Aluminum for the Plate Shop

The State of Maine, specifically the Department of Administrative and Financial Services' Office of State Procurement Services, is seeking a qualified vendor to supply approximately 70,000 pounds of conversion coated aluminum (Alloy 3003-H12) for manufacturing multi-year motor vehicle license plates. This Request for Quote (RFQ #29B 25061600000000000274) targets a single award for aluminum substrate material to be delivered to the Plate Shop Administration in Warren, Maine. The solicitation requires detailed specifications for the aluminum, including precise requirements for coil size (20-inch core, maximum 51-inch outer diameter), thickness (20 gauge, .032" +.003" - .000"), ultimate strength (17,000 to 23,000 ksi), and specific surface finish characteristics. Quotations are due by June 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. local time, and must be submitted through the state's electronic procurement system (AdvantageME/Vendor Self Service). The state will evaluate bids on a best value basis, considering price, specification compliance, delivery timeline, and overall responsiveness to technical requirements. The procurement allows for potential quantity adjustments up to 10% and potential negotiated additional purchases within six months of the award.

The RFQ does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must provide pricing with a "Free on Board (FOB) - Destination" approach, meaning shipping charges must be included in the bid price. While the document does not disclose an incumbent vendor or specific budget range, it indicates the state anticipates making a single award for the aluminum procurement. The technical specifications are rigorous, suggesting that potential bidders will need sophisticated manufacturing capabilities and the ability to meet precise material property requirements. Delivery will be to Knox County, specifically the Plate Shop Administration in Warren, Maine, with strict packaging and handling specifications that vendors must adhere to when fulfilling the contract. The procurement appears to be a critical supply contract for the state's motor vehicle license plate production, with potential multi-year implications based on the requirement for multi-year license plate manufacturing materials.