for all Contractors doing Business with the Town” all applicants shall submit the completed certificates listed below and attached to this RFP.
Certificate of Non-Collusion/Certificate of Tax Compliance
Certificate of Vote
Public Contracts – Debarment Form
MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CONTRACTORS
DOING BUSINESS WITH THE TOWN
1. The Town reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive any informalities, and to award the contract to one or more bidders as may be in the best interest of the Town. Any contract(s) made will be subject to grants and appropriations to meet payments thereunder. An EEO/AA Employer; MBE/WBE(s) are encouraged to submit bids.
2. All prices will be in effect for approximately one year, or until another contract is awarded, with the Town having the option to renew this contract at the end of the contractual year for an additional period of time if agreeable to both parties.
3. In the event a vendor is of the opinion there are inconsistencies between portions of the specifications which cause confusion as to the precise intention or objective of the Town in its invitation for bids, it shall be the obligation of the vendor to notify the Town, in writing, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the opening of the bid, stating in detail the section or sections which the vendor is of the opinion are inconsistent, together with an explanation why the vendor is of the opinion said sections are inconsistent.
4. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter
62C, Section 49A, the awarded bidder must certify under the penalties of perjury that he/she has filed all State tax returns and paid all State taxes required under the law. (Said certification will be included in the Contract.)
5. a. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 7, Section 22; Chapter 30, Section 39M; Chapter 40, Section 4B½ and Chapter 43, Section 28A, any person submitting a proposal or bid to the Town of Ipswich for the sale, lease or provisions of supplies, equipment, materials, services or other property (whether or not for repairs or construction work) shall certify on the Official Bid Form and on the Contract, under the penalties of perjury, that his/her bid is in all respects bona fide, fair and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. (As used in this paragraph, the word person shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation, or other business or legal entity.)
b. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 93, Section 11, as appearing in Section 1 of Chapter 459 of the Acts of 1978...If a final judgment or decree is rendered in any civil or criminal proceeding brought by the Attorney General under these Chapters to the effect that a defendant (Contractor) has violated any section, the Town of Ipswich may void, rescind or cancel any contract to which the violation pertains or relates, and which was entered into with said defendant (Contractor).
6. In the case of identical low bids from two or more bidders, the Town Manager may at his discretion utilize negotiative procurement methods with the tied low bidders for that particular transaction, so long as the price paid does not exceed the low tied bid price.
7. Proposals shall be submitted prior to the time fixed in the Request for Proposals; and, upon receipt of same, the Town employee receiving same shall date stamp the bid, mark the time of receipt, and place his/her initials upon the bid. Proposals received after the time so indicated in the RFP shall be returned unopened.
8. Upon written request by the proposer, proposals may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the time for submitting bids. Negligence on the part of the bidder in preparing his/her bid shall not constitute a right to withdraw his/her bid subsequent to the bid opening. No proposal may be withdrawn without the consent of the Town of Ipswich for a period of thirty (30) days after the time of opening bids has passed.
9. Final approval on all proposals and the award of the contract shall be made by the Town Manager.
10. In accordance with Section 504 of the (Federal) Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 31 Code of Federal Regulations Part 51, each vendor awarded a contract pursuant to these General Requirements must certify to the Town of Ipswich that said vendor does not discriminate in its employment, procurement, and marketing activities on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, handicap or age.
11. Insurance
a. Indemnity Clause: An indemnity clause, or alternatively liability insurance, will be required of the successful bidder, in which the successful bidder will be required to hold harmless and indemnify the Town from all claims, legal or equitable, including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, arising out of the bidder's operations.
b. Workman's Compensation Insurance: As required by the Massachusetts General Laws, the bidder shall take out and maintain during the life of this contract, Workman's Compensation Insurance for all his employees employed in the course of performing services under this contract awarded pursuant to these specifications; and in case any work is sublet, the bidder shall require the Sub-Contractor similarly to provide Workmen's Compensation Insurance for all the latter's employees unless such employees are covered by the protection afforded by the bidder. Copies of all insurance certificates required under this section shall be provided by the bidder to the Town prior to the commencement of work on such a contract awarded pursuant to these specifications.
