25-226 Utility Cart, Diesel 4x4

The City of Augusta, located in Richmond County, Georgia, is seeking to procure a utility cart for its Central Services Department's Fleet Management Division through a competitive bid process. The specific procurement is for a 2025/2026 4x4 Utility Diesel Cart with 4-passenger seating, with a specific reference to the Kubota RTVX4-PDHLS or an approved equivalent. The cart must meet detailed technical specifications, including a diesel engine, 4-wheel drive with differential lock, 25 mph travel speed, 1,631 lbs payload capacity, 1,300 lbs towing capacity, a 52"x47" hydraulic lift bed, second row seating, folding windshield, canopy, spray-in bedliner, and alloy wheels. Bidders are required to provide comprehensive documentation, including a business license and compliance with E-Verify requirements. The bid is scheduled to be due on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with bid opening conducted via a Zoom teleconference. Evaluation criteria include local vendor preference, with potential preference given to local bidders within 10% or $10,000 of the lowest non-local bid.

The procurement includes specific requirements for delivery, with vehicles to be delivered to Augusta Fleet Management with no more than 275 miles on the odometer and accompanied by operator and parts/service manuals. Bidders must provide three steel keys and offer new user training as part of the contract. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the bid does include a local vendor preference mechanism. The City of Augusta reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and pricing must be guaranteed for a minimum of 60 days. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the detailed specifications suggest this is a specialized procurement for a specific utility vehicle with precise performance requirements. The bid emphasizes the need for a new, fully equipped utility cart that meets the operational needs of the Fleet Management Division, with a focus on quality, functionality, and local economic considerations.