Bus Specs.pdf

This is a Bus Specifications document for the State of Maine Department of Education's purchase order for educational services in the Unorganized Territory. The solicitation requests bids for two new buses, with model year 2008 or 2009 required. Bids were due May 29, 2008, creating an extremely compressed timeline with only one business day between posting (May 28, 2008) and the deadline. The specifications detail extensive vehicle requirements including detailed environmental and sustainability standards, California certification where applicable, mercury-free components, lead-free wheel weights, and compliance with U.S. Department of Energy fuel economy ratings. All vehicles must be delivered with minimum mileage, and a $50 deduction per vehicle applies if lead weights are included. Bidders must provide factory option numbers for all non-standard equipment, complete comprehensive checklists, warranty terms in both months and miles, confirmation of roadside assistance inclusion, and willingness to accept orders from other Maine political subdivisions at quoted prices. Standard colors will be selected after bid award.

Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best-value considerations including life-cycle costing and emission ratings calculated over 100,000 miles. Pricing must include all trade and quantity discounts with transportation charges prepaid and delivered to destination. Cash discounts of 20 days or more will be considered in the award evaluation, while shorter discounts will not factor into the decision. The State is exempt from Federal and Maine State Sales and Use Taxes and should be quoted accordingly. Tie bids are resolved in favor of Maine-based bidders or those offering Maine-produced commodities and services. Bids must be submitted electronically to the Division of Purchases, Room 119, 9 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, with Terry L. DeMarchus, Procurement and Contracting Manager, serving as the sole point of contact for bid questions.