Drop Deck TrailerBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, is issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the procurement of one drop deck trailer to be stationed at the Vallonia State Nursery in Jasper County. The trailer will serve as replacement equipment (Comm# 12208) and will primarily support the nursery's hauling needs for seed and production materials, while also being available to other state properties for heavy equipment transportation when not in use. The specifications require a 2026 Dorsey DF53-BTR steel drop deck trailer or equivalent meeting strict performance and design standards, including an 80,000 GVWR capacity, 40-foot overall length, air ride suspension, beavertail with loading ramps, 12 winches, recessed chain tie-downs, and a finish of black epoxy primer with acrylic polyurethane coating. Bidders must provide complete, all-inclusive pricing covering equipment, reconditioning, installation, labor, shipping, and all applicable fees on an F.O.B. destination basis, with pricing remaining valid for 30 calendar days following the May 13, 2026, response deadline. The solicitation opened on April 13, 2026, at 7:52 AM EDT and closes on May 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT; all questions must be submitted at least seven days prior to the response due date. Bids must be submitted directly to Kathy Evans at kmevans@dnr.in.gov or faxed to 317-972-3275; electronic bidding through the Supplier Portal is not permitted. All bidders must authorize electronic funds transfer for payment processing and comply with the manufacturer's standard warranty requirements.

This procurement includes multiple purchasing preferences for Indiana businesses and products, including preferences for U.S.-manufactured goods, steel products, Indiana-manufactured items, recycled materials, soybean oil-based ink, soy diesel/biodiesel, and Indiana small businesses. Minority and women business enterprise (MWBE) subcontractor participation goals are set at 8% minority and 11% women participation, with an additional 3% goal for Indiana veteran-owned small business (IVOSB) subcontractors. All bidders must complete the Indiana Economic Impact Form (State Form 51778) and provide certifications regarding drug-free workplace compliance, employment eligibility verification, non-collusion, and compliance with applicable laws and ethical obligations. The RFQ documents do not disclose a specific contract value or budget range, though responses exceeding $75,000 require manual signatures and cannot be submitted via fax. Award will be made by issuance of a Purchase Order, with no specified contract term or renewal options. The State reserves the right to terminate the agreement for convenience with thirty days' notice and may cancel if funds are not appropriated.