c. Miscellaneous Insurance: The bidder shall carry and maintain, until final written acceptance of the work by the Town Manager, insurance as specified below and in such form as shall protect his performing work covered by this contract, or the Town of Ipswich and its employees, agents and officials, from all claims and liability for damages for bodily injury, including accidental death, and for property damage, which may arise from operations under this contract. The bidder covenants and agrees to hold the Town and its employees, agents and officials harmless from loss or damage due to claims for personal injury and/or property damage arising from, or in connection with, operations under this contract. Except as otherwise stated, the amounts of insurance shall be for each policy not less than:
(1) For liability for bodily injury, including accidental death, $1,000,000 for any one person and $1,000,000 on account of one (1) occurrence and $1,000,000 Aggregate Limit.
(2) For liability for property damage $1,000,000 on account of any one (1) occurrence and $1,000,000 Aggregate Limit.
(3) Bodily Injury Premise-Operations, Contractor's Protective and Completed Operations Public Liability Insurance, in the amounts required in (1) above.
(4) Property Damage Premise-Operations, Contractors Protective and Completed Operations Public Liability Insurance, in the amounts required in (2) above.
(5) Bodily Injury Liability Insurance covering the Operation of all Motor Vehicles owned by the contractor and vehicles not owned by the contractor, while such vehicles are being operated in connection with the prosecution of the work under this contract, in the amount of $1,000,000 per person; $1,000,000 per occurrence.
(6) Property Damage Liability Insurance covering the operation of all motor vehicles owned by the contractor and vehicles not owned by contractor, while such vehicles are being operated in connection with the prosecution of the work under this contract, in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence; $1,000,000 aggregate.
(7) Contractual Liability Insurance covering the liability assumed by the contractor in the amounts required under (1) and (2) above.
d. All policies shall be so written that the Town Manager, will be notified of cancellation or restrictive amendment at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such cancellation or amendment. A certificate from the bidder's insurance carrier showing at least the coverage and limits of liability specified above and expiration date shall be filed with the Town Manager in in the Purchasing Office before operations are begun. Such certificate shall not merely name the types of policy provided, but shall specifically refer to these specifications and shall state that such insurance is as required by these specifications.
CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE PURCHASING OFFICE
BEFORE A CONTRACT IS SIGNED. THE CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE MUST
INCLUDE ALL COVERAGE AS STATED ABOVE.
12. The contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the town and its officers, agents, and all employees from and against claims arising directly or indirectly from the contract. Contractor shall be solely responsible for all local taxes or contributions imposed or required under the Social Security, Workers’ Compensation, and income tax laws. Further, the Contract shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Town with respect to any damages, expenses, or claims arising from or in connection with any of the work performed or to be performed under the Contract. This shall not be construed as a limitation of the Contractor’s liability under the Contract or as otherwise provided by law.
13. The compensation resulting from this Contract is subject to the availability and appropriation of funds.
14. All amendments or any changes to the provisions specified in this Contract can only occur when mutually agreed upon by the Town and the Contractor. Further, such amendments or changes shall be in writing and signed by officials with authority to bind the Town. Additionally, all amendments and changes shall be approved by the Town Accountant prior to execution by the awarding authority. No amendment or change to the contract provisions shall be made until after the written execution of the amendment or change to the Contract by both parties.
15. The Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and orders relating to the completion of the Contract. The Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CERTIFICATE OF NON-COLLUSION
The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this bid is in all respects bona fide, fair and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. (The word “person” shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation or other business or legal entity.)
COMPANY NAME_______________________________
COMPANY ADDRESS ___________________________
__________________ZIP______
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE ______________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER _________________________
DATE OF PROPOSAL _______________________________
===========================================================
CERTIFICATE OF TAX COMPLIANCE
Pursuant to Chapter 62C of the Massachusetts General Laws, Section 49A(b),
I, ___________________________, authorized signatory for ___________________
Name of Individual Name of Company
do hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that said contractor has complied with all laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Town of Ipswich, and is current with all local, state, and federal taxes.
