Invitation for Bids - 2026 Magnesium Chloride Suppl

Lewis and Clark County, Montana
Invitation for Bids
2026 Magnesium Chloride Supply
Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Lewis and Clark County,
Montana are soliciting competitive bids from interested parties to deliver approximately 700
tons of magnesium chloride to the bulk tank facility located at 3402 Cooney Drive, Helena,
Montana. Potential bidders must have the capability to deliver bulk magnesium chloride within
72 hours of the date and time requested. The 72-hour timeframe will not apply for weekends
and holidays. Bulk delivery timeframes will range from June of 2026 until June 30, 2027. Total
tonnage is not guaranteed.
The complete solicitation is available online at
https://www.lccountymt.gov/Government/Grants-and-Procurement/Bids-and-Proposals-
Current. Questions related to this solicitation must be directed only to the designated point of
contact for this solicitation: Jade Wills, Administrative Assistant II, jwills@lccountymt.gov. A
cone of silence is established for this solicitation which prohibits any bidder, or entity with
financial interest in the bid award, from communicating regarding the solicitation with any
Lewis and Clark County elected official, employee, or agent other than the designated point of
contact.
The deadline for bids to be delivered to the Lewis and Clark County Commissioner's Office,
located at the City-County Administrative Building, 316 North Park Avenue, Room 345, Helena,
MT is on or before 4:00 PM local time on June 1, 2026. The sealed envelope containing the bid
must be labeled, "Mag Chloride Supply Bid Enclosed." Bids received by this deadline will be
unsealed publicly on June 2, 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM local time in Room 330 of the City-
County Administrative Building. Late bids are not accepted.
All bids must be accompanied by a bid bond or other form of security as specified in Montana
Code Annotated 18-1-203, payable to Lewis and Clark County, in an amount of no less than ten
percent (10%) of the total bid. Bids received without the required bid security will be deemed
nonresponsive.
The County reserves the right to reject any or all bids received, to waive informalities, to
postpone the solicitation for a period not to exceed 60 days, and to accept the bid that is in the
best interest of the County. Bidders shall be bound to the terms and conditions listed in the
solicitation.
This solicitation is being offered in accordance with federal and state statutes and county
regulations governing procurement. Bids become the property of Lewis and Clark County. The
County is not responsible for costs associated with preparing a bid.
Published in the Helena Independent Record on May 16 and May 23, 2026.
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Bid Specifications
Deliver approximately 700 tons of magnesium chloride to the bulk tank facility located at 3402
Cooney Drive, Helena, Montana. Potential bidders must have the capability to deliver bulk
magnesium chloride within 72 hours of the date and time requested. 72-hour timeframe will not
apply for weekends and holidays. Bulk delivery hours are between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday
through Thursday, no Friday deliveries will accepted. Bulk delivery timeframes will range from
June of 2026 until June 30, 2027. Total tonnage is not guaranteed.
Lewis and Clark County's bulk tank facility includes two 10,000-gallon storage tanks. Each bulk
delivery can be up to 42-tons per tank. All scheduled deliveries will be coordinated with the Lewis
and Clark County Road Department.
Magnesium Chloride (brine solution) must meet project specification listed below:
1. Magnesium Chloride by mass 28% minimum
2. Water by mass 72% maximum
3. Specific Gravity (AASHTO T227) 1.290 to 1.330
Furnish all documentation certifying the chemical makeup of magnesium chloride.
Documentation shall include the product data sheet specifying the minimum and maximum
chemical analysis and physical property ranges for the magnesium chloride and the material
safety data sheets supplied the manufacture.
Provide a commercial certification that includes the date, identification number (truck and
trailer), net mass, and brand name with each shipment. Provide the net volume and specific
gravity at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, percent solids by mass and pH.
Lewis and Clark County reserves the right to conduct random specific gravity and or
physical/chemical characteristics testing to verify specifications. Any testing that fails to meet
the required specification will be rejected and replaced with product meeting the specification
set forth.
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BID WORKSHEET
Return To: Lewis and Clark County
Board of County Commissioners
316 N. Park Avenue, Room 345
Helena, MT 59623
Bids must be received no later than June 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM local time.
THE UNDERSIGNED BIDDER has become familiar with the material solicited by Lewis and Clark
County through the Bid Specifications. The Bidder agrees to follow and abide by all laws
required in the State of Montana and Lewis and Clark County. The Bidder, having satisfied
themself of the product specifications, does submit the bid as follows:
UNIT PRICE BID
Est.
Description Unit Unit Price Extended Price
Quantity
Magnesium Chloride Supply & Delivery Ton 700 $ $
Extended Price Written in Words:
THE BIDDER HEREBY AGREES, if this bid is accepted, to enter into an Agreement to provide the
materials and/or services, and assumes all obligations, duties, and responsibilities specified
herein for the unit price listed above.
