Highway 59 Transfer Station Fire Detection and Suppression

PH: 209.723.4481
FAX: 209.384.3109
7040 N. Highway 59
Merced, CA 95348
Release Date: July 20, 2026
Project No. RFP20260720MCRWMA
Request for Proposals
for
Highway 59 Transfer Station Fire Detection and Suppression
Notice is hereby given that proposals will be received at the Merced County Regional Waste Management
Authority (MCRWMA), a California Joint Powers Authority, for performing all work necessary in
accordance with the Requirements specified herein. Please carefully read and follow the instructions
provided. Proposers are responsible for making certain that their proposal is complete and is received by
MCRWMA on or before the closing deadline.
Proposals shall be emailed to: Magdalena Gartonzavesky, HR and Procurement Specialist, at
procurements@mcagov.org. The email subject line shall read as follows: RFP20260720MCRWMA -
Highway 59 Transfer Station Fire Detection and Suppression - Email Submission Deadline August 17, 2026,
12:00 p.m., PDT [insert contractor name here].
Proposals received/email timestamped after the closing deadline will be rejected.
A pre-proposal meeting will be held on July 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. The pre-proposal meeting and project
site visit will be held via conference call. Proposers interested in attending must RSVP via email to
procurements@mcagov.org by 12:00 p.m. July 27, 2026.
The Merced County Association of Governments Purchasing Policy and all of its provisions are
incorporated by this reference.
MCRWMA is not liable for any costs incurred by Proposers in responding to this Request for Proposals
(RFP). Proposers are hereby notified that Proposals become public record. Proposers are to clearly identify
any information that is confidential and/or proprietary and submit a redacted copy of their proposal with
the confidential and/or proprietary information. In the event of a Public Records Act or Freedom of
Information Act request, MCRWMA will use the redacted copy submitted by the proposer in response and
the failure to provide a redacted copy may result in the disclosure of a proposer's entire response.
MCRWMA is not responsible or liable for the disclosure of any information that is not clearly labeled as
confidential and/or proprietary and provided in redacted form.
Please direct inquiries to Magdalena Gartonzavesky, HR and Procurement Specialist, via email at
procurements@mcagov.org.
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 1 of 31

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page 1
Table of Contents 2
Proposer's Submittal Checklist 3
Definitions 4
Section I - General Information 5
Section II - Requirements - Scope of Work 8
Section III - Submittals 14
Section IV - Basis of Award, Evaluation, Selection Process, and Protests 16
Certification 20
Nondebarment Certification 21
Lobbying Certification 23
Reference List 24
Sample Agreement 25
All RFP documents are available at the following website:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6cpjrkj1fywdxxhzrka05/AKAB1WHJHYYCiXNKRFa_U-
Q?rlkey=t8ila9ylx5w57c4b7buwldbyj&st=k07446kq&dl=0
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 2 of 31

PROPOSER'S SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST
This checklist is provided to assist Proposers with submitting a complete Proposal. Proposers are to submit
Proposal as noted below and are to include this checklist with Proposal.
1. _____ Cover Page and Cover Letter
2. _____ Proposer's Submittal Checklist
3. _____ Table of Contents
4. _____ Section One - Certification, Nondebarment Certification, Lobbying Certification,
and Reference List
5. _____ Section Two - Organization, Capability, and Experience
6. _____ Section Three - Response to Requirements - Scope of Work
7. _____ Section Four - Cost
A simple cover page noting each Section before each Section begins in your proposal is acceptable. For
example, a single page noting "Section One."
Non-submittal of any requested item may be considered non-responsive.
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 3 of 31

DEFINITIONS
Agreement - The Agreement constitutes the entire contract between MCRWMA and the selected
Proposer. Term may be used interchangeably with Contract.
Authorized Representative - Person who has the legal authority to enter into and sign contracts on behalf
of the organization.
Closing Deadline - The last day and time the proposal must be received via email to
procurements@mcagov.org. Term may be used interchangeably with Submission Deadline.
Contractor - The Proposer awarded the Contract derived from this RFP. Term may be used
interchangeably with Consultant, Vendor, or Service Provider.
Contract - The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between MCRWMA and the selected Proposer.
Term may be used interchangeably with Agreement.
Evaluation Committee - A committee established to review and evaluate proposals to determine the
Contract award. The committee may include representatives of MCAG, MCRWMA and its member
jurisdictions.
MCAG - Merced County Association of Governments, a joint powers authority, established under
California Government Code Section 6500 et seq.
MCRWMA - Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority, a California Joint Powers Authority
and an affiliate agency of the Merced County Association of Governments.
Respondent/Proposers - A person, partnership, firm, or corporation submitting a proposal with the
intention of obtaining an MCRWMA contract.
Subcontractor(s) - Any person, entity, or organization, to which CONTRACTOR or
Consultant/Vendor/Service Provider or MCRWMA has delegated any of its obligations hereunder.
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 4 of 31

