RFP 2027-031 Wood Pellets: University of Maine at Fort Kent

Location:	Maine
Posted:	Oct 20, 2026
Due:	Oct 26, 2026
Agency:	University of Maine
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	68 - Chemicals and Chemical Products Z - Maintenance, Repair or Alteration of Real Property
Solicitation No:	2027-031
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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Administered by University of Maine System

Office of Strategic Procurement

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Wood Pellets – University of Maine at Fort Kent

RFP #2027-031

Issued Date: October 13, 2026

Response Deadline Date/Time: October 26, 2026, 4:00 PM EST

Response Submission Information:

Submitted electronically to: sbilodeau@competitive-energy.com

Response Contact Information:

Sarah Bilodeau, Competitive Energy Services

Email: sbilodeau@competitive-energy.com Phone: (207) 772-6190

Request for Proposal – Wood Pellets – UMFK

Dated: October 9, 2026

Contents

Response Submission Information: ........................................................................................................... 1

Response Contact Information: ................................................................................................................. 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Definitions, Background, Purpose and Specifications................................................. 3

1.2 General Information ............................................................................................................... 8

1.3 General Submission Provisions ....................................................................................... 12

2.0 EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS............................................................................... 14

2.1 Evaluation Criteria................................................................................................................ 14

2.2 Award....................................................................................................................................... 14

2.3 Tie Bids.................................................................................................................................... 15

2.4 Negotiations ........................................................................................................................... 15

2.5 Award Protest ........................................................................................................................ 15

3.0 RESPONSE FORMAT REQUIREMENTS.............................................................................. 15

3.1 General Format Instructions.............................................................................................. 15

3.2 Response Format Instructions ......................................................................................... 16

Appendix A – University of Maine System Response Cover Page................................... 18

Appendix B – Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification...................... 19

Appendix C – Required Cost Evaluation Exhibits................................................................. 20

Appendix D – Master Agreement ............................................................................................... 22

Appendix E – Organization Reference Form .......................................................................... 23

Appendix F – Evaluation Question(s) - Organization, Qualifications and Experience 24

University of Maine System RFP

Rev. 11/04/2025

Page 2 of 24

Request for Proposal – Wood Pellets – UMFK

Dated: October 9, 2026

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Definitions, Background, Purpose and Specifications

1.1.1 Definitions

The University of Maine System will hereinafter be referred to as the "University."

Respondents to the document shall be referred to as "Respondent(s)” or

“Respondent”.

The Respondent to whom the Agreement is awarded shall be referred to as the

"Contractor."

The University of Maine System and other components of the University shall be

referred to as “Multi-Institution”.

1.1.2

Background

Overview

Established in 1968, the University of Maine System (UMS) unites six distinctive

public universities, comprising 10 campuses and numerous centers, in the

common purpose of providing quality higher education while delivering on its

traditional tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service.

A comprehensive public institution of higher education, UMS serves more than

30,000 students annually and is supported by the efforts of more than 2,000 full-

time and part-time faculty, more than 3,000 regular full-time and part-time staff,

and a complement of part-time temporary (adjunct) faculty.

Reaching more than 500,000 people annually through educational and cultural

offerings, the University of Maine System also benefits from more than two-thirds

of its alumni population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals.

The System consists of six universities: The University of Maine (UMaine),

including its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMM); the

University of Maine at Augusta (UMA); the University of Maine at Farmington

(UMF); the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), the University of Maine at

Presque Isle (UMPI); and the University of Southern Maine (USM). The System

also includes the University of Maine School of Law and the University of Maine

Graduate and Professional Center.

Campus thumbnails

University of Maine at Fort Kent

Founded in 1878, the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a unique learning

institution perfect for people seeking a rural scholastic atmosphere of modern

academic standards combined with an eclectic mix of rugged outdoor vistas and

access to cosmopolitan epicenters across two countries. The learning

opportunities at UMFK have become a model of a "destination university" that

other New England campuses attempt to emulate. Strong academic programs

include associate and bachelor’s degrees in disciplines such as nursing, business,

biology, forestry and cybersecurity among others. The student body at UMFK

numbering 1,500, has a higher percentage of international students than any other

university in New England, allowing immersion in a cultural opportunity that is

unique in the world. UMFK enjoys national recognition for quality and value as well

as championships in men’s and women’s soccer.

