Carbon Offsets

1.1 SCOPE The University at Buffalo (“University” or “UB”) is soliciting bids from qualified firms for the purchase of high-quality carbon offsets generated by projects involving the destruction of ozone-depleting substances. The University anticipates awarding a contract to one (1) responsive and responsible Bidder that satisfies all requirements set forth in this Invitation for Bid (“IFB”). This IFB defines the scope of the procurement and establishes the applicable minimum specifications, contractual requirements, and bid submission instructions. Each Bidder shall submit a complete and responsive bid demonstrating its ability to provide the required carbon offsets in accordance with all specifications, terms, and conditions of this IFB. Each bid shall include all information, representations, certifications, and supporting documentation required by the University. 1.2 BACKGROUND The University is the largest and most comprehensive campus in the 64-campus State University of New York system (“SUNY”). Founded in 1846, the University is a premier research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. The University offers a wide range of academic programs including more than 100 undergraduate degrees, 205 master’s degrees and 94 doctoral and professional degrees. Currently there are more than 260,000 alumni taking leadership roles in communities and businesses throughout the United States, 135,000 in New York State, and in 148 countries around the world. Approximately 30,000 students attend the University. The University is a member in the prestigious Association of American Universities (“AAU”). UB is also recognized as a national leader in sustainability and climate action. In 2026, UB achieved climate neutrality for the emissions under its direct control, marking a major milestone in its decarbonization journey. Through continued investments in clean energy, resilience, and innovation, UB is helping shape a more sustainable future for higher education and the communities it serves. 1.3 METHOD OF AWARD This IFB is part of a competitive procurement process designed to serve the best interests of the University, State University of New York and the People of the State of New York. It is also designed to provide all bidders with a fair opportunity to have their services considered. The University encourages free and open competition. Whenever possible, terms, specifications, and conditions are designed to accomplish this objective, consistent with the necessity to satisfy the University’s needs. Award under this IFB will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest total price in accordance with New York State Finance Law §163 and University at Buffalo procurement policy. The University reserves the right to make award within forty-five (45) days after the date of bid opening. Subject to the approvals of the Attorney General and State Comptroller offices, if applicable. During which period, bids shall not be withdrawn unless the bidder specifically states in the bid that acceptance thereof must be made within a shorter specific time. University reserves the right to reject any bid that is non‑responsive, non‑responsible, or does not meet minimum mandatory specifications. University may also reject bids that contain qualifications, exceptions, or conditions. Tie bids will be resolved in accordance with New York State Finance Law requirements. University may consider the following in determining responsibility: a) Financial stability b) Past performance c) Capacity to deliver d) Vendor responsibility (VendRep) status e) Compliance with all IFB requirements 1.4 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE The following documents will be annexed to, and incorporated into, and made part of, the Agreement: 1) Exhibit A, State University of New York Standard Contract Clause 2) Exhibit A-1, State University of New York Affirmative Action Clauses 3) The Agreement, including any attachments and schedules thereto 4) Exhibit B, State University of New York General Contract Terms and Conditions 5) Exhibit C, SUNY’s Invitation for Bid 6) Exhibit D, Successful Offeror’s Proposal In the event of any inconsistency in, or conflict among, the document elements described above, such inconsistency or conflict shall be resolved by giving precedence to the document elements in the order set forth above. 1.5 TERM OF AGREEMENT/CONTRACT TERM The successful bidder will be required to enter into a formal written agreement with the University for a period of one (1) year. Award is contingent upon full execution of a contract by the parties and the approval of the State Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), if applicable. 1.6 PRICING AND DELIVERY All proposed pricing must be submitted on Attachment A: Pricing Page to be considered. Bidders may propose pricing for Carbon Offsets originating from no more than three (3) separate Projects. All proposed Carbon Offsets must originate from eligible Projects involving the destruction of ozone-depleting substances. Pricing for each proposed Project must be separately identified on Attachment A: Pricing Page; alternative pricing documents will not be considered. Prices quoted therein shall remain firm for the full term of the Agreement; however, price reductions may be offered at any time and are encouraged. The University shall not be responsible for any fees, costs, expenses, surcharges, or other charges unless expressly approved in writing by the University in advance. The Bidder shall provide its proposed firm, all-inclusive, Price Per Carbon Offset, expressed in U.S. dollars per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent ($/MTCO₂e). The proposed price shall include all costs necessary to furnish and retire the Carbon Offsets on behalf of the University, including, but not limited to, administrative fees, registry fees, transaction fees, and any other associated charges. Carbon Offsets retired on behalf of the University are not subject to Federal Excise Tax, Federal Transportation Tax, or New York State Sales Tax. Accordingly, such taxes shall not be included in the Bid Price or any invoice submitted to the University. For purposes of bid preparation and evaluation, Bidders shall base their proposed pricing on an estimated quantity of 43,000 Carbon Offsets. This estimated quantity is provided solely to establish a uniform basis for bidding and evaluation and shall not constitute a guarantee or commitment by the University to purchase any minimum or specific quantity. The University shall be responsible for payment only for the Carbon Offsets actually retired on its behalf in accordance with the resulting Agreement. 1.7 LATE BID Any bid received after the time specified in this IFB will be considered a Late Bid. A Late Bid shall not be considered for award unless: (i) no timely bids meeting the requirements of this IFB are received; or (ii) in the case of a multiple award, an insufficient number of timely bids were received to satisfy the multiple award. Upon receipt of a Late Bid, the University will use the ShopBlue (Jaggaer) date and time stamp to document the Late Bid’s arrival. Late Bids that are not considered will be held unopened, unless opened for identification, until after award and then retained with other unsuccessful bids. However, any bid bond or guarantee will be returned. 1.8 SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS By submitting a proposal, the Bidder agrees that it will neither make any claims for nor assert any right to, damages because of any misunderstandings or lack of information. Questions should be submitted through the University’s eProcurement system, ShopBlue (Jaggaer), Question & Answer Board, no later than 2:30 P.M. on Monday, October 5, 2026 See “Instructions to Bidders” attachment for details. Written questions and requests for clarification must cite the IFB section, where applicable. Questions received after the deadline may not be answered by the University. A comprehensive list of questions and the official University response will be issued as an Addendum to the IFB. The Addendum will not contain the identities of the bidders submitting the questions; those bidders will remain anonymous to the extent allowed by law. 1.9 PROCUREMENT TIMELINE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) TIMELINE OF EVENTS Event Date Issuance of Notice Monday, September 28, 2026 Deadline for Submission of Questions Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 2:30 P.M. Answers Issued to All Bidders Monday, October 12, 2026 Bid Opening Date Tuesday, October 20, 2026 @ 2:30 P.M. Notice of Award (tentative) Tuesday, October 27, 2026 @ 2:30 P.M. Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: None Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 6.00% Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) MBE Goal: 15.90% WBE Goal: 14.10% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contracting goals (DBE) DBE Goal: 0.00%