Bid purchase of filter protectoers.

The State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management is requesting bids for the manufacture of 128 sheet metal filter protectors for fiberglass home heating oil tanks, with bids due April 2, 2013.

The scope covers sheet metal fabrication of filter protectors for installation on 15 double-wall and 113 single-wall fiberglass tanks at various Maine sites between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. Bidders must submit detailed technical specifications and engineering drawings included in the solicitation. The manufacturer must first produce two prototype filter protectors for Department inspection; if modifications are required, two additional protectors must be manufactured and approved before full-production fabrication of the remaining 126 units proceeds.

Delivery follows a minimum schedule: 20 units by April 15, 2013; 50 cumulative by May 15, 2013; 80 cumulative by June 15, 2013; 110 cumulative by August 15, 2013; and all 128 units by September 15, 2013. All protectors must be delivered to a heating equipment wholesaler's warehouse, store, or distribution point in the Portland or Bangor areas or within 30 road miles of an Interstate or Maine Turnpike exit. The awardee must provide a one-year guarantee against manufacturing defects.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder offering the best overall value to the State, with consideration given to quality, conformity to specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost. All transportation charges shall be prepaid by the contractor. The state reserves the right to award on an item-by-item basis or as a group, to increase or decrease quantities by up to 10 percent, and to give preference to in-state bidders when other factors are equal. Questions must be submitted through the online Question and Answer link by the due date. All bid submissions become public records subject to Maine's Freedom of Access Laws.