Fertilizer for Florida Farm

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Division of Purchases, is requesting bids on 30 tons of 15-15-15 fertilizer for delivery to Maine Seed Potato Farm in Miami, Florida on November 9, 2009, with bids due September 23, 2009.

The fertilizer must meet a guaranteed analysis of 15% total nitrogen, 15% available phosphorus, 15% soluble potash, 4% total magnesium, 8.4% sulfur, and 1.4% total manganese. The product must be highly granular with no powder or dust residue, packaged in 50-pound maximum plastic bags to prevent moisture absorption in Florida's high-humidity climate. Delivery will be via one or two flatbed truckloads; the vendor must drop the trailer for 3–4 days to allow farm crew unloading and storage before pickup of the empty trailer. A product sample may be required prior to delivery to verify granular composition and absence of fines.

Freight is provided on an FOB destination basis, with all transportation costs borne by the vendor. Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value to the State, considering quality, conformity with specifications, and ultimate cost. Pricing must exclude federal and Maine sales and use taxes. In-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine receive tie-bid preference. Late submissions will be rejected. The State reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive formalities, accept individual items, and increase or decrease quantities by up to 10 percent unless otherwise stated.

Inquiries should be directed to Bambi Tefft Bahr, Buyer II, at (207) 624-7341, (207) 287-6578 fax, or bambi.t.bahr@maine.gov. Bidders must call the farm at 305-235-2421 before delivery to coordinate arrival and unloading.