32-12-6608 BODY, SIGN TRUCK, in accordance with State of California Specification 01238-432-251

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Division of Equipment, is seeking to procure 31 custom sign truck bodies through a one-time acquisition solicitation. The invitation for bid (IFB) 32-12-6608 requires complete, welded sign truck body assemblies that must be fabricated in strict accordance with State of California Specification 01238-432-251. Each unit must include a custom flat deck with an elevated storage rack, cross-bed sign storage, a 12"x26"x72" cross-body toolbox, and a sign tube assembly with rotator mount. Vendors must possess a minimum of two years' experience in similar work and be prepared to provide references. The bid release date is November 13, 2025, with written questions due by November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM, and bids are due December 11, 2025 before 2:00 PM, with a public bid opening via conference call at 2:15 PM. The procurement timeline requires inspection, delivery, and first pre-production unit acceptance within 120 days of purchase order receipt, with all remaining units to be completed within 220 days. A mandatory post-award meeting will be held to discuss manufacturing timeline, component procurement, and first-unit inspection procedures.

The solicitation includes small business preferences of up to five percent for certified California small businesses or non-small businesses committing at least 25 percent subcontractor participation. The award will be made on an "All or None" basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all administrative and technical requirements. Pricing must be quoted F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid, with all-inclusive pricing, and a late delivery charge of $30.00 per unit per workday will apply, not exceeding 25 percent of the total order value. The vendor must be a manufacturer or authorized factory representative with a factory-authorized warranty service provider in California, offering a one-year warranty covering parts and labor from the date Caltrans places the unit into service. Prices will remain fixed for four months from the purchase order date, with potential escalation allowed for material cost increases of at least one percent. The State reserves the right to purchase additional units up to 50 percent of the initial order quantity at bid prices within 180 days of award, with the ability to add up to ten percent of the bid price for State-requested options and upgrades.