2 compact graders

The Maine Department of Transportation is requesting bids for two compact diesel-powered articulated motor graders with bids due July 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder on a best-value basis considering price, warranty, delivery schedule, parts availability, and service capability.

Each grader must be a six-wheel unit with four-wheel tandem drive, operating weight between 16,000 and 19,000 pounds, powered by a Caterpillar 4.4 turbocharged diesel engine with minimum 114 horsepower. Transmission must provide six forward and two reverse gears with electronic shift control; steering must be hydrostatic with an 18-foot minimum turning radius. Equipment includes a 10-foot moldboard blade, fully enclosed pressurized cab meeting ROPS and PROFS standards, and all systems must be fully inspected, serviced, assembled, and ready for work upon delivery to Maine DOT Fleet Services in Augusta.

Bidders must certify they maintain service facilities in Maine with trained technicians and adequate repair parts inventory. All bid pricing must include shipping and delivery costs to Augusta. The contractor must furnish comprehensive training comprising a minimum of four hours of operational training within Maine DOT Region 2 and detailed technical training for fleet service technicians scheduled in the eleventh month following in-service date.

Bidders may submit alternate commodity proposals if accompanied by complete identification and descriptive literature. In case of tie bids, awards favor in-state bidders or vendors offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine. Manufacturer's standard warranty applies and commences on MDOT in-service date. Any exceptions to specifications must be submitted separately and clearly noted; unlisted exceptions will be considered vendor compliance with all listed specifications.