Aluminum for the Plate Shop

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of State Procurement Services, issued Request for Quotation (RFQ) #29B 26022400000000000207 on behalf of the Department of the Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, seeking quotations for virgin aluminum substrate material for manufacturing reflectorized multi-year motor vehicle license plates. The specified material must be Alloy 3003-H12 (or approved reprocessed alternatives) in Gauge 20 thickness (.032" + .003" - .000"), supplied in coiled rolls on 20-inch cores in either standard 12-1/8" width or motorcycle size 7-1/16" width, with a total expected purchase quantity of 70,000 pounds with no guaranteed award. The aluminum must meet specific material properties including ultimate strength of 17,000 to 23,000 ksi, minimum yield strength of 12,000 ksi, and elongation of 12-20 percent, and must be treated with a light, tightly adherent chromate conversion coating (Alodine 1200 or Bonderite M-CR 1430C preferred) with coating weight of 8 to 12 mg/sq.ft. Packaging requirements specify coils wound to maximum 2,200 pounds on 2-way pallets totaling no more than 2,300 pounds per skid, with individual strapping and moisture-proof wrapping for shipment in closed vans. Quotations must be submitted through the State of Maine's AdvantageME Vendor Self Service (VSS) system no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on April 3, 2026, with all bid prices submitted on a per-pound basis using FOB Destination shipping terms. Delivery is required to the State of Maine Plate Shop at 444 Cushing Road, Warren, Maine 04864 as soon as possible following order receipt, with delivery timelines factored into the award decision. Bidders must provide product data sheets, equivalency documentation for alternative specifications, warranty information, and completed Bid Cover Page and Responsible Bidder Form, and the State will evaluate bids on a best value basis, awarding to the lowest-priced qualified bidder that meets all specifications.

The RFQ does not identify specific set-asides or restrictions on organizational eligibility, and no incumbent vendors or existing contractors are listed in the documentation. No specialized infrastructure or technology integration requirements are noted. Quotations remain valid for 180 days from the bid opening date, and the State reserves the right to negotiate with the selected bidder and increase or decrease quantities by up to ten percent upon sixty days' written notice. The State anticipates making one award based on the lowest total dollar amount for the 70,000-pound requirement; however, specific award value or budget range information is not provided in the RFQ documentation.