B51238 Question and Answer Amendment 2.docx

This is a Question and Answer Amendment document issued by the State of Illinois Department of Transportation in response to bidder inquiries for Invitation for Bid (IFB) 26-494DOT-FINAD-B-51238 for the procurement of material handling forklifts. The solicitation covers four distinct forklift types with varying capacities and power sources—13,500-pound diesel pneumatic-tired forklifts (six-wheel), 6,000-pound diesel forklifts (four-wheel), 5,000-pound propane-powered forklifts (four-wheel), and 3,500-pound electric stand-up forklifts with 36-volt Lithium-Ion batteries—for delivery to eight locations across Illinois Districts D1, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, DL, and the Bureau of Maintenance. All equipment must be newly manufactured current production models delivered fully operational. Bids are due by April 15, 2026, and must remain firm for 180 days from the opening date. The contract has an initial term of twelve months with a maximum total term not to exceed ten years. Written bidder questions were accepted no later than seven business days from bid opening, with responses posted as amendments.

The amendment addresses three substantive questions regarding fork height specifications for three different forklift models (Specs 181-60-07, 181-60-15, and 181-60-30). In each case, the State clarified that mast and fork tine configuration will depend on the manufacturer's proposed design to meet minimum specifications, with bidders authorized to reference manufacturer's mast charts for compliance verification and no restrictions on mast stage configuration provided minimum requirements are satisfied. All equipment must include manufacturers' standard one-year warranties from the in-service date with service provided at no cost. Bidders must be established manufacturers or authorized dealers with documented servicing capability and manufacturer authorization letters. General commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate and auto liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence are required. The State will award to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder on a line-item basis, with bidders not required to submit bids on all line items. No bid bond, performance bond, or federal funding is required for this one-time purchase contract.