City of Appleton, Valley Transit RFQ Tire Leasing

Valley Transit, a department of the City of Appleton, Wisconsin, is seeking competitive quotes for a five-year tire leasing agreement covering its fleet of 28 heavy-duty transit buses. The Request for Quote (RFQ VT23-002) specifically requires new radial tires in size 305/70R22.5 Load Range L compatible with New Flyer Xcelsior buses manufactured between 2017 and 2022. The contract will run from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2028, with an additional 36-month run-out clause to exhaust existing tire inventory. Valley Transit anticipates annual bus miles of 5,014,000, with estimated out-of-service mileage of 45,000 miles and approximately ten damaged tires per year. Vendors must submit five complete sets of documents and an electronic PDF version by the sealed bid due date of March 7, 2023, at 2:00 PM CST. Pricing must be quoted on a per-tire-mile and per 1/32-inch replacement basis, with prices remaining firm for at least 90 days following the due date. The successful contractor will be responsible for all tire mounting, dismounting, repairs, balancing, and disposal at no cost to Valley Transit.

As a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, Valley Transit has incorporated applicable FTA procurement requirements, including civil rights compliance and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation requirements. The solicitation includes provisions for suspension and debarment certifications, and contractors must provide proof of insurance, including Commercial General Liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit. The City of Appleton is exempt from Federal Excise, Transportation, and State of Wisconsin taxes, which should not be included in bid prices. Payment terms are set at Net 30 days from receipt of monthly invoices. The transit agency reserves the right to award the entire contract to one vendor or to award all or a portion on a line-item basis, with potential additional discounts for full award to be noted by vendors. The projected award notification date is April 6, 2023, pending Transit Commission approval on March 21, 2023, and City Council approval on April 5, 2023. While no specific budget range is disclosed, the comprehensive requirements suggest a significant multi-year contract for tire leasing services.