Assisted listening Equipment

The State of Maine's Division of Purchases is soliciting bids for assisted listening equipment to support courtroom audio accessibility, with bids due July 21, 2009. The procurement includes infrared transmission systems, receiver body packs, rechargeable batteries, headset packages, neckloops for hearing aid compatibility, portable FM transmitter and receiver systems, microphones, carrying cases, and replacement components across twelve line items.

In case of tie bids, preference is given to in-state bidders or those offering Maine-manufactured products and services. Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder considering best value to the State, with evaluation factors including quality, conformance to specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost.

Stationary infrared modulator/transmitter/emitter systems must include wall mounts, minimum 25-foot cables, dual transmitter-to-emitter connection cables, power cables (CRT 5), emitter coax cable (R658), and all necessary connectors and power infrastructure. The product request list specifies parallel options from Williams and Listen vendors for most items, allowing flexibility in vendor selection while maintaining functional equivalency. Vendors must provide pricing for additional emitters beyond those initially specified; the decision regarding which courtrooms require sound emitters will be determined jointly by the owner and vendor.

Bidders must submit separate unit prices for each item and use prescribed forms. Bids must be received at the Division of Purchases office in Augusta, Maine prior to the closing deadline; bids received after closing will not be considered. Electronic bid tabulations will be available for public inspection following contract award. All transportation charges must be prepaid by the contractor unless otherwise specified. The State is exempt from federal and Maine state sales taxes, and bidders should quote accordingly.