Compact Grader and Training

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Operations Administrative Services, Fleet Division, issued Request for Proposal 210000002386 on July 29, 2021, for the one-time purchase of one compact grader unit and associated training services. The procurement seeks a latest-model compact grader that is fully assembled with manufacturer's standard equipment and compliant with U.S. Government American National Standards (ANSI), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 108 (FMVSS), and OSHA/MIOSHA requirements, specifically referencing the NorAm 65E Turbo as the specification model. The equipment specifications require a Cummins QSF3.8 turbocharged diesel engine with a minimum of 120 horsepower and Tier IV emission compliance, a six-speed power-shift transmission capable of 24 mph top speed, four-wheel service brakes with wet disc design, and a fully enclosed cab with air conditioning and heating. Following delivery and acceptance, the contractor must provide a minimum of eight hours of operator and mechanic training for a group of 6-8 MDOT employees at an MDOT facility. Delivery must occur within 120 days after receipt of order to the MDOT Paw Paw Garage located at 1003 E. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079. The evaluation process occurs in three steps: Step 1 requires pass/fail determinations on mandatory submissions including a Confidential Treatment Form, Vendor Questionnaire, Schedule A completion, acceptance of State Terms and Conditions, and specification submissions; Step 2 awards points based on warranty terms and service start date (10 points), training quality and delivery (25 points), vendor general experience with verifiable references (25 points), and specifications compliance (40 points), with proposals achieving 80 or more points advancing to pricing evaluation; and Step 3 determines the lowest bid by total extended cost. Questions were due by August 4, 2021, with answers posted by August 6, 2021, and proposals were due by August 12, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with an anticipated contract begin date of August 30, 2021.

The RFP documentation does not identify any set-aside designations, restrictions on organization types, disadvantaged enterprise requirements, or incumbent vendors. No specific budget range or award value is stated in the solicitation; however, pricing must be submitted on Schedule B as a firm price for the entire contract period with all costs, including transportation charges, included as F.O.B. Destination prepaid. The contractor must maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000 per accident, and workers' compensation coverage according to applicable law. Liquid damages are assessed at 2/10th of 1 percent per day up to 30 days for late or improper delivery completion. An amendment to the RFP was issued on August 6, 2021, modifying the RFP header and commodity line information within the original bid solicitation, with all other terms, conditions, and specifications remaining unchanged. For clarification on specific changes or questions regarding the amendment, interested bidders should contact Klatra Pickett at pickettk1@michigan.gov.