150, 000 pounds For Passenger Vehicles

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting quotes for 150,000 pounds of conversion-coated aluminum substrate material for reflectorized passenger-vehicle license plates, with quotes due December 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. local time.

The material specification is Alloy 3003-H12 virgin aluminum (or approved reprocessed alternatives) supplied in coiled rolls. Required dimensions are 12-1/8" width and gauge 20 thickness with tolerances of +.003" to -.000". Ultimate strength must be 17,000 to 23,000 ksi; yield strength minimum 12,000 ksi; elongation 15 to 20 percent nominal with 12 percent minimum. The surface finish must be a light, tightly adherent amorphous chromate conversion coating such as Alodine 1200, applied per ASTM B-449-67 Class 2, with a coating weight of 8 to 12 mg/sq. ft. optimally at 10 mg/sq. ft., free of powdery residue, oil, or foreign materials. Coils must be wound to a maximum of 2,200 pounds each on cores with inside diameters of 20" ± 2" minus 1" and outside diameters between 42" and 51"; skids may not exceed 2,300 pounds total.

Delivery is FOB Warren, Maine, Plate Shop Bolduc Unit, with deliveries permitted Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. All deliveries must be confirmed by phone 24 hours prior to arrival. Prospective bidders must submit six sample pieces measuring 12-1/8" x 40" to the Plate Shop on or before bid closing.

Quotes must include all unit prices with costs delivered to destination and transportation prepaid unless otherwise specified. The State reserves the right to increase or decrease order quantities by up to 10% with 60 days' written notice. A maximum quantity variation of plus 0 percent to minus 5 percent is permitted. In case of tie bids, preference is given to in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine. Todd Cummings, Buyer II, is the sole point of contact; all questions must be submitted in writing through the Vendor Self Service AdvantageMe system with responses posted within 48 hours.