University of Maine System RFP

Rev. 11/04/2025

Page 3 of 24

Request for Proposal – Wood Pellets – UMFK

Dated: October 9, 2026

1.1.3

Purpose

Competitive Energy Services (“CES”), the Bid Administrator, on behalf of the

University of Maine Fort Kent is seeking responses to provide Wood Pellet Fuel as

defined in this document. This document provides instructions for submitting

responses, the procedure and criteria by which the Respondent(s) will be selected,

and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the University

and the awarded Respondent(s).

Respondents should review 1.1.4 Specifications / Scope of Work of this document

to see the full Scope of Services/Products required.

1.1.4

Specifications / Scope of Work

On behalf of the University of Maine System, Competitive Energy Services is

accepting proposals for wood pellet fuel service to the University of Maine Fort

Kent (UMFK).

Address: UMFK, 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME 04743

Contract duration: Initial term for 2 years starting on or about November 1, 2026,

with 3 additional 1 year renewal options for a potential 5 years duration.

Quantity: Estimated consumption per year is 1400 tons.

UMFK provides heat to MSAD #27 from the Armory location. The estimated annual

consumption includes heat service for both UMFK and MSAD #27. In any given

year, it is possible that MSAD #27 may choose to refuse heat service from UMFK.

Estimated consumption for UMFK without MSAD #27 is approximately 800 tons.

Actual consumption for 2025-26 was 1004 tons. Please see Wood Pellet Proposal

Form in Appendix C for requested cost responses.

Delivery Requirements:

Deliveries will be made to the silos at the Armory Building, 34 Armory

Road, Fort Kent and to the silos at the Sports Center, 43 Pleasant Street, Fort

Kent.

All deliveries must comply with Department of Transportation regulations,

Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

The University will monitor pellet storage levels and will provide daily

reports to the Contractor. The University will request delivery from the Contractor,

and such delivery will be made to the silo(s) no later than 24 hours after the

request.

The driver must notify a designated employee that they are on site in order

to gain access for delivery. The employee responsible for receiving wood pellets

at each location will sign for deliveries. All deliveries must include a delivery

ticket/receipt left with a designated University representative to be determined

upon contract execution. The delivery ticket must include building name or building

number for each delivery address and pellet source.

University of Maine System RFP

Rev. 11/04/2025

Page 4 of 24

Request for Proposal – Wood Pellets – UMFK

Dated: October 9, 2026

Deliveries to each University location will be made between the hours of

7:00 am and 3:00 pm, 7 days per week, unless otherwise approved by the

designated employee of that delivery location. If deliveries are made before or after

these hours without the employee's approval, and if it is necessary to accept

delivery, the expense for the employee call-back time will be deducted from the

invoice. The minimum call-back time is 3 hours.

Deliveries to the Armory Building may be made by tractor trailer. Deliveries to the

Sports Complex must be made by a straight truck or a truck of equal size upon

University approval.

Failure to Deliver: Contractor agrees to pay the difference in alternative

fuel cost for the exact quantity of alternative fuel the University was required to

burn, based on BTU value analysis and actual cost comparison, as a result of

Contractor's failure to deliver except in the event of Force Majeure.

Delivery Method and Specifications Pneumatic Fill:

All four (4) silos are piped for pneumatic fill.

The delivery truck operator must have experience with pneumatic delivery

systems in order to avoid damage to the wood pellets.

Notes

•

Driver must immediately report any spillage to University personnel.

Driver must immediately report any damage to site or buildings.

Delivery site must be left in a clean and orderly condition.

Photos of the silo fill connections:

Armory Building

University of Maine System RFP

Rev. 11/04/2025

Page 5 of 24

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

bid #	due date	due time	commodity	attachments	addenda
2027-031	26-Oct-2026	04:00 pm	RFP 2027-031 Wood Pellets: University of Maine at Fort Kent	RFP 2027-031 Attachment A: Master Agreement	RFP 2027-031 Addendum 1

RFP 2027-031 Wood Pellets: University of Maine at Fort Kent

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