Bobcat skid loaders (UW-MAD)[20-0072]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Purchasing Services is conducting a Request for Bid (RFB) No. 20-0072 for the procurement of two Bobcat skid loaders for the Department of Dairy Science, specifically for use at the Emmons Blaine Dairy on the Arlington Ag Research Station. The procurement involves replacing an existing Bobcat S650 model through a trade-in and purchasing a new unit, with both machines required to have specific technical specifications including enclosed cabs with heat/AC, two-speed transmissions, joystick controls, and powered attachment controls. The first skid loader must have a rated operating capacity of 2,600+ lbs, while the second must have a 3,000+ lbs capacity. Bidders must be authorized Bobcat dealers with three years of equipment provision experience, and must submit comprehensive documentation including bid response sheets, equipment specifications, brochures, and three client references. Written questions were due by May 18, 2020, with final bids required by 2:00 p.m. CDT on May 26, 2020. The evaluation will focus on the lowest extended net total bid that best serves the University's interests, with bid prices remaining firm for sixty days from the opening date.

The solicitation includes preferences for certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Woman-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE), and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), with these organizations potentially receiving consideration if their qualified bids are within 5% of the lowest bid. Bidders must maintain manufacturer's standard warranty, provide unlimited callback maintenance during business hours, and carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in commercial liability insurance. The bid strictly requires new equipment, explicitly prohibiting reconditioned, refurbished, used, rebuilt, or demonstrator models. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the bid opening will not be conducted publicly, with results to be emailed to responding bidders after the specified time and date. Contractors must also comply with the University's nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements. While a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves the purchase of two specialized skid loaders for agricultural research operations, suggesting a significant but not extraordinarily high-value contract.