12" Maine Hunting Shoe/Boots - Contract

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is soliciting bids for 12-inch Maine hunting shoes or approved equivalents for the Department of Conservation/Marine Resources & Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, with bids due August 11, 2009 under RQS 177. The solicitation references LL Bean 12" Maine Hunting Shoes as the specification baseline; bidders may propose equivalent products with complete identification and descriptive literature.

The estimated quantity is approximately 50 pairs in various sizes, including special sizes. Successful bidders must deliver all items within 10 business days of receiving an order. The contract period runs immediately through August 31, 2010, with a one-year initial term and options for two additional one-year renewals.

Pricing must be submitted net with all transportation charges fully prepaid and FOB destination; prices remain firm throughout the contract term. Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best-value considerations including quality, conformity with specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost to the State. Tie bids are resolved in favor of in-state bidders or those offering Maine-produced commodities.

All awarded vendors must accept the State of Maine Procurement Card as payment with no surcharges permitted and must complete and notarize a Code of Conduct Affidavit certifying compliance with wage, health, labor, environmental, and safety laws; non-discrimination requirements; and human and labor rights treaty obligations including prohibitions on forced labor, child labor, and involuntary prison labor. The affidavit must be faxed to Sue Garcia at 207-287-6578 no later than the bid opening date.

Vendors awarded apparel, footwear, or textile contracts are subject to a 1% anti-sweatshop fee applied to the total contract value, payable separately within 30 days of purchase order execution or quarterly for term contracts. The State is exempt from Federal and Maine sales taxes; bidders must quote accordingly.