26500 New treated rail cross-ties

The Maine Department of Transportation is requesting quotes for 26,500 new treated rail cross-ties with quotes due May 4, 2011, and a pre-bid question deadline 24 hours before close. This is a Federal Railroad Administration–funded project subject to mandatory federal compliance requirements, including Buy America provisions for steel, iron, and manufactured goods produced in the United States (with limited waivers for items exceeding $100,000 in project cost), DBE and WBE participation goals in subcontracts, and debarment and suspension certifications.

Cross-ties must be manufactured from mixed hardwoods (Oak, Beech, Birch, Cherries, and Hard Maples), measuring 8 feet 6 inches in length with a 6 inches by 8 inches cross-section, with up to 30 percent of the order permitted at 6 inches by 7 inches. Ties must be air-seasoned 12 to 18 months prior to treatment, treated with 60/40 creosote coal tar solution to a retention of seven pounds per cubic foot in accordance with AREMA specifications, and include galvanized steel end plates at each end. Quality defect tolerances for decay, knots, shake, splits, and grain slant are specified. A minimum of 20 borer cores must be extracted before and after treatment to verify moisture content and preservative penetration; test results must be provided to the MaineDOT project manager. All treated ties must be shipped in bundles of 25 via rail car to Brunswick, Maine.

Quotes must be submitted electronically by 2:00 p.m. local time through the AdvantageME Vendor Self Service platform. The State reserves the right to award on an individual item or group basis to the lowest responsible bidder considering overall value, quality, conformity to specifications, and delivery dates. In cases of tied bids, preference is given to in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine. Questions must be submitted through the Q&A link on the Solicitation Details View page; questions submitted up to 24 hours prior to bid closing will be answered.