Low Floor Mini Van approved equals answers.doc
DOC document 55 KB Posted
- Attached to
- 7 Passenger Accessible Vehicle
- Solicitation number
- RFQ - 17A - 10080200000000000108
- Issued by
- Kennebec County, Maine
About this file
This document is a request for approved equals and clarifications submitted to the Maine Department of Transportation's Office of Passenger Transportation and Multi-Modal Systems for a commercial transit low floor mini van procurement (RFQ-17A-10080200000000000108). The RFQ solicits bids for 7-passenger accessible vehicles, with specifications detailed across 35 sections covering dimensions, steering, tires, flooring, wheelchair ramps, seating, and miscellaneous equipment. The document addresses multiple approved equals requests and clarifications from potential bidders, indicating that the specifications are based on a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan platform with conversion modifications. Key clarifications address the evaluation criteria for bid selection, which include lowest responsive bid as the primary factor, with best value considerations including ability to meet specifications, equipment standardization, past performance, dealer support, warranty coverage, and potential resale value. Delivery date considerations are weighted relative to other factors but do not take precedence over the aforementioned criteria. Augusta, Maine has been designated as the central receiving location for delivery purposes.
The document reflects significant negotiation between the procuring agency and bidders regarding technical specifications and material equivalencies. Notable approved equals include 30-inch ramp widths, 60-inch interior heights, Aluminized steel for the lowered floor assembly (instead of stainless steel), marine grade underlayment for flooring, Altro floor covering, and alternative wheelchair securement storage solutions. Several requests were denied, including storage container alternatives and mounting spare tires underneath the vehicle. The document indicates that extended warranties are not available on the transit fleet chassis and that OEM parts and service manuals from Chrysler are not obtainable; however, operators manuals must be supplied. Optional equipment pricing, including exterior graphics with agency lettering and fleet numbers, requires additional drawings and will be determined separately.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitation_terms.doc | DOC document | |
| Low Floor Minivan.doc | DOC document | |
| Low Floor Mini Van invitation.rtf | RTF text file |
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Text version
MAINE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION AND MULTI-MODAL SYSTEMS
COMMERCIAL TRANSIT LOW FLOOR MINI VAN
BID RFQ-17A-10080200000000000108
REQUESTS FOR APPROVED EQUALS/EXCEPTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
SEC.
1.8
SUBJECT:
General Requirements
REQUEST:
Request 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.” Lowest responsible bidder is a clear determination, but what are the criteria for determining “best value” consideration: What are the criteria used to determine value consideration and how are they weighted in judgment purposes? What criteria are considered in determining the “best interest of the State”?
COMMENTS: Lowest responsive bid is a very important aspect of the competitive process. The lowest price may not necessarily be the sole factor in determining the successful bidder. MaineDOT has successfully awarded bids based upon “best value” consideration. Criteria that has influenced the award may include but is not limited to: ability to meet specifications, standardization of equipment and fleet, past performance, dealer support and service, warranty coverage, potential resale value.
APPROVED ( )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( X )
SEC.
1.9
SUBJECT:
General Requirements
REQUEST:
Request clarification of: “Earlier delivery dates will be given consideration during the bid selection.” How is this weighted relative to other factors in the judgment process.
COMMENTS:
Delivery is always important and relative in the EVALUATION OF BIDS process, but does not take precedence over the factors listed in comments in section 1.8 of this document.
APPROVED ( )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( X )
SEC.
1.11
SUBJECT:
General Requirements
REQUEST:
The location of procuring agency to determine delivery costs
COMMENTS;
Since the location of the service area(s) for these vehicles has not been determined at this time, we would like to designate Augusta, ME as a central receiving location.
APPROVED ( )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION (X)
SEC.
2.0
SUBJECT:
Dimensions – Ramp Width
REQUEST:
Approval of a 30” clear usable ramp SPECIFICATION: Ramp Width 31” minimum
COMMENTS:
APPROVED (X)
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
2.0
SUBJECT:
Dimensions – Interior Height
REQUEST:
Approval of a 60” Interior Height SPECIFICATION: Interior Height, 61” minimum (at center)
COMMENTS:
APPROVED (X )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
10.0
SUBJECT:
Steering
REQUEST:
A telescoping steering wheel is not available on a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan.
SPECIFICATION: 10.1 Steering shall be power-assisted, rack and pinion type with a tilt and telescoping wheel.
COMMENTS: If 2011 model is provided telescoping steering wheel will be required.
APPROVED (X)
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
13.0
SUBJECT:
Tires
REQUEST:
Wheel weights will be OEM Dodge.
SPECIFICATION: 13.1 Lead wheel weights will not be accepted. Steel or less toxic wheel weights shall be supplied.
COMMENTS:
Vehicle must be supplied with less toxic wheel weight alternatives.
APPROVED ( )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION (X)
SEC.
24.0
SUBJECT:
Conversion Low Floor Assembly
REQUEST:
Approval of Aluminized steel for the lowered floor assembly.
