Conversion Coated Aluminium

The State of Maine, Division of Purchases, is requesting quotes for conversion-coated aluminum substrate material used in reflectorized motor vehicle license plate manufacture, with quotes due February 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. local time through the AdvantageME Vendor Self Service platform.

The scope specifies aluminum alloy 3003-H12 (virgin or reprocessed) in Gauge 20 at .032" + .003" - .000" thickness, wound on 20-inch cores in standard 12-1/8" width or 7-1/16" motorcycle size, with maximum outer diameter of 51" and minimum of 42". Mechanical properties must include ultimate strength of 17,000 to 23,000 ksi, minimum yield strength of 12,000 ksi, and elongation of 15 to 20% nominal with 12% minimum. The aluminum must feature a light, tightly adherent, amorphous chromate conversion coating (Alodine 1200 or equal) applied per ASTM B-449-67, Class 2, with coating weight of 8 to 12 mg/sq.ft. and median optimum of 10 mg/sq.ft. All prospective bidders must submit six sample pieces measuring 12-1/8" x 40" or 7-1/16" x 40" on or before the bid closing date for testing and analysis.

Coils must be packaged on skids with maximum weight of 2,300 lbs, properly banded and separated by 2"x 2" wood spacers. Delivery is FOB to the Plate Shop in Warren, Maine, Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with 24-hour phone confirmation required. A maximum quantity variation of +0% to -5% is permitted; the State reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities by up to 10% upon 60 days' written notice.

Bidders must submit certificates of compliance with brand name, manufacturer name, date and place of manufacture. Award criteria include delivery schedule, lead-time, compliance with material and delivery specifications, and price. Questions submitted more than 24 hours before closing will not be answered. The primary contact is Bambi L. Tefft, Buyer II, at (207) 624-7341 or bambi.l.tefft@maine.gov.