AASHTO M247 Type 2 Reflective Glass Beads

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is soliciting bids for AASHTO M247 Type 2 Reflective Glass Beads through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) released on March 7, 2025. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide and deliver reflective glass beads to multiple MDT locations across Montana, with estimated annual usage between 162,000 and 240,000 pounds per location. The contract will run from April 15, 2025, through April 14, 2026, with potential extensions for two additional one-year periods. Bidders must submit responses through the eMACS online procurement system by March 31, 2025, at 2:00 PM MDT, and are required to provide pricing per pound, complete a Product Certification Affidavit, and comply with federal aid commodity requirements. Delivery specifications include a 15-working-day turnaround after electronic order placement, with a minimum purchase commitment of 1,000 pounds. Bidders must comply with specific packaging requirements, using 1,800-pound returnable "Super Sacks" with precise dimensional specifications.

The solicitation includes provisions for Build America, Buy America (BABA) regulations, mandating that construction materials be manufactured in the United States. Potential price adjustments may be considered annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) Midwest Region or substantiated cost changes. The contract incorporates liquidated damages of $500 per occurrence plus $50 per day for late deliveries, with the right to reject products that do not meet specified standards. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the bid emphasizes nondiscrimination requirements and cooperative purchasing participation. The procurement uses US Dollars with Net 30 payment terms, and the primary contact is Richele Parkhurst (rparkhurst@mt.gov, +1 406-546-8243). Although specific budget ranges are not detailed, the estimated annual usage suggests a potential contract value in the range of $500,000 to $750,000, depending on the per-pound pricing and actual consumption.