Bulk Oil and Fluids

METRO Regional Transit Authority, the public transit operator in Akron, Ohio, is requesting bids on bulk oil and fluids for the calendar year 2027 under an Invitation for Bids, with proposals due December 3, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. and questions due November 23, 2026. The contract is funded in part with Federal Transit Administration assistance and carries DBE participation goals and Buy America compliance requirements.

The scope covers eight fluid products in specified annual quantities: approximately 110 gallons of SAE 15W40 Low Ash API CK-4 in 55-gallon drums, 7,000 gallons of SAE 15W40 Low Ash CES 200074 in bulk, 600 gallons of SAE 5W30 Synthetic in bulk, 500 gallons of 75W90 Synthetic Gear Oil in 55-gallon drums, 200 gallons of Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid in bulk, 800 gallons of Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid TES 668 in bulk, 800 gallons of Windshield Washer Fluid concentrate in bulk, and 220 gallons of Premium Lithium Complex Grease in 55-gallon or 16-gallon drums. The awardee must supply and maintain two delivery pumps for applicable fluid types, provide automatic weekly or as-needed fill-ups with level monitoring, remove and dispose of empty drums, and conduct a mandatory site visit after award to identify container fill locations. Bidders may propose approved equal products with written requests submitted at least 10 days before bid opening. Pricing shall be submitted on a plus-or-minus basis to allow volume flexibility.

The contract term runs January 1 through December 31, 2027. Award will be made to the lowest and best overall bid meeting minimum requirements. All bids must be submitted electronically through METRO's OpenGov portal. Bidders must provide General Liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000), statutory Workers' Compensation coverage, federal tax liability certifications, DBE affidavits, Buy America certifications, and non-collusion affidavits. A bid bond of 5% of bid price, a performance bond at 100% of contract price, and a payment bond at 50% of contract price are required. Payment will be made by ACH after METRO Board approval and receipt of FTA or state funding.