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 PURPOSE AND BASIS OF AWARD
MCRWMA is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide all labor, materials, equipment,
engineering, permitting support, testing, commissioning, training, and documentation necessary to
furnish and install a complete self-contained fire detection and suppression system for a 15,000-square-
foot single-stream recycling transfer station handling mixed recyclable materials including paper,
cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals.
MCRWMA intends to use the results of this RFP to award one contract to the most responsive and
responsible Proposer as evaluated per Section IV of this RFP.
1.2 AGENCY INFORMATION
MCRWMA, created in 1972, is a California JPA comprised of seven member agencies: City of Atwater, City
of Dos Palos, City of Gustine, City of Livingston, City of Los Banos, City of Merced, and the County of
Merced and governed by the MCRWMA Governing Board. Established for the purpose of coordinating
and managing two regional landfills in Merced County, the role of MCRWMA was expanded in the 1990's
to include activities mandated by the California Integrated Waste Management Act. The MCRWMA
Governing Board has been designated as the governing body for MCRWMA operations.
MCRWMA is responsible for managing the solid waste, green waste, organic materials, recyclable
materials, and household hazardous waste (HHW) programs for its member agencies, including
developing and implementing programs that assist its member agencies to meet related State mandates.
MCRWMA owns and operates 2 landfills: Highway 59 landfill and the Billy Wright (BW) landfill, located on
the east and west side of the county, respectively. Both offer waste disposal, HHW services, and the
transfer of recyclable and organic materials.
1.3 CONTRACT DURATION
The contract term is anticipated to commence November 2, 2026, and end November 1, 2027, and is
contingent upon agreed upon services, available funding, and successful performance. The contract term
may be extended by MCRWMA at its sole discretion, for up to 5 additional one-year terms and shall be
based on available funding and successful performance. The contract will be a fixed price contract for the
full term including the additional extension options.
1.4 RFP SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES
To the extent achievable, the following schedule shall be used for the procurement process. MCRWMA
reserves the right to modify the dates below as necessary.
a. RFP Distribution July 20, 2026
b. Pre-Proposal Meeting/Site Visit (RSVP by 12:00p.m. 7/27/26) July 28, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
c. Questions/Clarifications due via email by August 3, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
d. Addendum(s) and Responses Posted by August 10, 2026
e. Deadline to Submit Proposal via Email August 17, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 5 of 31

f. Evaluations August 17 - 28, 2026
g. Virtual Interviews September 8 - 10, 2026
h. Notice of Intent to Negotiate September 11, 2026
i. Notice of Intent to Award September 25, 2026
j. Governing Board Approval of Contract October 15, 2026
k. Notice of Award October 16, 2026
l. Contract Execution/Notice to Proceed November 2, 2026
1.5 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING AND PROJECT SITE VISIT
A pre-proposal meeting will be held on July 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. PDT via a conference call. Pre-Proposal
meeting is not mandatory. An attendance sign-in sheet will be available, and all potential proposers must
sign-in to verify their attendance. Interested attendees are to RSVP via email to
procurements@mcagov.org by July 27, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. To attend, proposers may use the following
Zoom meeting link or dial the following number, and enter the meeting ID and access code:
Zoom meeting link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85745656100?pwd=CoambWcXL8iS4jYj57UD9AeZdw1jkI.1
Meeting ID: 857 4565 6100, Access Code: 065685, Dial in Number: 1 (699) 444-9171.
1.6 QUESTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS AND/OR REVISIONS
Proposers are expected to raise any questions, noted errors, discrepancies, ambiguities, exceptions,
additions, or deficiencies they have concerning this RFP via email to procurements@mcagov.org no later
than 12:00 p.m. August 3, 2026.
If a Proposer fails to notify MCRWMA of any condition stated above that reasonably should have been
known to the Proposer, and if a contract is awarded to that Proposer, the Proposer shall not be entitled
to additional compensation or time by reason of the error or its correction.
Revisions to this RFP will only be made by official addendum issued by MCRWMA. Addenda will be posted
by August 10, 2026. Proposers are responsible for checking the website for addenda prior to submitting
their Proposal. Failure to acknowledge addenda may disqualify a Proposal. As such, Proposers are advised
to review the website prior to the close of this RFP at https://mcrwma.org/bids.aspx. Proposers are
encouraged to sign up for "Notify Me" on the website to receive emails, or a text, when items are posted
relevant to RFP's.
1.7 PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS
Proposers may obtain copies of the drawings, photos, and other proposal documents from the following
website:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6cpjrkj1fywdxxhzrka05/AKAB1WHJHYYCiXNKRFa_U-
Q?rlkey=t8ila9ylx5w57c4b7buwldbyj&st=k07446kq&dl=0
1.8 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS
Proposals shall be irrevocable unless withdrawn prior to the closing deadline. Proposers may withdraw a
Proposal, in writing, at any time up to the closing deadline. A written withdrawal notice must be received
by MCRWMA at 369 W. 18th Street, Merced, California, 95340 or via email at procurements@mcagov.org.
The notice must be signed by an authorized representative. If a previously submitted Proposal is
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 6 of 31

