TAGRO Materials

ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
REQUEST FOR BIDS
TAGRO MATERIALS
SPECIFICATION NO. ES26-0121F

City of Tacoma
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - BUSINESS
OPERATIONS DIVISION
REQUEST FOR BIDS ES26-0121F
TAGRO MATERIALS
Submittal Deadline: 11:00 a.m., Pacific Time, Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Submittals must be received by the City's Procurement and Payables Division by 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
For electronic submittals, the City of Tacoma will designate the time of receipt recorded by our email server, as
the official time of receipt. This clock will be used as the official time of receipt of all parts of electronic bid
submittals. Include the specification number in the subject line of your email. Your submittal must be sent as
an attachment, links to your electronic submittal will not be accepted.
For in person submittals, the City of Tacoma will designate the time of receipt recorded by the timestamp
located at the lobby security desk, as the official time of receipt. Include the specification number on the
outside of the sealed envelope. Late submittals will be returned unopened and rejected as non-responsive.
Submittal Delivery: Sealed submittals will be received as follows:
By Email: In Person:
sendbid@tacoma.gov Tacoma Public Utilities Administration Building North,
Maximum email size including attachments: 35 MB. Main Floor, Lobby Security Desk
Multiple emails may be sent for each submittal. 3628 South 35th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
Note: Email may pass through multiple servers before arriving Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
at its destination. Please allow sufficient time for email delivery
of submittals. Timely electronic delivery is at the risk of the
supplier.
Bid Opening: Submittals must be received by the City's Procurement and Payables Division prior to 11:00
a.m. Pacific Time. Sealed submittals in response to a RFB will be opened Tuesday's at 11:15 a.m. by a
purchasing representative and read aloud during a public bid opening held at the Tacoma Public Utilities
Administrative Building North, 3628 S. 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409, conference room M-1, located on the
main floor. They will also be held virtually Tuesday's at 11:15 a.m. Attend a Zoom meeting via this link or call 1
(253) 215 8782, using meeting ID # 884 0268 0573, passcode # 070737.
Submittals in response to an RFP, RFQ or RFI will be recorded as received, but not read at bid opening. As
soon as possible, after 1:00 PM, on the day of submittal deadline, preliminary results will be posted to
www.TacomaPurchasing.org.
If you believe your submittal was sent timely and was not read at bid opening, please contact
sendbid@tacoma.gov immediately.
Solicitation Documents: An electronic copy of the complete solicitation documents may be viewed and
obtained by accessing the City of Tacoma Purchasing website at www.TacomaPurchasing.org.
* Register for the Bid Holders List to receive notices of addenda, questions and answers and related updates.
* Click here to see a list of vendors registered for this solicitation.
Pre-Proposal Meeting: A pre-proposal meeting will not be held.
Project Scope: The City of Tacoma, Environmental Services Department, Business Operations Division, is
soliciting bids from qualified suppliers for the establishment of one or more contracts for the as-needed supply
of black bark, sawdust and sand, per the enclosed technical specifications, for TAGRO Operations.
Estimate: $4,720,000
Form No. SPEC-040C Revised: 06/03/2024

Paid Sick Leave: The City of Tacoma requires all employers to provide paid sick leave in accordance with
State of Washington law.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Information: The City of Tacoma, in accordance with Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to
nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs and activities. Specification materials can be
made available in an alternate format by emailing the contact listed below in the Additional Information section.
Title VI Information:
"The City of Tacoma" in accordance with provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (78 Stat. 252, 42
U.S.C. sections 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively
ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises
will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated
against on the grounds of race, color, national origin in consideration of award.
Additional Information: Requests for information regarding the specifications may be obtained by contacting
Stan Rowden by email to srowden@tacoma.gov.
Protest Policy: City of Tacoma protest policy, located at www.tacomapurchasing.org, specifies procedures for
protests submitted prior to and after submittal deadline.
Meeting sites are accessible to persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations for persons with
disabilities can be arranged with 48 hours advance notice by calling 253-502-8468.
Form No. SPEC-040C Revised: 06/03/2024

