Annual contract(S) for hazmat items

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is soliciting bids for annual contract(s) for hazardous materials items, with quotes due August 31, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Electronic submission is required.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder offering the best value, considering quality, conformity to specifications, delivery dates, and ultimate cost. In case of tie quotes, preference is given to in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine. Bidders must submit separate unit prices for each item, with all prices delivered to destination and inclusive of transportation charges unless otherwise specified. Cash discounts of 20 days or more are considered in determining the low bidder; discounts under 20 days will not be factored. The State is exempt from federal and Maine state sales and use taxes, and bidders must quote less these taxes.

Hazardous chemical suppliers must provide current material safety data sheets to direct purchasers in compliance with Maine's Chemical Substance Identification Law. Bidders may submit alternate commodities with complete identification and descriptive literature if proposing items other than those specified.

A material evaluation criterion is the successful bidder's willingness to extend contract pricing to political subdivisions and school districts in Maine. Prospective bidders must indicate acceptance of orders from these entities, with three response options: unconditional acceptance, conditional acceptance with specified limitations, or refusal. This commitment factors into the award decision.

Prospective bidders must submit a debarment certification per Executive Order 12549 and FAR 52.209-5, attesting that they and their principals are not debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions. The State reserves the right to reject any or all quotes, waive technicalities, and increase or decrease quantities by up to 10% unless otherwise stated. Quotes may be withdrawn by written notice prior to contract award.