By: _______________________________________________
Name of Authorized Representative
__________________________________________________
Title
__________________________________________________
Date
CERTIFICATE OF VOTE
(Corporations Only)
At a duly authorized meeting of the Board of Directors
of the ________________________ held on ____________ it
(Name of Corporation) (Date)
was VOTED, THAT ________________________ _______________
of this company, be and hereby is authorized to execute contracts and bonds in the name and on behalf of said company, and affix its corporate seal hereto; and such execution of any contract or obligation in this company’s name on its behalf by such officer under seal of the company, shall be valid and binding upon this company.
I hereby certify that I am the clerk of the above name corporation and that ____________________ is the duly elected offer as above of said company, and that the above vote has not been amended or rescinded and remains in full force and effect as the date of this contract.
___________________ ____________________
Date (Clerk)
CORPORATE
SEAL
PUBLIC CONTRACTS - DEBARMENT
Chapter 550, Acts of 1991
The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that the said undersigned is not presently debarred from doing public construction work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the provisions of Section 29F of Chapter 29 of the General Laws, or any other applicable debarment provisions of any other Chapter of the General Laws, or any Rules or Regulations promulgated thereunder.
Date __________ Name of Bidder ___________________________
By:_______________________________________
Signature
_______________________________________
Print Name & Title of Person Signing
_______________________________________
Address
_______________________________________
City, State, ZIP
THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED & RETURNED WITH YOUR PROPOSAL.
Town of Ipswich
Request for Proposals for the Development and operation of WIND TURBINE(S) on town property
July 16, 2007
Introduction
The Town of Ipswich is seeking sealed proposals for the limited purpose of installing and operating a wind turbine to generate electricity on designated Town owned property.
Project Description
Ipswich has for the past five years investigated the sighting of a large-scale wind turbine on a portion of town owned land at the end of Town Farm Road. A thirty-nine meter wind-monitoring tower was placed on site from June 03 until June 04 collecting wind speed/direction data at 10, 30 and 39 meters. The results of this data collection can be found in the “wind resource data interpretation report” prepared by the University of Massachusetts Renewable energy research laboratory. In addition the Ipswich Municipal Light Department contracted Meridian Engineers Inc. to conduct a Wind Feasibility Study (October 20, 2005) and a Wind Turbine Phase 2 report (December 15, 2006). All of this information is available on the Town Web Site at WWW.town.ipswich.ma.us (http://www.town.ipswich.ma.us/ub/wind/wtg.htm)
The Town is now investigating the benefits of a public/private partnership for the construction and operation of the proposed Wind Turbine.
Scope of Services
Become familiar with the project and complete the necessary permitting for the specific site - local, state and federal.
Design and construct a Wind Turbine on the Town designated site.
Operate and maintain Wind Turbine for the entire contract period.
schedule
· Submission of proposals by Thursday, August 16, 2007, at 11:00 AM
Committee review from August 17, 2007 to August 24, 2007
Interviews August 27, 2007 to August 31, 2007
Recommendation to Award September 3, 2007
Proposal Submission Requirements
Letter of Interest
A one page letter, signed by the principals of the company and outlining the reasons behind the firm’s interest in the RFP.
Proposed scope of services
Provide design, construction, operation and maintenance services necessary for the development and operation of a Wind Turbine on the Town’s designated site.
Company’s Team
Provide names and resume (limit of two pages each) for all professional members of the company’s team. Each team member’s educational and professional experience shall be provided. Special skills shall be summarized, including recent seminars and courses relevant to this project. Identify the person(s) who will be team leader with ultimate responsibility for the project.
Related Experience
Provide details of experience and past performance of the company and team members on comparable projects. This section shall address, at minimum, the substantive nature of comparable engagements, the experience of the team members in working successfully in matters of similar complexity, and a record of the team’s ability to complete comparable projects in a timely manner. Specific projects should be identified within this section including summarized examples of previous work.
References
Provide the names, titles and telephone numbers of at least three persons who can substantiate the company’s summary of qualifications and experience relevant to this project.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Minimum Criteria: Each proposal must fulfill all of the following criteria in order to be considered for further evaluation. Failure to meet the following criteria will result in immediate rejection of the proposal.
