Request for proposal (RFP)

EscarGrow™ Prototype Fabrication – Helical Healing Habitat (HHH)

RFP No.: HHH-ESCAR-2025-PROT01
Issue date: October 8th, 2025

1. Project Overview

Helical Healing Habitat (HHH), a Texas-based nonprofit developing regenerative biomanufacturing systems, requests proposals for the prototype fabrication of two (2) EscarGrow™ units.

EscarGrow™ is a modular, snail-powered composting and education system designed to convert food waste into soil amendments and clean protein. The system integrates plastic molding, metal fabrication, and basic IoT electronics into a single deployable device suitable for classrooms, community gardens, and household use.

The purpose of this RFP is to identify a qualified local fabrication partner capable of producing fully functional prototypes for pilot testing.

2. Scope of Work

Deliverables:

  • Two (2) complete EscarGrow™ prototypes, assembled and operational.

  • Components include:

    • Outer housing: Injection- or vacuum-formed HDPE or recycled polypropylene shell (eco-certified plastic).

    • Internal trays: Stackable, removable snail rearing and composting trays (HDPE).

    • Metal components: Stainless steel mesh covers, catch tray, fasteners,.

    • Electronics integration: Humidity/temperature sensors, basic microcontroller with display and data port.

    • Leachate and drainage system: Gravity-fed with removable catch tray to push-button leachate spigot .

  • Assembly should allow for disassembly and cleaning for USDA food-contact compliance.

Design assets provided by HHH:

  • 3D CAD models

  • Exploded assembly drawings and bill of materials (BOM)

  • Electrical schematics for IoT module

3. Performance and Quality Requirements

  • Durability: Operable at 30–110°F and up to 95% humidity

  • SafetyUL-listed electronic components

  • Materials: Eco-certified, food-contact-safe plastics and stainless steel

  • Modularity: Stackable trays, replaceable components

  • Noise< 35 dB (quiet operation)

  • Warranty: Minimum 12-month manufacturer defect coverage

4. Budget Ceiling

Maximum budget per prototype: negotiable.

5. Evaluation criteria/weight

  • Technical Feasibility & Experience: 30%

  • Material & quality compliance: 25%

  • Cost competitiveness: 25%

  • Timeline & responsiveness: 10%

  • Sustainability & local sourcing: 10%

6. Terms and conditions

  • HHH retains full intellectual property rights to the EscarGrow™ design and brand.

  • Vendor agrees to nondisclosure of design files, drawings, or prototype data.

  • HHH reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and negotiate final terms.

  • Payment terms: Net 30 upon acceptance of final deliverables.

  • Final prototypes remain property of HHH.

Optional pre-bid Q&A meeting will be scheduled upon request.

7. Attachments (provided upon submission)

  • Attachment A – CAD Models

  • Attachment B – EscarGrow™ Technical Drawings

  • Attachment C – Prototype Assembly Schematic

Apply