Bid for 1 year contract for a variety of Car Seats

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting sealed bids on a one-year contract for a variety of car seats, with bids due February 3, 2010 and contract effective February 10, 2010. The procurement carries no identified set-asides or preferences.

The scope encompasses nine distinct car seat models — two infant seats (Graco SnugRide and Safety 1st OnBoard), two convertible seats (Cosco Scenera and Evenflo Titan Elite), two combination seats (Graco Nautilus and Safety 1st Apex 65), two high-back booster seats (Graco TurboBooster and Cosco Pronto), and one backless booster seat (Cosco Ambassador and Graco TurboBooster Backless) — with detailed specifications for harness type, weight limits, and height limits by configuration and use phase. Suppliers must deliver to approximately 93 distribution sites throughout Maine on either a quarterly or monthly basis, with projected annual demand exceeding 2,000 seats to serve income-eligible families and fitting stations. Shipping and handling costs must be included in quoted prices and not itemized separately. Pricing must remain firm throughout the contract term, with no separate charges applied regardless of payment method. Vendors must accept the State Procurement Card as payment without surcharge.

Awards will be made on an item-by-item or group basis at the State's discretion, with decisions based on lowest responsible bidder offering best value considering quality, conformity, delivery date, and ultimate cost. Vendors must maintain accessibility to Bureau staff, accurately track shipments, and notify the State within two business days if any seat is backordered, including projected availability dates. Bidders must indicate willingness to extend contract pricing to political subdivisions and school districts in Maine, a consideration in award determination. The State Purchasing Director reserves the right to extend the contract with contractor consent and may cancel with thirty days' written notice. Unit prices shall govern in case of discrepancy with total prices.