SPECIFICATION: 24.2 Assembly shall be stainless steel metal, 16 gauge minimum.
COMMENTS: Must be stainless steel.
APPROVED ( )
DENIED (X)
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
25.0
SUBJECT:
Floor Covering
REQUEST:
Approval of 3/8” or .375” marine grade underlayment.
SPECIFICATION: 25.1 Underlayment shall be ½” marine grade plywood installed over lowered metal floor without gaps or openings. Seams sealed against influx or seepage of moisture.
COMMENTS: Without gaps or openings and seams shall be sealed tight against influx or seepage of moisture.
APPROVED ( X )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
25.0
SUBJECT:
Floor Covering
REQUEST:
Acceptance of Altro Floor covering.
SPECIFICATION: 25.3 Floor covering shall be rubber transit flooring.
COMMENTS:
APPROVED (X )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
27.0
SUBJECT:
Wheel Chair Ramp
REQUEST:
Approval of a clock spring to control the rate of movement of the ramp.
SPECIFICATION: 27.5 The fold and unfold movement of the ramp shall be controlled by use of dual spring resistance.
COMMENTS:
APPROVED (X)
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
29.0
SUBJECT:
Seating
REQUEST:
Rear seat extends into passenger area. Request approval of 17” in lieu of 15” into passenger area.
SPECIFICATION: 29.16 OEM standard (3) passenger rear bench seat shall be provided with passenger restraint belts and latches in place for designated seat positions.
COMMENTS: OEM passenger rear seat will be a 2 passenger seat when the passenger center foldaway is installed.
APPROVED (X)
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
32.0
SUBJECT:
Miscellaneous – Interlock Requirement
REQUEST:
The transmission interlock that ensures the vehicle cannot be shifted out of park while the right side slide of ramp door is ajar. This interlock is ADA compliant.
SPECIFICATION: 32.1 Interlock designed to ensure vehicle cannot be moved when curb side door is open. Interlocked with the brakes- transmission- doors, the program will not allow operator to drive off with park brake engaged. Function of this mode insures chassis must be in park to start.
COMMENTS:
APPROVED ( )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION (X)
SEC.
32.0
SUBJECT:
Miscellaneous – Storage Container
REQUEST:
This container is no longer available. These items are now stored in the rear cargo area under the cargo area floor in the OEM seat tub.
SPECIFICATIONS: 32.3 A painted metal storage container for wheelchair securement straps and other miscellaneous items to be mounted directly behind rear bench seat.
COMMENTS:
APPROVED (X )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
32.0
SUBJECT:
Miscellaneous – Storage Container
REQUEST:
The acceptance of wheelchair securement manufacturer storage bags mounted behind the rear bench seat.
SPECIFICATIONS: 32.3 A painted metal storage container for wheelchair securement straps and other miscellaneous items to be mounted directly behind rear bench seat.
COMMENTS:
APPROVED ( )
DENIED (X )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
32.0
SUBJECT:
Miscellaneous
REQUEST:
The acceptance of a spare tire mounted under the vehicle in lieu of container behind passenger compartment.
SPECIFICATIONS: 32.5 Container shall incorporate a mount for fire extinguisher and spare tire.
COMMENTS: Spare tire cannot be stored underneath vehicle.
APPROVED ( )
DENIED (X)
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
32.0
SUBJECT:
Miscellaneous
REQUEST:
The bracket for the spare tire and safety equipment is separate from the built in storage container.
SPECIFICATIONS: 32.5 Container shall incorporate a mount for fire extinguisher and spare tire.
COMMENTS:
APPROVED (X)
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
32.0
SUBJECT:
Miscellaneous
REQUEST:
The radio pre-wire and ground plain is a bus spec and not available.
SPECIFICATIONS: 32.8 Two-way radio pre-wire shall be provided.
COMMENTS: Antenna type will be determined by the end users requirements at the time of bid award.
APPROVED ( )
DENIED (X)
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
34.0
SUBJECT:
Optional Equipment
REQUEST:
Extended warranties are not available on Transit Fleet chassis.
SPECIFICATIONS: 34- #1 Extended vehicle warranties.
COMMENTS:
APPROVED (X)
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION ( )
SEC.
34.0
SUBJECT:
Optional Equipment – Exterior Graphics
REQUEST:
Would need to see a drawing of the stripes and lettering for pricing.
SPECIFICATIONS: 34- #4 Exterior- Graphic, Agency Lettering, Fleet Numbers, One Stripe, Two Stripe.
COMMENTS: Optional pricing for One and Two stripes and to include Agency Name and Fleet Number. Graphic pricing to be determined later.
APPROVED ( )
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION (X)
SEC.
35.0
SUBJECT:
Manuals
REQUEST:
OEM parts and service manuals are not available from Chrysler.
SPECIFICATIONS: 35.1 Vehicle OEM owner’s manual, a manual prepared by the manufacturer which contains all pertinent operating and service instruction provided with each vehicle.
COMMENTS: Operators manual must be supplied.
APPROVED (X)
DENIED ( )
CLARIFICATION (X)
PAGE
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