Bus Purchase Order for Educ in the Unorgan Territory

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting quotes for the purchase of school buses for education in the unorganized territory, with quotes due March 11, 2011. A preference for in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine applies in case of tie bids.

The scope covers 48-passenger conventional Type C school buses meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), State of Maine School Bus Standards (DOE rules Chapter 81), State of Maine School Bus Inspection standards, and Federal 2007 EPA Emission Standards. Buses are intended for remote locations in northern Maine and must withstand extreme conditions. Specification requirements include engine options (Chevrolet/GMC 350-366, International diesel, or diesel alternatives), 21,000-pound GVW rating, 158–189 inch wheelbase, five-speed manual or automatic transmission, 60-gallon fuel tank, seating for 42 students with minimum 13-inch seat width, comprehensive safety equipment, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, wheel chocks, integrated child safety seat, AM-FM-PA-CD stereo radio with strobe lighting, and acoustic sound reduction. All heavy-duty diesel engines with GVW of 14,001 pounds or greater must meet or exceed California emissions standards per Maine Department of Environmental Protection rules Chapter 127. Buses must be delivered without lead wheel weights and feature full undercoating with 1.5-inch insulation on sides and roof. Maine's environmentally preferable procurement preference applies to liquid tire balancer treatments over lead weights. Buses must comply with Title 38 MRSA section 1665-A prohibiting mercury-containing switches or components.

Quotes must be submitted electronically and close at 2:00 p.m. local time. Awards will be made on best value to the State of Maine considering quality, conformity to specifications, delivery date, and cost. Unit prices must be quoted separately for each item delivered to destination with all discounts included. The state is exempt from federal and Maine state sales and use taxes. Cash discounts are considered only for payment terms of 20 days or more. All transportation charges must be prepaid by the contractor unless specified otherwise.