Forestry Mulching Head

Portage County, Wisconsin is seeking bids for a FAE UML/EX-150 Universal Forestry Mulcher for its Highway Department through a Request for Bid (RFB) 2021-26 procurement process. The specific procurement includes a customized attachment bracket designed to mate with the county's CAT M320F wheeled excavator, along with extension wiring for a diverter valve and a control box with two switches. Bids were due by 2:00 PM on November 4, 2021, with submissions required in sealed packages to the Portage County Purchasing office in Stevens Point. Bidders must be original manufacturers, distributors, or dealer authorized by the manufacturer, and are required to provide three references from firms to which similar products were supplied within the past five years. The evaluation criteria focus on the lowest total cost from a responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specifications, with delivery timeliness as a key consideration factor. Bidders were required to submit questions in writing by October 27, 2021, to Chris Schultz, Procurement Director, with responses to be issued via official addendum on VendorNet and the Portage County website.

The procurement does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The equipment must be new, free from defects, and include a one-year warranty against defects from the receipt date. Bid prices were required to include all transportation, insurance charges, and installation/operation manuals on an F.O.B. destination freight-included basis, with prices to remain firm for 45 calendar days following bid opening. The county is exempt from federal excise and Wisconsin sales taxes, with a CES number of ES 43251. Liquidated damages of $100 per unit per calendar day will be applied if delivery extends more than five business days past the bidder's stated delivery date. The initial contract term extends through equipment delivery or December 31, 2022, whichever is later. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the procurement is for a specialized piece of forestry equipment to be used by the county's Highway Department.