26B-035 grapple trailer

Marion County Solid Waste Department is procuring two (2) new grapple trailers through an Invitation to Bid (ITB) solicitation numbered 26B-035, previously advertised as 26B-012 with the bid bond requirement now eliminated. Each grapple trailer shall consist of a Belmont DTX8116-16K low profile HD trailer (or equivalent) featuring a 7'x16' steel fabricated box with dual Dexter axles, electric brakes, a 12K top wind drop leg jack, combination barn door/spreader gate tailgate, rear ramps, LED lighting, 2' steel sides with removable mesh sides, solar charger panel, tarp system, and mounted spare tire, along with additional equipment including a 10-gallon beverage dispenser, mounting systems for four portable sign stands, and secure mounting for hand tools. The grapple system specified is a Woodys 170HD loader with a 13 HP Honda hydraulic power pack featuring 17' of reach, 270-degree boom swing, and 1,200 lbs lift capacity at full reach, equipped with a clamshell type grapple and independently operated outriggers. Optional upgrades are available for a hydraulic tongue jack and 44" steel high sides, with the trailer color specified as grey. Evaluation criteria include cost (25%), specifications (20%), firm qualifications (15%), project understanding (15%), warranty (10%), heat safety compliance (10%), and overall RFP response (5%). Vendors must submit proposals electronically through the Bonfire e-procurement portal, with inquiries accepted until November 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM, and proposals due January 15, 2026. Bidders must provide at least three unique references demonstrating relevant similar work experience with complete documentation of project descriptions, contact information, and county evaluation sections confirming on-time completion, budget compliance, scope adherence, and professional performance. All bids must remain firm and valid for at least 90 days following the submission deadline.

Respondents must comply with Marion County's general terms and conditions, which require comprehensive insurance coverage including workers' compensation, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and business automobile liability of $500,000 combined single limit. Vendors must complete a Vendor Information Form, Conflict of Interest Statement Form per Florida Statute 112.313, and a Disclosure of Subcontractors and Suppliers form identifying all proposed subcontractors with their qualifications and percentage of workload. Marion County does not accept bids from vendors on the convicted vendor list or those in arrears on county debts, and all contractors must comply with E-Verify employment eligibility verification requirements and maintain drug-free workplace certifications. The preliminary bid tabulation dated January 15, 2026, identified three bidders with apparent low bidder GovMark LLC at $24,898.00, followed by Rockland Cargo Equipment, Inc. at $49,282.00, and Jolex Machinerie at $53,000.00; however, no incumbent vendors or existing contractors were identified in the solicitation documents. The county reserves the right to award contracts within 60 calendar days of the bid deadline, with payment terms defaulting to net 45 days unless otherwise specified, and offers Visa credit card payment options providing payment within 72 hours of receipt and acceptance of goods. All submitted documents become property of Marion County and are subject to public records disclosure 30 days after bid opening or upon award recommendation.