addendum-1-bid-10-27.pdf

This Addendum #1 to Bid Invitation 10-27, issued by the New Hampshire Division of Procurement and Support Services, addresses a vendor question regarding approved equals for a wheelchair-accessible bus procurement. The bid closing date and time is July 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. for the purchase of one wheelchair-accessible bus, specifically a Starcraft Allstar 22-foot model or equivalent. The vehicle must accommodate 15 persons total (14 passengers plus 1 driver) and comply with ADA requirements, including a wheelchair lift on the right side with minimum four wheelchair securing spots. The bus must be white, gas-powered, include air conditioning and heating, backup alarm and camera, fire extinguisher, seat belts, grab rails, adjustable driver seat, interior and exterior lighting, radio, and vinyl seating. Site visitations of the trade-in vehicle are available July 16-28, 2026, and vendors must provide detailed trade-in appraisals supported by publicly available market valuations.

The State explicitly rejected a vendor's request for an approved equal exceeding the maximum height requirement of 9 feet 5 inches, clarifying that this limitation is necessary due to fixed roof clearances at loading and unloading areas where resident pickup and drop-off occur. Award determination is based on lowest total net cost, calculated by subtracting the trade-in value of a 2016 Ford Cutaway (43,933 miles) from the new bus price. All bid prices must be firm, include F.O.B. delivery to the New Hampshire Veterans Home Maintenance Shop in Tilton, and incorporate all costs without additional surcharges. Successful vendors must complete delivery within 90 days of purchase order receipt and provide a warranty of not less than one year or the manufacturer's standard period covering 100 percent of parts, shipping, labor, travel, lodging, and expenses. Payment terms provide 30 days after invoice receipt or upon delivery, inspection, and acceptance, whichever is later, via ACH transfer.