Principals must have a minimum of five years experience in the civil engineering field and demonstrated experience in the development of wind projects.
References from similar projects.
Demonstrated successful working relationships with municipal clients.
Comparative Criteria: The following rating schedule will be used on those firms who meet the minimum evaluation criteria listed above. If a proposal fails to meet any of the comparative criteria, it shall be deemed unacceptable and automatically removed from the selection process. Proposals will be evaluated by Director of Utilities (or his designee),a member from ICARE (Ipswich Citizens Advocating Renewable Energy), a member from the Towns Finance Committee, a member from the Board of Selectmen, a member from the Electric Light Sub Committee who will consider the following weighted comparative criteria and evaluate each according to the following schedule:
· Highly Advantageous: Proposal excels on the specific criteria. (4 pts)
· Advantageous: Proposal meets evaluation criteria. (3 pts)
· Not advantageous: Proposal does not fully meet the evaluation criteria or fails to adequately address a particular issue or question. (2 pts)
· Unacceptable: Proposal does not meet the evaluation criteria and proposal is automatically eliminated from further consideration. (1 pt)
The comparative criteria are as follows:
Experience in civil engineering with emphasis on development of Wind Turbine facilities. The proposal clearly identifies the experience serving in this capacity and the firm is familiar with the techniques, methods and current literature pertinent to this project. (20%)
Scope of services/allocation of resources: Proposal establishes a clear work plan with realistic timetables and goals that correspond to the town’s timetable and goals. (20%)
Ability to complete project: The team is available and is not committed to other projects, which would interfere with the town’s timetable. Additional consideration given to proposals that can demonstrate access to Wind Turbines considered for this project. (10%)
Financial Resources: Bidder has demonstrated the ability to finance the project with resources capable of insuring a successful project. (10%)
Terms of PSA: The Power Supply Agreement is reasonable for the success of the project. Not only for the investor but to the IMLD as well. Proposal provides a clear transfer of wind turbine ownership (to the Town) in future years. (40%)
Reviewers:
The Town will evaluate the proposals and may choose to interview consultants who meet the minimum and comparative criteria. Proposals will be reviewed by the Director of Utilities (or his designee),a member from ICARE (Ipswich Citizens Advocating Renewable Energy), a member from the Towns Finance Committee, a member from the Board of Selectmen, a member from the Electric Light Sub Committee.
Award of Contract
It is the Town’s intention to evaluate the benefits of a public private project for the wind turbine project through this proposal process. If as a result of this evaluation the Town decides to adopt this arrangement the successful company will be notified by September 3,2007. Any lease arrangements may be subject to Town Meeting approval which is to be held on October 8, 2007.
Contact Information
Tim Henry, Director of Utilities
P.O. Box 151
Ipswich, MA 01938
Phone: 978-356-6635 ext 109
Fax: 978-356-6634
e-mail: thenry@town.ipswich.ma.us
Due Date and submittal Address
Four copies plus one original proposal shall be submitted by 11:00 a.m. on August 16, 2007, to the following address:
Purchasing Office
Town Hall
25 Green Street
Ipswich, MA 01938
Tel. 978-356-6608
The proposal documents must be signed by a person or persons authorized to bind the bidder.
Certifications and Legalities
In addition to being familiar with the “General Requirements for all Contractors doing Business with the Town” all applicants shall submit the completed certificates listed below and attached to this RFP.
Certificate of Non-Collusion/Certificate of Tax Compliance
Certificate of Vote
Public Contracts – Debarment Form
MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CONTRACTORS
DOING BUSINESS WITH THE TOWN
1. The Town reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive any informalities, and to award the contract to one or more bidders as may be in the best interest of the Town. Any contract(s) made will be subject to grants and appropriations to meet payments thereunder. An EEO/AA Employer; MBE/WBE(s) are encouraged to submit bids.
2. All prices will be in effect for approximately one year, or until another contract is awarded, with the Town having the option to renew this contract at the end of the contractual year for an additional period of time if agreeable to both parties.