THE UNDERSIGNED BIDDER HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT:
1. This bid is genuine and is not made in the interest of, or on the behalf of, any
undisclosed person or firm, and is not submitted as a result of any agreement with any
association, corporation, or group.
2. The Bidder has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other bidder to put in a
false or sham offer.
3. The Bidder has not solicited or induced any person or firm to refrain from bidding.
4. The Bidder has not sought by collusion to obtain any advantage over any other bidder or
over Lewis and Clark County.
5. The Bidder has examined and carefully studied the Bidding Documents and any data and
reference items identified in the Bidding Documents and hereby acknowledges receipt
of the following addenda (if applicable):
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Addendum Number: Addendum Date:
Company Legal Name:
Contact Person:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Federal Tax ID Number:
Contractor Registration Number:
By my signature, I certify that I have the authority and capacity to bind this company in order to
provide the goods/services specified herein, in compliance with the scope of services/technical
specifications, and all other terms and conditions of this Solicitation at the prices provided on
the Bid Worksheet.
Signature of Authorized Official Approving theBidas Submitted:
Name:
Title:
Date:
Authorized Official's Signature
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LEWIS AND CLARK COUNTY
INVITATION FOR BIDS
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By submitting a bid to this Invitation for Bids, the Bidder agrees to acceptance of the following
Standard Terms and Conditions and any other provisions that are specific to this solicitation.
1. Competition. Lewis and Clark County encourages free and open competition among bidders.
Whenever possible, specifications, bid invitations, and conditions are designed to accomplish
this objective, consistent with the necessity to satisfy the County's needs and accomplishment
of a sound economical operation.
The bidder's signature on this proposal guarantees that the prices quoted have been
established without collusion with other eligible bidders and without effort to preclude Lewis
and Clark County from obtaining the lowest possible competitive price.
Prior to the Notice of Intent to Award, bids may be held by Lewis and Clark County for a period
not to exceed 60 days from the date of the opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing bids
and investigating the qualifications of the bidders.
2. Preparation of Bids. Bids will be written in ink and/or typewritten on the bid forms furnished
herewith. Erasures and alterations must be initialed by the bidder in ink. No verbal bids shall be
accepted. The bidder agrees that the bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn during the
60-day review period.
3. Bid Items. The bidder warrants articles offered to conform to the specifications herein
requested, to be fit and sufficient for the purpose manufactured, of good material and
workmanship, and free from defect.
4. Special Brands. Brand name items or descriptions used in this proposal are specified solely for
the purpose of indicating standards of quality, performance, and/or use desired. Any bid
offering goods or sources which deviate from the specifications must be clearly indicated by the
bidder. Substitutions must be identified by the manufacturer and stock number and complete
descriptive literature must be included with the bid. Goods delivered which do not conform to
the contract terms, conditions, or specifications may be rejected and returned at the vendors'
expense. Any bid for foreign produced products shall be so indicated and the source of supply
noted for each item.
5. Packaging. Unless otherwise stipulated, no charges will be allowed for packing, wrapping, bags,
containers, reels, etcetera. All items shall be packed in accordance with prevailing commercial
practices and in such a manner as to ensure delivery in good condition and as specified herein.
6. Delivery/Shipping. Goods shall be prepaid, Free on Board (FOB) destination. In the event the
contract terms specify FOB shipping point, shipping charges will be prepaid and itemized as a
separate item on invoicing. Such shipments shall be via the least expensive common carrier
unless otherwise stipulated. Lewis and Clark County reserves the right to reject Cash on
Delivery (COD).
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7. Warranty. Bidders agree to provide a warranty for product on offer and perform all warranty
and maintenance services in a professional and timely manner and acknowledge that they will
be liable for any breach of this warranty.
8. Cash Discount. Bidders may quote a cash discount, provided it is based on a period of 60 days
or more. A shorter period will not be considered in determination of a low bid. Any cash
discount as part of this contract will be computed from the date of receipt of a properly
executed claim or the date of completion of delivery of all items in satisfactory condition,
whichever is later.
9. Excise Taxes. Lewis and Clark County is exempt from federal excise taxes (FET). Exemption
certificates will be furnished upon request.
10. Acceptance/Rejection of Bids. Lewis and Clark County reserves the right to accept or reject any
or all bids, wholly or in part, and to make awards in any manner deemed in the best interest of
the County.
11. Bid Determination. The basis of the award will be dependent on the most responsible bid
submitted with consideration given to purchase price.
12. Tabulation. In the event that a bid is entered in which the unit price and extension do not
agree, the unit price shall prevail.
