Aerial Lift and Sign Body and Service Body (Supply and Installs)

The State of New Hampshire, specifically through the Department of Administrative Services and targeting Merrimack County, is soliciting bids for the procurement of specialized vehicular equipment involving an aerial lift and sign/service body mounted on a 2025 Ford F-450 chassis. This Request for Bid (RFB) 210-25 seeks suppliers capable of providing and installing two primary configurations: an aerial lift with a sign body and an aerial lift with a service body, both to be mounted on state-provided chassis. The procurement requires vendors to deliver and install a vehicle with specific technical specifications, including a 29' telescoping non-insulated aerial lift with a minimum 34' working height, 360-degree boom rotation, and comprehensive safety features. Key deliverables include a galvanized enclosed service body with specific compartment configurations, comprehensive operator and parts manuals, and mandatory on-site training for maintenance and operation. The bid is due on May 28, 2025, at 11:30 AM Eastern Time, with a planned delivery and installation period of 180 days following contract award. Evaluation will be based on lowest cost per line item, with vendors required to demonstrate compliance with state registration requirements and provide proof of comprehensive general liability insurance.

The procurement appears open to established vendors with service and repair facilities located within a 45-mile radius of Concord, NH, potentially limiting geographical competition. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned, the bid emphasizes environmental considerations by encouraging vendors to use environmentally preferable materials and SmartWay Transport partners. Preferred manufacturers include Reading for body specifications, and Versa-Lift, Dur-A-Lift, and UTEM for aerial lift units. Vendors must provide a six-year limited warranty on the service body and a two-year no-cost warranty on the aerial lift unit. Though a specific budget range was not disclosed, the complexity of the equipment and installation requirements suggests a significant investment, likely in the range of $150,000 to $250,000. The contract is structured as non-exclusive, allowing the state to retain other contractors for similar services if needed, which provides flexibility in future procurement strategies.