Aqueous Parts Washer Lease & Service

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB #010-2026IFBL) for an aqueous parts washer lease and service agreement across three garage locations in Hamilton County, Ohio: Queensgate Garage, Bond Hill Garage, and Access Garage. The procurement encompasses the lease, installation, and comprehensive maintenance of 15 total units consisting of six 40-gallon combination units and nine 20-gallon combination units equipped with manual and automatic cleaning capabilities, preset heating elements, low-water shutoff safety features, and automatic 15-minute timers. All units must feature heavy-duty stainless steel construction and operate on both 110V and 220V power. The selected vendor will be responsible for complete equipment delivery, installation, maintenance, repairs, filter replacements, fluid replenishment, diagnostic testing, component cleaning, lubrication, and on-call emergency repair support. Service frequency requirements are monthly for Queensgate Garage's main shop units and every 60 days for all other units. The vendor must comply with EPA, OSHA, and applicable local and state regulations, with all pricing submitted on a firm-fixed basis including labor, materials, and transportation. Critical deadlines include a question submission deadline of February 23, 2026, with written responses provided by February 27, 2026; bid proposals are due March 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. EST through the e-Procurement Portal, with an anticipated delivery and installation start date of April 1, 2026. The contract term is two years, and SORTA will award to the responsible bidder submitting the lowest responsive offer. Required submittals include proof of workers' compensation, general liability, automobile, crime, and professional liability insurance; technical specifications and equipment brochures; Safety Data Sheets for all fluids; maintenance schedules; certifications regarding debarment and lobbying restrictions; and a notarized Personal Property Tax Affidavit.

SORTA has determined that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not available under this solicitation, though bidders are encouraged to include small and disadvantaged businesses where feasible. There are no identified set-aside designations, incumbent vendors, or restrictions limiting eligibility based on organizational type, provided that contractors meet the comprehensive insurance requirements outlined in SORTA's General Terms and Conditions, including general liability coverage of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence. All work products, documentation, and intellectual property developed under the contract become the sole property of SORTA in perpetuity. No specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in the solicitation documents. Pricing proposals must remain valid for at least 120 days following bid submission. All proposals must be submitted electronically through SORTA's e-Procurement Portal, and all contractors must comply with Federal and State laws, Title VII Civil Rights Act protections, ADA requirements, equal employment opportunity standards, drug and alcohol testing requirements, Federal work hours and safety standards, and environmental and energy conservation requirements.