Contract for 1 year on Automotive Batteries

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting bids for a one-year automotive battery supply contract covering all state agencies, with bids due May 7, 2008 and contract performance running May 19, 2008 through May 18, 2009.

The scope encompasses automotive batteries, heavy-duty batteries, deep-cycle batteries, and marine batteries across the state's vehicle fleet operations, including DAFS Central Fleet, MDOT Fleet, and Public Safety Fleet. The awarded vendor must supply a complete product line to support diverse applications — standard passenger vehicles (Prius, Neon, Impala, Honda, Ford Taurus), trucks, forklifts, tractors, and marine equipment. Batteries must include a minimum one-year full replacement warranty with prorated coverage thereafter. Manufacturer specification sheets must accompany all bids. All batteries must meet applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Maine's Chemical Substance Identification Law requiring material safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals.

The approximate contract value is $39,083 based on historical pricing. Individual unit pricing ranges from $178 to $1,040 depending on battery type and specifications. Pricing must be submitted on a net F.O.B. destination basis with all transportation and delivery charges prepaid by the contractor, and prices must remain firm throughout the contract period.

Delivery is seven days from order receipt to destination. MDOT has special delivery requirements: daily deliveries to the Augusta Fleet Warehouse and weekly deliveries to regional stockrooms throughout the state. The vendor is responsible for picking up and accepting all used battery cores regardless of quantity. State agencies will place orders on an as-needed basis through the AdvantageME system or State of Maine Procurement Card. The vendor must accept the Procurement Card as payment with no surcharges allowed.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value considerations, including quality, conformity with specifications, delivery dates, and ultimate cost. Tie bids favor in-state bidders or those offering products manufactured in Maine. Cash discounts of 20 days or more will be considered; shorter discounts will not. The contract may be extended at the Director of Purchases' discretion and cancelled with thirty days' notice. Bidders must indicate willingness to extend pricing to Maine political subdivisions and school districts. Contact Terry DeMerchant, Procurement Manager, for questions.