Biological Retting of Hemp Plants - Procurement services - Sole Source

Oregon State University intends to contract for the provision of green decoration and biological retting of hemp plants in the field from Pure Fiber Innovations LLC as a sole source because of the contractor being the only provider able to meet critical parameters or timeframes to support the research and/or business needs of the university. A key objective of the Global Hemp Innovation Center’s grants and projects is to evaluate various potential commercial hemp production systems, products, and supply chains. One key limitation of commercial hemp fiber production in the United States, particularly the arid west, is the need for biological retting of hemp plants in the field. Retting is a microbial process which allows for the separation (decortication) of the hemp fiber from the other stalk material (hurd). Dry weather conditions in the West limit the viability of microbial retting leaving a major roadblock in the development of a hemp textile fiber industry. Oregon State University has required specifications for the minimum needs of this research process below: Access to a green hemp decorticator Experience operating a green decorticator Ability to have the machine transported to and operated in Oregon and California demonstration hemp fields. Pure Fiber Innovations has developed a prototype green hemp decorticator which can separate bast and hurd of green hemp in the field. They have the ability transport the machine to Oregon and California and demonstrate the machine in hemp fields managed by OSU and UC Davis. and can meet the specifications. An entity may challenge this determination no later than the closing date indicated on the website. Challenges must be submitted to Cassandra Hurd by email at cassandra.hurd@oregonstate.edu.