3. In the event a vendor is of the opinion there are inconsistencies between portions of the specifications which cause confusion as to the precise intention or objective of the Town in its invitation for bids, it shall be the obligation of the vendor to notify the Town, in writing, at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the opening of the bid, stating in detail the section or sections which the vendor is of the opinion are inconsistent, together with an explanation why the vendor is of the opinion said sections are inconsistent.
4. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter
62C, Section 49A, the awarded bidder must certify under the penalties of perjury that he/she has filed all State tax returns and paid all State taxes required under the law. (Said certification will be included in the Contract.)
5. a. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 7, Section 22; Chapter 30, Section 39M; Chapter 40, Section 4B½ and Chapter 43, Section 28A, any person submitting a proposal or bid to the Town of Ipswich for the sale, lease or provisions of supplies, equipment, materials, services or other property (whether or not for repairs or construction work) shall certify on the Official Bid Form and on the Contract, under the penalties of perjury, that his/her bid is in all respects bona fide, fair and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. (As used in this paragraph, the word person shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation, or other business or legal entity.)
b. In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 93, Section 11, as appearing in Section 1 of Chapter 459 of the Acts of 1978...If a final judgment or decree is rendered in any civil or criminal proceeding brought by the Attorney General under these Chapters to the effect that a defendant (Contractor) has violated any section, the Town of Ipswich may void, rescind or cancel any contract to which the violation pertains or relates, and which was entered into with said defendant (Contractor).
6. In the case of identical low bids from two or more bidders, the Town Manager may at his discretion utilize negotiative procurement methods with the tied low bidders for that particular transaction, so long as the price paid does not exceed the low tied bid price.
7. Proposals shall be submitted prior to the time fixed in the Request for Proposals; and, upon receipt of same, the Town employee receiving same shall date stamp the bid, mark the time of receipt, and place his/her initials upon the bid. Proposals received after the time so indicated in the RFP shall be returned unopened.
8. Upon written request by the proposer, proposals may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the time for submitting bids. Negligence on the part of the bidder in preparing his/her bid shall not constitute a right to withdraw his/her bid subsequent to the bid opening. No proposal may be withdrawn without the consent of the Town of Ipswich for a period of thirty (30) days after the time of opening bids has passed.
9. Final approval on all proposals and the award of the contract shall be made by the Town Manager.
10. In accordance with Section 504 of the (Federal) Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 31 Code of Federal Regulations Part 51, each vendor awarded a contract pursuant to these General Requirements must certify to the Town of Ipswich that said vendor does not discriminate in its employment, procurement, and marketing activities on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, handicap or age.
11. Insurance
a. Indemnity Clause: An indemnity clause, or alternatively liability insurance, will be required of the successful bidder, in which the successful bidder will be required to hold harmless and indemnify the Town from all claims, legal or equitable, including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, arising out of the bidder's operations.
b. Workman's Compensation Insurance: As required by the Massachusetts General Laws, the bidder shall take out and maintain during the life of this contract, Workman's Compensation Insurance for all his employees employed in the course of performing services under this contract awarded pursuant to these specifications; and in case any work is sublet, the bidder shall require the Sub-Contractor similarly to provide Workmen's Compensation Insurance for all the latter's employees unless such employees are covered by the protection afforded by the bidder. Copies of all insurance certificates required under this section shall be provided by the bidder to the Town prior to the commencement of work on such a contract awarded pursuant to these specifications.
c. Miscellaneous Insurance: The bidder shall carry and maintain, until final written acceptance of the work by the Town Manager, insurance as specified below and in such form as shall protect his performing work covered by this contract, or the Town of Ipswich and its employees, agents and officials, from all claims and liability for damages for bodily injury, including accidental death, and for property damage, which may arise from operations under this contract. The bidder covenants and agrees to hold the Town and its employees, agents and officials harmless from loss or damage due to claims for personal injury and/or property damage arising from, or in connection with, operations under this contract. Except as otherwise stated, the amounts of insurance shall be for each policy not less than:
(1) For liability for bodily injury, including accidental death, $1,000,000 for any one person and $1,000,000 on account of one (1) occurrence and $1,000,000 Aggregate Limit.
(2) For liability for property damage $1,000,000 on account of any one (1) occurrence and $1,000,000 Aggregate Limit.
