5-22-12 (Dattco) APPROVED EQUALS.doc

This is an Approved Equals documentation file from the Maine Department of Transportation regarding solicitation RFQ 17D 12050800000000000969 for a Mass Transportation Transit Bus (12+2 Small Cutaway) vehicle. The document records four vendor requests submitted by Dattco on May 22, 2012, seeking approval for alternative or modified specifications. All four requests were approved: the use of A&M doors for entry-way doors featuring one-piece glass panels, installation of rear emergency windows measuring 24 inches tall by 14 inches wide on each side of the rear door, acceptance of the vendor's standard undercoating warranty as an approved equal for rustproofing, and approval of a 12-month/12,000-mile body and chassis warranty.

The approvals indicate that the Maine Department of Transportation accepted Dattco's proposed modifications and alternative products as meeting the contract requirements, allowing the vendor to proceed with these specifications rather than strictly adhering to the original solicitation specifications. This document demonstrates the procurement flexibility built into the bidding process to accommodate industry-standard alternatives and approved equals that meet or exceed the stated requirements.