SUBMITTAL CHECK LIST
This checklist identifies items to be included with your submittal. Any submittal received without
these required items may be deemed non-responsive and not be considered for award.
Submittals must be received by the City of Tacoma Purchasing Division by the date and time
specified in the Request for Bids page.
The following items make up your complete electronic submittal
package (include all the items below):
Signature Page (Appendix B)
To be filled in and executed by a duly authorized officer or representative of the bidding entity.
If the bidder is a subsidiary or doing business on behalf of another entity, so state, and provide
the firm name under which business is hereby transacted.
Price Proposal Form (Appendix B)
The unit prices bid must be shown in the space provided. Check your computations for
omissions and errors.
Samples must be mailed or hand delivered to the address stated above.
After award, the following documents will be executed:
City of Tacoma Contract (See sample in Appendix C)
Must be executed by the successful bidder.
Certificate of Insurance and related endorsements (Appendix C)
Shall be submitted with all required endorsements
Request for Bids Specification No. ES26-0121F
Template Revised: 08/01/2025

SECTION 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Request for Bids Specification No. ES26-0121F
The City of Tacoma (City), Environment and Public Works Department, is soliciting bids from qualified
vendors for the establishment of one or more contracts to fulfill the City's needs for black bark, sand and
sawdust on an as- needed basis. Contract(s) will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible
bidder(s) based on which products blend best to make a superior quality TAGRO Mix, price and
availability.
These materials will be used in the creation of TAGRO Products with an estimated annual usage of
27,000 cubic yards of black bark, 8,300 tons of sand, and 14,200 cubic yards of sawdust. This is an
estimated quantity only and does not guarantee a specific volume or dollar amount.
1.01 RFB EVENT SCHEDULE
The tentative schedule of events for this RFB are listed below:
Publish and Issue RFB October 13, 2026
Pre-Submittal Questions Due October 16, 2026
Response to Questions October 23, 2026
Submittals Due November 3, 2026
Submittal Evaluation November 3-17, 2026
Contract effective date January 1, 2027
The City retains the sole discretion to later this schedule as needed; any contract will only be
issued after City Council approval.
In the event it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFB, addenda will be issued to all
registered plan holders and posted on the Purchasing website.
1.02 CITY CONTACTS
All general and technical inquires shall be directed to Stan Rowden, Senior Buyer, at
srowden@tacoma.gov.
1.03 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A. A pre-submittal bid conference will not be held; however, questions and requests for
clarification of these specifications must be submitted electronically via e-mail by 3:00 p.m.
PST, October 16, 2026, to Stan Rowden at srowden@tacoma.gov.
B. Questions shall be presented directly in the body of the email with simple formatting (i.e. Arial
11, flush left). Subject line of the email should read:
ES26-0121F -TAGRO Materials - Vendor Name
C. The City reserves the discretion to group similar questions and provide a single answer or
to not respond when the requested information is confidential.
D. Any questions that do not meet the criteria or are received after the date outlined above
will not be answered. The supplier will assume all responsibility for their unsuccessful
question submittal.
E. Written answers to all questions submitted will be posted on the Purchasing website at
www.TacomaPurchasing.org, on or about October 23, 2026.
F. The answers are not typically considered an addendum.
1.04 PRODUCT USE
This specification identifies the black bark, sand and sawdust that is acceptable for use as an
ingredient in making TAGRO related products at Tacoma's Central Wastewater Treatment Plant
by TAGRO Operations.
TAGRO is an organic, manufactured soil amendment made with dewatered Biosolids, black bark,

sand and sawdust. It is available to residential and farming communities for use on lawns,
landscaping, gardens and some pasturelands.
1.05 SAMPLES AND TESTING
To be considered responsive to this request for bids the vendor must provide a sample of black
bark, sand, and sawdust with each bid submittal. The vendor shall submit one (1) gallon zip lock-
type sealed bag labeled with the bid specification number, vendor name, contact name and
phone number with each bid submittal. If the vendor submits more than one sample each sample
must be clearly marked as submittal number 1, 2, 3, etc.
Vendor submitted samples will be tested for conformance to the technical specifications and test
batches of TAGRO products will be ran to evaluate blending, performance and texture in the
final product. Any product that fails to meet City standards or any of the specifications herein will
be rejected. The City reserves the right to be the sole judge of acceptability.
1.06 BID SUBMITTALS
Vendors may submit more than one sample for evaluation; however, it is required that the
samples are submitted in separate submittals, in separate envelopes. Each Bid submittal shall
contain all required submittal documents, including the appropriate black bark, sand, or sawdust
sample. Each envelope shall be clearly marked.
Each submittal will be evaluated separately with the contract(s) awarded to the lowest
responsible and responsible bidder(s) based on the sample that blends to make a superior
quality TAGRO products, price and availability of the material. The City reserves the right to the
sole judges of acceptability.
By submitting a bid, the vendor acknowledges that failure to meet the City's minimum product
requirements may constitute a material default of the contract, subjecting the contract to
immediate termination.
1.07 BID EVALUATION
The contracts will be awarded to the responsible bidder based on which product blends best to
make a superior quality TAGRO products, price per ton/cubic yard and availability. The City may
also take into consideration all other criteria for determining award, including evaluation factors
set forth in Municipal Code Section 1.06.262.
All other elements or factors, whether specifically provided for in this specification, which would
affect the final cost to and the benefits to be derived by the City will be considered in determining
the award of a purchase order. The final award decision will be based on the best interests of the
city.
The City reserves the right to give a purchase order to the lowest responsible bidder(s) whose
bid(s) will be the most advantageous to the City, price and any other factors considered, as
described in Paragraph 1.20 of the Standard Terms and Conditions.
1.08 CONTRACT TERM
The initial contract shall be for a period of five years from date of award, with the option to extend
an additional five-year period upon mutual consent of both parties and subject to the price
increase/decrease provisions below.
1.09 PRICING AND PRICE ADJUSTMENTS
The City reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities purchased through this solicitation.
The quantities shown are estimates for the anticipated purchase and not a guarantee of any
particular dollar amount or volume.
Quoted prices must be available for 90-days beyond the opening date, and then firm throughout
the initial 12-month contract period.
Unit prices shall be all-inclusive and submitted as FOB destination, freight pre-paid and allowed.
ES26-0121F

