BID INSTRUCTIONS & SPECIFICATIONS

“HEAVY DUTY INDUSTRIAL DRY CELL ALKALINE BATTERIES”

SCOPE: To establish a one year contract for Heavy Duty Industrial Dry Cell Alkaline Batteries to be stocked in our Central Warehouse for distribution to using State Agencies.

CONTRACT PERIOD: Any contract issued as a result of this bid is to be for a period of one year beginning approximately October 1, 2011 thru September 30, 2012.

EXTENSION OF CONTRACT: The State of Maine reserves the right, with the consent of the contractor, to renew any contract issued for two additional years in one year increments, providing pricing and the terms of the contract remain in the best interest of the State.

ESTIMATED VALUE: The estimated yearly value of this contract is approximately $45,000. Usage could be more or less than 6200 AA packs of 12, 2600 AAA packs of 12, 350 C packs of 12, 700 D packs of 12, and 300 9V packs of 12. It is understood and agreed, however, that the contract shall cover all the quantities ordered by the Central Warehouse during the term of the contract, whether more or less than the amount indicated.

PACKAGING: – All items shall be packaged and packed in accordance with prevailing commercial practice, and in such a manner as to insure delivery in first class condition.

BID PRICES: – Prices shall be net, including transportation and delivery charges on orders for standard packages to be fully prepaid by the contractor F.O.B. Destination.

PRODUCTS BID: – Vendors shall bid heavy-duty industrial, dry cell alkaline only batteries in packages of 12 batteries per pack, with an expiration date on each battery. All bids must state brand and provide detailed information on packaging. The State of Maine will accept bids on the following brands of batteries only: Duracell Ultra, Duracell Coppertops, Energizer Max, and Ray-O-Vac. Consideration for the contract award will be given for what is in the best interest of the State.

GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER: In keeping with the Executive Order #12, FY 06/07 (see attached): AN ORDER PROMOTING SAFER CHEMICALS IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, we continue our commitment to environmentally preferable procurement. Through this Request for Quotations (RFQ), we intend to purchase products that have a reduced negative impact on human health and the natural environment in comparison to other products that serve similar purposes to the extent feasible, balancing price, performance, availability and safety.

LAWS: - Button cell batteries. This subsection governs the sale of mercury-added button cell batteries. After June 30, 2011, a person may not sell or offer to sell or distribute for promotional purposes a mercury-added button cell battery identified in this paragraph or a product that contains a mercury-added button cell battery identified in this paragraph:

(1) A zinc-air button cell battery;

(2) An alkaline manganese button cell battery; or

(3) A silver oxide button cell battery stamped with the designation 357, 364, 371, 377, 395, SR44W, SR621SW, SR626SW, SR920SW or SR927SW or a silver oxide button cell battery that is interchangeable with a battery that is stamped with one of those designations; and [2009, c.501, §22 (AMD).] See attached 38 MRSA §1661-C paragraph 9.

ORDERING PROCEDURE: The Central Warehouse will fax or telephone all Contract Release Orders (CRO) created by their internal system to the Vendor.

PROCUREMENT CARD: State policy requires vendors to accept the State of Maine Procurement Card as a form of payment, with very rare exceptions. Your company will be required to accept these cards. The pricing offered to the State of Maine shall be the final cost to the State of Maine regardless of payment method. No surcharge or other compensation will be allowed. The State of Maine reserves the right to reject your bid if you are unwilling to accept this condition.

DELIVERIES: Items purchased shall be delivered to Central Warehouse within 10 days or less from the receipt of order. Deliveries must be made on 40 X 48 non-exchangeable pallets. Vendor will schedule delivery 24 hours in advance by calling Michelle Kirk at the Central Warehouse at (207) 287-3644 during receiving hours: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday thru Friday. The Contractor will be responsible for the delivery of material in first class condition and in accordance with good commercial practice.

INVOICES: Invoice must reference the Delivery Order number and Contract number. Failure to do so could cause lengthy delay of payment of invoices.

TAXES: The State is exempt from the payment of federal excise taxes and State sales taxes. Exemption certificates will be furnished upon request from the Division of Purchases.

REPORT OF PURCHASES: Contractor will be required to furnish the Director of Purchases with a detailed summary of total Purchases made under this contract. This summary may be requested annually or at any time during the contract period and will be required for any extension of the contract.

CANCELLATION OF CONTRACT: The Division of Purchases reserves the right to cancel a contract upon a thirty day written notice, or cancel immediately if the contractor does not conform to the terms and conditions of the contract.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS:

The Division of Purchases is committed to providing purchasing opportunities for political subdivisions and school districts in Maine by allowing them access, through our vendors, to our contract pricing.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

9 State House Station 111 Sewall Street Augusta, ME 04333-0009