13. Nondiscrimination. In accordance with federal and state laws, the bidder agrees not to
discriminate against any client, employee, or applicant for employment or for services because
of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, or age with regard to, but not limited to, the
following:
a. Employment upgrading;
b. Demotion or transfer;
c. Recruitment or recruitment advertising;
d. Lay-offs or terminations;
i. Rates of pay or other forms of compensation;
ii. Selection for training; or
iii. Rendition of services.
Bidders and the awardee shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations.
Bidders and the awardee and any of the Bidders' and the awardee's sub-grantees, contractors,
subcontractors, successors, transferees, and assignees shall comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, which prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance from excluding from a
program or activity, denying benefits of, or otherwise discriminating against a person on the basis
of race, color, or national origin (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), as implemented by the Department
of the Treasury's Title VI regulations, 31 CFR Part 22, which are herein incorporated by reference
and made a part of this contract (or agreement). Title VI also includes protection to persons with
"Limited English Proficiency" in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, 42
U.S.C. 2000d et seq., as implemented by the Department of the Treasury's Title VI regulations,
31 CFR Part 22, which are herein incorporated by reference and made a part of this contract or
2026 Magnesium Chloride Supply Page 6 of 8

agreement.
It is further understood that any vendor who is in violation of this clause shall be barred
forthwith from receiving awards of any purchase from Lewis and Clark County unless a
satisfactory showing is made that discriminatory practices have ceased, and the recurrence of
such acts is unlikely.
14. OSHA and EPA Requirements. The equipment/material shall meet OSHA and EPA requirements
and specifications on the date of the bid opening.
15. Bid Consideration. No bid will be considered unless accompanied by a bid bond, bank draft,
money order, or certified check in the amount of not less than ten (10) percent of the total bid.
16. Public Inspection of Bids. Except as otherwise stated in these terms and conditions, all
information received in response to this IFB is deemed public information and will be available
for public viewing and copying after the Notice of Intent to Award is issued.
17. Trade Secrets. In order for a bidder to claim information is protected under Montana's Uniform
Trade Secrets Act, a notarized Affidavit for Trade Secret Confidentiality shall be provided by the
bidder's attorney acknowledging that material included in a bid is open to public inspection
except for information that meets the provisions of Montana's Uniform Trade Secrets Act.
Trade secrets contained in the bid must be clearly marked and separate from materials that are
open for public inspection. Bidders must be prepared to pay all legal costs and fees associated
with defending a claim for confidentiality in the event of a records request from another party.
18. Claims of Confidentiality and Personal Safety. In order for a Bidder to claim information is
confidential and protected by law or a matter of personal safety, this information must be
marked and separated from the materials that are open for public inspection. Clear reference
to the laws that protect the information must be provided. No confidentiality material may be
contained in the pricing or cost estimates. Contract provisions shall not be covered by claims of
confidentiality or personal safety. Bidders will be solely responsible for all legal costs and fees
associated with defending a claim for confidentiality and/or personal safety in the event of a
records request from another party which the Bidder chooses to oppose. The Bidder will either
totally assume all responsibility for the opposition of the request, and all liability and costs of
any such defense, thereby defending, protecting, indemnifying, and saving harmless the County
or the Bidder will immediately withdraw its opposition to the records request and permit the
County to release the documents for examination. The County will inform the Bidder in writing
of any open records request that is made, and the Bidder will have three working days from
receipt of the notice to notify the County in writing whether the Bidder opposes the request or
not. Failure to provide that notice in writing will waive the claim of confidentiality and allow the
County to treat the documents as a public record.
19. Cone of Silence. A cone of silence shall be established on all Lewis and Clark County formal
solicitation processes. The cone of silence prohibits any communication regarding a formal
solicitation between any bidder (or its agents or representatives) or other entity with the
potential for a financial interest in the award (or their respective agents or representatives) and
2026 Magnesium Chloride Supply Page 7 of 8

any Lewis and Clark County elected official, employee, or agent other than the designated point
of contact for the solicitation.
The cone of silence shall be in effect from the time of posting the formal solicitation on the
County's website and until the County issues a Notice of Intent to Award, cancels the
solicitation, or otherwise takes action to end the selection process.
Violations of the cone of silence may be grounds for disqualification from the selection process.
The cone of silence shall not apply to communications at any public proceeding or meeting.
20. Advanced Payments. Except as provided in law, provisions requiring payment by the County,
fully or in part, for goods or services before receipt of such shall not be authorized.
21. Protest Procedure. A bidder aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or bid award may
protest in accordance with the procedure outlined in the Lewis and Clark County Procurement
Policy.
22. Nondiscrimination Against Firearm Entities/Trade Associations. Per Montana Code Annotated
30-20-301, a Bidder whose company has at least ten full-time employees and is awarded a
contract with a value of at least $100,000 paid wholly or partly from public funds shall not have
a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm
trade association, and the awarded Bidder shall not discriminate during the term of the
contract against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.
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