At no point, during the duration of this contract, will surcharges be permitted.
The City will consider price adjustments for reach of the renewal periods, when presented in
advance, under the following conditions:
Vendor will be required to submit proposed price changes 60 days prior to the end of each
contract and/or renewal period. Written requests for price adjustments shall be submitted
electronically to Carly Fowler at cfowler@tacoma.gov.
Any proposed price increase to contract line items must be beyond the control of the vendor
and supported by written documentation from the manufacturer or wholesale distributor,
indicating new higher cost adjustments in effect.
Prices increases will be adjusted only to the amount of the cost increase to vendor. No
adjustment will be made for vendor profit margin.
The City is entitled to any promotional pricing during the contract period which is lower than
the pricing provided in the bid.
Price decreases shall immediately be passed onto the City.
Price shall remain firm for the initial 12-month contract period. Thereafter any price
increase shall remain firm for a minimum of 12-months following it's effective date so that
no more than one price increase may be implemented during a 12-month period. Nothing
in this Contract shall prevent the Supplier from charging a lower price.
Price increases may be passed along during a contract period if the increase is due to
federally mandated regulations.
The City reserves the right to accept or reject all such price adjustments.
Increase requests may be evaluated against various market conditions, including but not limited
to, Consumer Price Index, All Urban Consumers (CPI-US), U.S. City Average Index, All Items
1982-84+100 for the comparable period, state/federal regulations affecting production.
1.10 DELIVERY EXPECTATIONS
Delivery shall be made to the City of Tacoma TAGRO Facility located at 2301 Cleveland Way,
Tacoma, WA 98421, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The delivery of black bark must be made via self-discharging equipment.
The City prefers to receive all deliveries within three (3) working days upon receipt of order.
If none of the successful vendors can provide the materials in the time required, the City
reserves the right to place orders with other sources.
1.11 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
If the successful vendor(s) are unable to meet their delivery requirements as set identified on
their Price Proposal Sheet,, the City reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the product and
purchase elsewhere. The vendor(s) will reimburse the City for all excess costs over the contract
price. If not purchased elsewhere, the vendor(s) agree to pay liquidated damages for any delay
in delivery exceeding five (5) calendar days beyond the required delivery date in the amount of
$250 per working day (Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). Any such assessment
will be deducted from the vendor's invoice prior to payment.
The vendor shall not, however, be responsible for delayed in delivery due to acts outside of their
reasonable control, due to acts of gods such as fire, strikes, pandemics, war, riot, or unavoidable
delay in transportation due to rail car/transport shortages or documented unavoidable material
shortages, provided the City is notified in writing by vendor. If deemed excusable, the City shall
authorize an extension of time. In the event of such an excusable delay, the date of delivery shall
be extended for a period equal to the time lost due to the reason for delay. Any damage
assessment or extensions of time are to be authorized by written purchase order changes issued
by the City.
ES26-0121F

