480XI-215H reclaimers-stabilizer

The South Carolina Department of Corrections initiated a procurement solicitation for a specialized 480XI-215H Reclaimer-Stabilizer unit through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) issued on September 1, 2021, with a bid opening date of September 28, 2021, at 10:00 AM. The equipment specifications include a 48-inch cutter head with a Cummins 215 HP intercooled turbo diesel engine (Tier 4 Gen 2), capable of pulverizing asphalt up to 12 inches thick. Key features encompass an on-board active hydraulic control system, wireless remote operation, dual-frame enhanced pulverizing system, VersaMount universal bucket mount, wheel assistant with power steering, and a custom trailer with a ball hitch. The procurement requires delivery within 120 days of purchase order receipt to the SC Department of Corrections Facilities at 4322 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210. Bidders must submit sealed offers in one copy to the SC Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch, with pricing provided as a unit price including all freight costs. The evaluation criteria focus on selecting the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with award notification scheduled for September 30, 2021.

The solicitation allows for specific vendor preferences under South Carolina Code Section 11-35-1524, including South Carolina end-product, United States end-product, resident vendor, resident contractor, or resident subcontractor designations for qualifying bidders. Subcontracting is restricted, only permitted when the subcontracted work exceeds 10 percent of cost, involves government information access, or is critical to performance. The procurement ultimately resulted in an award to Asphalt Zipper, Inc., located in American Fork, Utah, for $228,270.00, which includes freight. The awarded contract includes a comprehensive two-year warranty with a one-year extension option for unlimited hours, accompanied by a starter kit featuring additional bits, planetary fluid, and service tools. Penalties for late delivery are structured progressively, ranging from 5 percent charges for delays of one to three days, escalating through longer periods, with potential market procurement at the contractor's expense for extended delays. The state will not pay sales or use taxes, and bidders were required to obtain a state vendor number prior to submission.