withdrawn prior to the closing deadline, the Proposer may submit another Proposal at any time up to the
closing deadline.
1.9 PROTEST PROCEDURES
Notice of intent to protest must be made in writing and conform to the requirements of MCRWMA Protest
Procedures, included herein on pages 17 - 19.
1.10 FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS
Proposals which contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references which do not
support an attribute or condition claimed by the Proposer, shall be rejected.
1.11 RIGHT TO REJECT OR ACCEPT PROPOSALS AND RIGHT TO CANCEL
MCRWMA reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals or any part thereof, or to waive any
informalities or minor irregularities in the Proposals, and to make an award on the basis of suitability,
quality of service to be provided, and ability to perform the Requirements. MCRWMA also reserves the
right to cancel this RFP in part or in its entirety.
1.12 DISPUTE RESOLUTION, ATTORNEY FEES, JURISDICTION, AND VENUE
In any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or in any way connected with the performance of the
Agreement contemplated herein, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's
fees and costs. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement contemplated herein, any disputes
concerning any question of fact or law relating to the Agreement contemplated herein, or any litigation
or arbitration arising out of the Agreement contemplated herein, shall be interpreted pursuant to
California law, subject to the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of California, and venued in the County of
Merced. CONTRACTOR expressly waives federal jurisdiction.
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 7 of 31

SECTION II - REQUIREMENTS - SCOPE OF WORK
2.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW
MCRWMA is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide all labor, materials, equipment,
engineering, permitting support, testing, commissioning, training, and documentation necessary to
furnish and install a complete self-contained fire detection and suppression system for a 15,000-square-
foot single-stream recycling transfer station handling mixed recyclable materials including paper,
cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals.
The facility does not have access to a dedicated fire protection water source; therefore, the selected
CONTRACTOR shall provide a fully self-contained fire suppression solution incorporating on-site water
storage, pumping equipment, detection systems, controls, and associated infrastructure.
The system shall be designed to provide early fire detection, rapid notification, and suppression of fires
occurring within waste storage, processing, transfer, and material handling areas.
Proposers may obtain copies of the drawings, photos, and other proposal documents from the following
website:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6cpjrkj1fywdxxhzrka05/AKAB1WHJHYYCiXNKRFa_U-
Q?rlkey=t8ila9ylx5w57c4b7buwldbyj&st=k07446kq&dl=0
2.2 CODES AND STANDARDS
The system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the latest adopted editions of applicable
standards, including but not limited to:
* NFPA 13 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
* NFPA 15 - Water Spray Fixed Systems
* NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
* NFPA 1225 (or current applicable standard for emergency communications)
* Applicable waste/recycling industry fire protection guidance
* International Fire Code (IFC)
* Applicable State and Local Fire Marshal requirements
* Manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices
2.3 ENGINEERING AND DESIGN SERVICES
The selected CONTRACTOR shall:
* Perform a site evaluation and hazard assessment.
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 8 of 31

* Develop a complete fire protection design package.
* Prepare system calculations and equipment sizing.
* Develop equipment layout drawings and wiring diagrams.
* Coordinate with MCRWMA and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
* Submit design documents for review and approval prior to installation.
2.4 FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM
The selected CONTRACTOR shall provide a comprehensive early-warning fire detection system designed
specifically for recycling and combustible material hazards.
The detection system shall include, at a minimum:
A. Infrared Thermal Imaging Cameras
* Fixed-mount infrared thermal imaging cameras covering all material storage, sorting,
processing, and transfer areas.
* Continuous temperature monitoring and analytics.
* Automated hot-spot detection.
* Configurable alarm thresholds.
* Real-time thermal imaging display.
B. Visual Spectrum Cameras
* High-definition visual cameras integrated with thermal detection.
* Video verification of alarm events.
* Event recording and storage.
C. Smoke Detection
* Industrial-grade smoke detection in enclosed areas where practical.
* Air sampling detection systems may be utilized where appropriate.
D. Detection Analytics and Control Software
* Intelligent fire detection software capable of:
o Identifying abnormal heat signatures.
o Tracking temperature trends.
o Providing pre-alarm notifications.
RFP20260720MCRWMA Page 9 of 31

o Initiating suppression sequences.
o Logging events and alarms.
E. Alarm and Notification
* Local audible and visual notification devices.
* Fire alarm control panel.
* Remote notification capability via cellular, internet, or other communication methods.
* Supervisory monitoring interface.
2.5 SELF-CONTAINED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
The selected CONTRACTOR shall provide a fully self-contained fire suppression system capable of
protecting the entire transfer station.
A. Water Storage System
The selected CONTRACTOR shall provide an above-ground or approved storage tank system sized
to support suppression demand.
Minimum performance requirements:
* Capable of supplying not less than 150 gallons per minute (GPM).
* Minimum discharge duration of 5 minutes.
* Minimum usable water volume of 750 gallons.
* The selected CONTRACTOR shall evaluate hazard conditions and provide additional
storage volume as required by design calculations and AHJ requirements.
B. Fire Pump System
The selected CONTRACTOR shall provide:
* Dedicated fire pump.
* Automatic start controls.
* Pressure monitoring and supervisory controls.
* Freeze protection where required.
C. Suppression Distribution System
The selected CONTRACTOR shall provide:
* Piping network.
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