Subject
title
Award of Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), Montgomery County,
Maryland Cooperative Lead Invitation for Bid (IFB) # 1180960, for Road Deicing Salt, to Morton
Salt, Inc. of Chicago, IL in the Amount Not to Exceed $1,000,000 each year with an aggregate not to exceed amount of $5,000,000.
end
Department
PW - Operations Maintenance
Recommendation
Staff recommends the award of a Master Agreement to Morton Salt, Inc for the period of one
(1) year with the option to renew for four (4) additional one-year periods in the Amount Not
to Exceed $1,000,000 each year with an aggregate not to exceed amount of $5,000,000.
Discussion
Staff recommends an award to Morton Salt, Inc. for the purchase of Road Deicing Salt in
accordance with the Montgomery County, Maryland Cooperative Lead IFB #1180960, for Zone
001 in which Morton Salt was the lowest bidder.
The purchase of road salt is essential to maintaining and restoring safe travel conditions on City streets during and following winter weather events. This contract will provide for the purchase and replenishment of the City's road salt supply, ensuring Public Works is prepared to respond effectively to inclement weather and restore normal operations for residents and visitors.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this contract has been brought before the Mayor and Council.
Procurement
For the purchase of road deicing salt, the city and 21 other local jurisdictions participated in a MWCOG cooperative procurement with Montgomery County, Maryland serving as the lead jurisdiction; IFB #1180960.
Sealed bids were received and opened on September 26, 2025. The following bids were received for Zone 001:
|
VENDOR |
MFD STATUS |
LOCATION |
BID AMOUNT |
|
Morton Salt, Inc. |
Non-DBE/MBE |
Chicago, IL |
$10,357,545.00 |
|
Eastern Salt, Inc. |
Non-DBE/MBE |
Lowell, MA |
$11,632,300.00 |
The collective purchasing volume generated by participating jurisdictions results in more favorable pricing for road deicing salt than would be available to any jurisdiction purchasing independently. Morton Salt, Inc. has provided road deicing salt to the city for the past several decades satisfactorily.
In accordance with Section 17-71(a), the City may participate in, sponsor, conduct, or administer cooperative procurement agreements with one or more other public entities when the best interest of the City would be served thereby.
In accordance with Section 17-39 of the Rockville City Code, Awarding Authority, (a) All contracts involving more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) shall be awarded by the Council.
City staff conducted a cost analysis comparing two procurement alternatives and determined that the pricing and scope available through this contract offer the best overall value and represent the most effective and efficient solution to meet the City’s operational and sustainability objectives.
Morton Salt Inc. is a non-Minority, Female, Disabled or Veteran (non-MFD-V) business.
The draft master agreement is included as Attachment 1.
To view all contact documents, please click the following links.
1. CONTRACT 1180960 MORTON SALT <https://rockvillemd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=AO&ID=179695&GUID=6ed2c042-617d-49b8-9c46-50223b7d05fb&N=QWdlbmRhIDI1LTIwMjBfMQ%3d%3d>
Fiscal Impact
Funding for the purchase of road salt is appropriated in the Department of Public Works within the Snow and Ice Cost Center. If additional funds are needed during the year, staff will utilize unspent personnel funds and/or General Fund contingency. The amount of salt needed depends on the number and severity of winter weather events and fluctuates annually.
Next Steps
Upon Mayor and Council approval, the Procurement Division will award a Master Agreement to
Morton Salt Inc. for Road Deicing Salt on an as-needed basis.