(3) Bodily Injury Premise-Operations, Contractor's Protective and Completed Operations Public Liability Insurance, in the amounts required in (1) above.
(4) Property Damage Premise-Operations, Contractors Protective and Completed Operations Public Liability Insurance, in the amounts required in (2) above.
(5) Bodily Injury Liability Insurance covering the Operation of all Motor Vehicles owned by the contractor and vehicles not owned by the contractor, while such vehicles are being operated in connection with the prosecution of the work under this contract, in the amount of $1,000,000 per person; $1,000,000 per occurrence.
(6) Property Damage Liability Insurance covering the operation of all motor vehicles owned by the contractor and vehicles not owned by contractor, while such vehicles are being operated in connection with the prosecution of the work under this contract, in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence; $1,000,000 aggregate.
(7) Contractual Liability Insurance covering the liability assumed by the contractor in the amounts required under (1) and (2) above.
d. All policies shall be so written that the Town Manager, will be notified of cancellation or restrictive amendment at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such cancellation or amendment. A certificate from the bidder's insurance carrier showing at least the coverage and limits of liability specified above and expiration date shall be filed with the Town Manager in in the Purchasing Office before operations are begun. Such certificate shall not merely name the types of policy provided, but shall specifically refer to these specifications and shall state that such insurance is as required by these specifications.
CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE PURCHASING OFFICE
BEFORE A CONTRACT IS SIGNED. THE CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE MUST
INCLUDE ALL COVERAGE AS STATED ABOVE.
12. The contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the town and its officers, agents, and all employees from and against claims arising directly or indirectly from the contract. Contractor shall be solely responsible for all local taxes or contributions imposed or required under the Social Security, Workers’ Compensation, and income tax laws. Further, the Contract shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Town with respect to any damages, expenses, or claims arising from or in connection with any of the work performed or to be performed under the Contract. This shall not be construed as a limitation of the Contractor’s liability under the Contract or as otherwise provided by law.
13. The compensation resulting from this Contract is subject to the availability and appropriation of funds.
14. All amendments or any changes to the provisions specified in this Contract can only occur when mutually agreed upon by the Town and the Contractor. Further, such amendments or changes shall be in writing and signed by officials with authority to bind the Town. Additionally, all amendments and changes shall be approved by the Town Accountant prior to execution by the awarding authority. No amendment or change to the contract provisions shall be made until after the written execution of the amendment or change to the Contract by both parties.
15. The Contractor agrees to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and orders relating to the completion of the Contract. The Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
CERTIFICATE OF NON-COLLUSION
The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this bid is in all respects bona fide, fair and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. (The word “person” shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation or other business or legal entity.)
COMPANY NAME_______________________________
COMPANY ADDRESS ___________________________
__________________ZIP______
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE ______________________
TELEPHONE NUMBER _________________________
DATE OF PROPOSAL _______________________________
===========================================================
CERTIFICATE OF TAX COMPLIANCE
Pursuant to Chapter 62C of the Massachusetts General Laws, Section 49A(b),
I, ___________________________, authorized signatory for ___________________
Name of Individual Name of Company
do hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that said contractor has complied with all laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Town of Ipswich, and is current with all local, state, and federal taxes.
By: _______________________________________________
Name of Authorized Representative
__________________________________________________
Title
__________________________________________________
Date
CERTIFICATE OF VOTE
(Corporations Only)
At a duly authorized meeting of the Board of Directors
of the ________________________ held on ____________ it
(Name of Corporation) (Date)
was VOTED, THAT ________________________ _______________
of this company, be and hereby is authorized to execute contracts and bonds in the name and on behalf of said company, and affix its corporate seal hereto; and such execution of any contract or obligation in this company’s name on its behalf by such officer under seal of the company, shall be valid and binding upon this company.
I hereby certify that I am the clerk of the above name corporation and that ____________________ is the duly elected offer as above of said company, and that the above vote has not been amended or rescinded and remains in full force and effect as the date of this contract.
