Approved Equals Clarifications.doc

RFQ-17A-08041600000000000717

11 PASSENGER CENTER AISLE VAN

EXCEPTIONS/APPROVED EQUAL REQUESTS/CLARIFICATIONS

Section 1.0 Dimensions: Requesting acceptance of a 96” overall height, INCLUDING raised top as this is a functional dimension as it relates to finished product and is therefore measurable.

Response:

Accepted

Section 1.0 Dimensions: Requesting acceptance of a 62” interior height measured at aisle location, INCLUDING raised top as this is a functional dimension as it relates to the finished product and is therefore measurable.

Response: Accepted

Section 1.0

Scope: Requesting clarification on the combination of a 2007 model year with an earlier delivery date as to how it would be compared to a 2008 model year as specified. Does the lowest bid consideration still apply or does the availability carry more consideration weight? What is the metric break down of each factor?

Response: MDOT would accept a bid using a model year 2007 van, if available, in the interest of a speedy delivery. The basis for the award would be the same: Lowest responsible bidder that meets all bid criteria including all specifications.

Section 1.2

General Requirements: Requesting consideration and inclusion of a chassis price increase escalator for any of the 6 additional units that can be purchased in the 1 year of the bid. The reason for this inclusion is protection of the State of Maine as well as a level playing field for all bidders. Body prices can be held for a year per contract, but chassis manufacturer has no part of this contract and prices can change considerably over the term of the bid. This is easily facilitated by means of comparing the chassis invoice at time of bid to an updated invoice at time of placement of order for additional units. Additionally, this is a common practice of other states using Federal funds for similar purchases.

Response: Denied.

MaineDOT understand in this current market the continuous price increases of materials beyond the bidders control, the bidder will have the choice on the additional units to accept the original bid price, or not supply the remaining units. Bidder MUST hold price on bid vehicles, but will have option not to supply additional units.

Section 1.8

General Requirements: Requesting clarification of:

“The Division of Purchases/Maine Department of Transportation reserves the right to award the Contract to the lowest responsible bidder, best value consideration, and however is in the best interest of the State” Response: Historically, MaineDOT has always awarded bids to the lowest responsible bidder, price and compliance.

Invitation to Bid

Front page of Invitation to Bid calls for 12-passenger, center aisle van. Front page of Technical Specs. call for 11-passengers plus driver.

Floorplan shows 11-passenger with indicate room for 12th passenger.

Please clarify as to preference.

Response: 11 Passengers plus a driver (total 12). If vendor can supply one additional seating (total 13), list cost of additional seating as an option ONLY.

Section 2.0 Chassis:

Requesting clarification again on the judging criteria of use of a 2007 model. Is this still subject to the lowest bid criteria or is delivery an outweighing factor. I.e. does a van previously built and sitting on a dealer lot received such consideration that low bid is not considered?

Response: Same response as in Section 1.0

Section 2.1 Ford OEM engine block heater is 750W for gas engines. 1000W only available on diesel engine.

Response: Engine Block Heater not applicable for these vans.

Section 2.4 Vehicle equipped with traction control cannot be converted.

Response: Accepted Section 2.10 Alternator:

Request acceptance of 130 Amp Alternator, considering the mention of 2007 chassis interest.

Response: Accepted

Section 3.7 Windows Requesting the acceptance of the Ford OEM passenger windows with privacy tint.

Response: Accepted

Section 4.1 Headliner will be white fiberglass or ABS plastic. Walls, gray Response: Accepted

Section 4.2 Subfloor Request acceptance of subfloor consisting of ¾” tongue & groove exterior grade plywood, assembled with adhesive applied to groove, screwed to floor and covered with machine cut rubber transit flooring, provides stronger and longer lasting subfloor than butt-joined seams.

Response: Accepted Section 5.0a Miscellaneous

Ford chassis does not have glove box available Response: Accepted

OPTIONS:

Section 6.0.2 Requesting clarification on if there are special requirements for manufacturer and model of Two Capacity Bike Rack requested in Options.

Response: Two bike capacity rack to be installed on front and should be sanctioned by Sportsworks prior to submission of bid.

Section 6.0.4 Request acceptance of aftermarket remote engine starter in place of OEM (Ford) remote engine starter, if in fact Ford was the intended OEM.

Response: Denied

Additional Notes:

1. Exterior graphics/lettering diagram and pictures were made available in bid package. York County Community Action Corp to receive 4 vehicles and Downest Transportation to receive 2 vehicles. Each agency has their own graphics/lettering diagram and pictures. Steven Greenlaw from Maine DOT (Tel# 624-3244) will send graphics/lettering diagram and pictures as shown on origianl bid to vendors, if requested.