Bus Purchase Order for Educ in the Unorgan Territory

The State of Maine Department of Education is requesting bids for the purchase of two buses for the Unorganized Territories, with bids due May 29, 2008. This is a highly compressed timeline — the solicitation was posted May 28, 2008, giving bidders one business day to respond.

The scope calls for new 2008 or 2009 model year buses with detailed vehicle specifications including environmental and sustainability requirements. All vehicles must be delivered with minimum mileage and lead-free wheel weights (a $50 deduction per vehicle applies if lead weights are delivered); be mercury-free and California-certified where applicable; and meet published U.S. Department of Energy fuel economy ratings. Standard colors will be selected after bid award. Bidders must provide factory option numbers for all non-standard equipment, complete comprehensive checklists, state warranty terms in months and miles, confirm whether roadside assistance is included, and indicate willingness to accept orders from other Maine political subdivisions at quoted prices.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value considerations, including life-cycle costing and emission ratings calculated over 100,000 miles. Tie bids are resolved in favor of Maine-based bidders or those offering Maine-produced commodities and services. Pricing must include all trade or quantity discounts and be delivered to destination with transportation charges prepaid by the contractor. Cash discounts of 20 days or more will be considered in award; shorter discounts will not factor into the decision. The State is exempt from Federal and Maine State Sales and Use Taxes and should be quoted accordingly. Bids must be submitted electronically to the Division of Purchases, Room 119, 9 State House Station, Augusta, Maine. Terry L. DeMarchus, Procurement and Contracting Manager, is the sole point of contact for bid questions (207-624-5086, Terry.L.DeMarchus@maine.gov).