DRC - 5000 LB Electric Forklift with Trade-In Value for OPI SCI Janitorial Warehouse - DRC260102

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) is soliciting competitive sealed bids for the purchase of one new 5000-pound electric forklift with trade-in allowance for the Office of Prison Industries (OPI) Janitorial Shop Warehouse at Southeastern Correctional Institution in Lancaster, Ohio. The specified equipment is a Clark SE25T or equivalent electric forklift with battery and charger, meeting detailed technical requirements including upright height, mast specifications, forks, and overhead guard configurations. The procurement includes a trade-in allowance for two used 1993 Crown Electric Forklifts (Model 30SCTT-172, serial numbers 1A161840 and 1A127855), both currently in poor condition as evidenced by supporting documentation. Bidders must certify their ability to complete the project and deliver merchandise within 30 days of contract execution, provide descriptive literature demonstrating experience with similar material handling equipment, and submit all-inclusive pricing in U.S. dollars incorporating shipping, tariffs, and related expenses with Net 30 payment terms. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with evaluation criteria including bidder experience, financial condition, past contract performance, facilities, management skills, and contract execution capability. The bid closing date is February 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Columbus time through the OhioBuys platform (SRC0000036413), with the contract term extending from award through June 30, 2026, or upon delivery of the equipment, whichever occurs first. Inquiries regarding the solicitation must be submitted through OhioBuys during the designated inquiry cutoff period.

The solicitation is subject to domestic preference provisions under the Buy American Act and preferences for Ohio products under Ohio Revised Code sections 125.09 and 125.11, potentially favoring Ohio-based suppliers and manufacturers. The procurement includes the Veteran-Friendly Business Procurement Program, which may provide preference considerations for veteran-owned enterprises. Bidders must comply with all applicable state and federal laws, ODRC policies, and Executive Order 2019-12D prohibiting offshore service performance and offshore data storage, with contractors required to complete an Affirmation and Disclosure Form certifying domestic compliance and service locations. All contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 annual aggregate and $500,000 per occurrence, and comply with background check requirements (LEADS) prior to facility access at the correctional institution. Bids must remain firm for ninety days after opening, and all submitted bids become public records following award, though bidders may request redaction of confidential or proprietary information with detailed legal justifications. No specific budget or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents; however, the trade-in allowance for the two used forklifts will reduce the net cost to the state.