Electric Vehicle Trolley Supply Bid

The City of Cape May in Cape May County, New Jersey, is seeking to procure two electric vehicle trolley buses through a public bid process (Bid #25-04) with an electronic submission requirement via BIDNET. The procurement calls for 14-passenger classic trolley-style electric buses featuring a Freightliner MT50E chassis with electric powered drive, delivering 226KW/303HP power and capable of up to 170-mile range with a top speed of 70 miles per hour. The buses must feature a vintage-inspired design with red oak interior paneling, authentic 1800s streetcar aesthetic, and comprehensive safety features including a wheelchair lift, ADA-compliant seating, and emergency exits. Bid opening dates have been modified through two addenda, with the current submission deadline set for April 4, 2025, at 10:00am. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4A, with the procurement requiring multiple compliance documents including business registration certificates, non-collusion affidavits, and proof of insurance.

The bid does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The vehicle specifications include comprehensive warranty provisions, with the chassis warranted for 3 years/100,000 miles and the body warranted for 12 months/unlimited miles. Bidders must submit their proposals electronically and participate in a Zoom meeting for bid opening, with technical support available at 1-800-835-4603 option #2. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the documents, the procurement represents a significant municipal investment in electric vehicle public transportation infrastructure. Interested vendors must carefully review all bid specifications, including structural components, electrical systems, paint requirements, and insulation standards, and submit a comprehensive bid package that meets the City of Cape May's precise technical and administrative requirements.