___________________ ____________________
Date (Clerk)
CORPORATE
SEAL
PUBLIC CONTRACTS - DEBARMENT
Chapter 550, Acts of 1991
The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that the said undersigned is not presently debarred from doing public construction work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the provisions of Section 29F of Chapter 29 of the General Laws, or any other applicable debarment provisions of any other Chapter of the General Laws, or any Rules or Regulations promulgated thereunder.
Date __________ Name of Bidder ___________________________
By:_______________________________________
Signature
_______________________________________
Print Name & Title of Person Signing
_______________________________________
Address
_______________________________________
City, State, ZIP
THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED & RETURNED WITH YOUR PROPOSAL.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Procurement Sub Committee Meeting Postponed
Our meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, August 14th, 2007 has been postponed until we are able to get an appointment with the School Department's Energy Broker. Check for future postings of new meeting date.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
South Shore Recycling Cooperative
One of the organizations on the South Shore that is active in recycling efforts is the South Shore Recycling Cooperative. Currently, there are 15 South Shore towns who are active members; unfortunately, Pembroke is not one of them. Of the 15 towns involved (Abington Cohasset Duxbury Hanover Hingham Holbrook Hull Kingston Marshfield Norwell Plymouth Rockland Scituate Weymouth Whitman), three of them have mandatory recycling programs, and they all have facilities available for recycling of all state-mandated materials. (One of these materials is #1 - 7 plastics, which Pembroke does not currently process in the recycling center) Pembroke was once a member, but chose not to fund the $4000 annual membership fee several years ago.
There is currently a grant cycle going on through the state Department of Environmental Protection which can provide technical assistance for larger planning projects, matching salaries for recycling coordinators, physical commodities such as bins and barrels for collections, composters, rainbarrels, and pollution controls for municipal vehicles and school buses. The Town did receive a grant in years past for our mercury shed at the recycling center; it will be good to see these efforts revived. If you want more information, you can check out
the SSRC at :
http://www.ssrc.info/
Or the DEP website at :
http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/
There is currently a grant cycle going on through the state Department of Environmental Protection which can provide technical assistance for larger planning projects, matching salaries for recycling coordinators, physical commodities such as bins and barrels for collections, composters, rainbarrels, and pollution controls for municipal vehicles and school buses. The Town did receive a grant in years past for our mercury shed at the recycling center; it will be good to see these efforts revived. If you want more information, you can check out
the SSRC at :
http://www.ssrc.info/
Or the DEP website at :
http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
What can you do? Learn all you can!
Most people I speak to about energy conservation, recycling, the environment, all say the same thing: " I would like to do something, but I just don't know what? Where can I go for information? What is the best thing I can do in my own home ?"...... There are so many things, which may just be the reason it is overwhelming!
For those of you who are looking for a place to start, check out this website from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative!
http://www.mtpc.org/index.asp
Here you can get infomation on alternative energy as an individual, as a business, or as a community. As the saying goes, a journey of a million miles begins with a single step!
For those of you who are looking for a place to start, check out this website from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative!
http://www.mtpc.org/index.asp
Here you can get infomation on alternative energy as an individual, as a business, or as a community. As the saying goes, a journey of a million miles begins with a single step!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Opportunity for renewable energy contribution
See what you you can do, individually and as part of the community, to help the environment and save energy! Check out this website!
http://www.mtpc.org/renewableenergy/greencommunities.html
One of the option buttons is "Clean Energy Choice".... This program allows you to purchase electricity from renewable sources (wind, solar, water)-thru your existing electric company - and provides grants to the town for future energy use. How does it work? You sign up for this program, and an additional fee is added to your existing electric bill. It is generally under $10 per month. Pembroke now has close to $3,000 in their account, and there are bonuses given for signing more than a certain percent of the homeowners in a given town. Consider looking into this program for your home!
http://www.mtpc.org/renewableenergy/greencommunities.html
One of the option buttons is "Clean Energy Choice".... This program allows you to purchase electricity from renewable sources (wind, solar, water)-thru your existing electric company - and provides grants to the town for future energy use. How does it work? You sign up for this program, and an additional fee is added to your existing electric bill. It is generally under $10 per month. Pembroke now has close to $3,000 in their account, and there are bonuses given for signing more than a certain percent of the homeowners in a given town. Consider looking into this program for your home!
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