1.12 SUSTAINABLITY
In accordance with the City's Sustainable Procurement Policy, it is the policy of the City of
Tacoma to encourage the use of products or services that help to minimize the environmental
and human health impacts of City Operations. Respondents are encouraged to incorporate
environmentally preferable products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human
health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the
same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, products,
manufacturing, packaging, distribution reuse, operation, maintenance or disposal of the product
or service.
The City of Tacoma encourages the use of sustainability practices and desires any awarded
contractor(s) to assist in efforts to address such factors when feasible for:
Reduction of pollutant releases
Toxicity of materials used
Waste generation
Minimize greenhouse gas emissions
Recycled content
Comprehensive energy conservation measures
Waste management reduction plans
Potential impact on human and environmental health
Potential impact on human and environmental health
Vehicles and/or diesel fuel trucks shall not idle at the time and location of the delivery to the
City for more than three minutes. The City requires vendors to utilize practices that reduce fuel
consumption and emission discharge, including turning off trucks and vehicles during delivery
of products to the City. Exceptions to this requirement include when a vehicle is making
deliveries and associated power is necessary; when the engine is used to provide power in
another device, and if required for proper warm-up and cool-down of the engine. The City of
Tacoma has a commitment to reduction of unnecessary fuel emissions. The City intends to
improve air quality by reducing unnecessary air pollution from idling vehicles. Limiting car and
truck idling supports cleaner air, healthier work environments, the efficient use of city
resources, the public's enjoyment of City properties and programs, conservation of natural
resources, and good stewardship practices. (Per Policy 3.03).
ES26-0121F

APPENDIX A
Technical Specifications
Request for Bids Specification No. ES26-0121F
Template Revised: 08/01/2025

SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Request for Bids Specification No. ES26-0121F
2.01 PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS:
1. Black Bark
The product shall be recovered mill-fun bark with a medium particle size and 100% of it should
pass through a 1/2" segregation screen. There should be no visible free water or dust produced
when handling the material and it should have less than 5% rock content by volume.
The maximum spear particle length shall not exceed 1" and the product should not contain any
dyes. The product must not be exposed to salt water, manures or viable seeds. No cedar bark
will be considered or acceptable in any quantity and the product must not be detrimental to plant
life. The final product will be tested by an independent lab and must meet all applicable
standards (U.S. 40 CFR 503 - Federal Regulations for Class A Exceptional Quality Biosolids).
TAGRO Staff may visit supplier site prior to making an award recommendation.
2. Sand
Vendors that handle sand from a variety of sources rather than a large volume from one location,
such as a pit or quarry, may be rejected. It is not practical to sample and test every load, from
every source, and the use of a variety of sources introduces a risk of receiving products that do
not meet the City's stringent quality requirements. TAGRO Mix is used in the yards of several
thousand citizens each year and any risk of contamination is unacceptable.
The most desirable product is an athletic/playground - round kernel screened sand from a single
location, pit or quarry, which meets all specifications. The sand must be free draining. This friable
sand shall be free from materials toxic to plant growth, noxious weed seeds, rhizomes, roots,
leaves, branches, wood chips, other organic or plant materials, stones, rubble, manure, compost
and debris. It should be as dry as possible and shall have no free liquids. Dredged sand, or sand
that has contacted salt water is not acceptable.
Measured levels of heavy metals, pathogens, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, herbicides,
chlorinated compounds, organic compounds or any other regulated compounds and elements,
shall be uniformly less than maximum levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington Department of Ecology and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department for
cleanup standards, for general use (with biosolids), for gardening and for use in areas accessible
by the general public. The City will analyze samples prior to award for compliance with technical
specifications.
Sand shall not come into contact with any manure or biologically active material. Any products
containing manure, raw organic or raw waste residues, will be rejected. Bid submittals for sand
that is processed (screened, etc.), stored or handled (with a loader, dump truck, etc.) in an area
where contaminating materials may be processed, stored or handled, may be rejected, unless the
City approves a cleaning plan for the equipment. Specifically, the density of Salmonella sp.
bacteria in the delivered sand shall be less than three (3) Most Probable Number per four (4)
grams of total dry solids.
Vendor shall take every precaution to ensure that clean sand is provided and shall be fully
responsible for any product that does not meet specifications or is contaminated, and will assume
all risk for any damages, liability or cleanup made necessary by its use.
The acceptable soil texture range for the sand shall consist of 0.05 to 2.40 mm screened sand. A
preferred performer has been mined, washed and screened playground/athletic sand. The pH
shall be 5.0 to 7.5.
No more than twenty percent by weight of the sand shall be retained on a U.S. No. 8 sieve.
Through the life of the contract, any loads with more than 20 percent by weight retained on a U.S.
No. 8 sieve will be rejected (it is not required that all sand be screened with a U.S. No. 8 sieve,
but all loads must meet this specification). Vendors must have all necessary equipment, including
ES26-0121F Technical Specifications