Ford automotive parts and repair service

The Town of Manchester, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, is soliciting bids for Invitation to Bid (ITB) #22/23-17 to procure Ford automotive parts and repair services for its municipal fleet vehicles. The procurement encompasses parts and service for passenger vehicles, pickup trucks (half-ton to one-ton), and heavy-duty Ford trucks. Successful bidders must maintain a service center within 10 miles of the Fleet Garage and employ Ford-certified technicians with a minimum of 10 years hands-on experience. The contract requires vendors to provide parts delivery up to four times daily to the Fleet Maintenance Garage and twice daily to the Police Department Fleet Garage, with deliveries between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. Vendors must propose pricing through two potential parts discount structures: either a percentage over dealer cost or a percentage off current list price, with a single hourly labor rate for cars/light trucks and heavy-duty trucks. The initial contract period is two years, with potential extensions for three additional one-year periods contingent on mutual agreement. Bid responses are due by October 5, 2022, at 11:00 am, with a deadline for questions on September 28, 2022.

The procurement includes a mandatory Living Wage Certification requirement, which applies to "Covered Employers" meeting specific criteria. Bidders must certify their compliance with the Manchester Living Wage Ordinance, indicating whether they will pay the required living wage to eligible employees throughout the contract term or claim exemption based on factors such as nonprofit status, employment size, or contract value. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the living wage requirement suggests a commitment to fair labor practices. The certification form is a mandatory submission component, with potential bid rejection for improper completion. Though specific budget ranges are not detailed in the documents, the comprehensive service requirements suggest a potentially significant municipal contract. The town's approach indicates a preference for established, professionally certified automotive service providers with demonstrated expertise in Ford vehicle maintenance and parts supply.