PAYMENT METHOD: The State of Maine reserves the right to pay for goods purchased through this solicitation by any of several available means, which include but may not be limited to check, EFT, and/or procurement card. Bidders are advised that state statute precludes sellers from imposing a surcharge on credit or debit card purchases (text follows).

9-A MRSA §8-303 (2): A seller in a sales transaction may not impose a surcharge on a cardholder who elects to use a credit card or debit card in lieu of payment by cash, check or similar means.

Interchange rates that are charged to vendors who accept credit cards are not standardized at 3%. The rates depend on multiple factors involved with each individual vendor’s agreement with its banking partners. Given that this RFQ is for a competitive purchase, interested vendors should consider the implications of simply transferring fees directly to the State, and how that might have a negative impact on the vendor’s bid in reference to the bids of other vendors. The use of State Procurement Cards is advantageous to the State (and also to vendors). It creates a more efficient payment method that ensures vendors are paid in a timely manner, and it requires less administrative processing by the State. Also, as noted above, it does not mean that the State will automatically pay higher prices. The pricing of competitive purchases still depends on each interested vendor’s business practices.

Please check one of the following to confirm that your organization has the ability to accept a State of Maine procurement card for this purchase, should the State of Maine choose to do so: YES___ NO ____. Please fill out the below section and return with your bid submission.

Name of Company:

Address:

Signature: __________________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________________

(Please note: the State of Maine reserves the right to award to the lowest-priced, responsive/responsible bidder that meets specifications.)