Gatormade Aardvark +3 Series 16K

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Office of Agricultural Marketing & Product Promotion, issued a Request for Bid (RFB) on May 7, 2026, for the procurement of one Gatormade Aardvark +3 Series 16K flat bed trailer or approved equal. The solicitation represents a one-time purchase award with no renewal options, and bids are due electronically by May 27, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. ET, with vendor questions due by May 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET. The trailer specifications include a 16,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating, two 8,000-pound rated axles with electric drum brakes and spring suspension, a 12-inch I-beam neck frame, 14-ply radial tires with full-size spare, an 18-foot main deck plus 4-foot self-cleaning dovetail with 4-foot lay-flat loading ramps, wood decking, adjustable 2-5/16-inch ball coupler, street-legal LED lighting package, dual electric-over-hydraulic jacks, lockable steel toolbox, and a minimum 12,000-pound electric winch with power leads and weather-resistant controls. The award evaluation uses a best value approach weighted at 90 points for price and 10 points for delivery time, with the lowest-priced bidder receiving maximum points and subsequent bids scored proportionally; vendors must clearly state delivery time in working days with one percent invoice deduction for each day of delay. All pricing must be quoted F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed, exclusive of taxes, and remain valid for a minimum of 60 days after the bid due date. Delivery is required to 111 Corporate Drive, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, and bidders must be registered in the Vendor Self Service System at least 24-48 hours prior to submission.

Kentucky resident bidders are eligible for reciprocal preference, and designated vendors including Kentucky Correctional Industries, Kentucky Industries for the Blind, and qualified nonprofits serving individuals with severe disabilities receive preference equal to 15-20 percent of maximum points. Contractors must provide evidence of commercial general liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate prior to award, as well as automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit if the contractor delivers the trailer. Additional requirements include Kentucky tax registration, affidavits of compliance with specified statutes, and accessibility compliance with federal rehabilitation and telecommunications standards. No incumbent vendor information or specific budget range is identified in the solicitation documents. All bidders must submit responses electronically through the Commonwealth's eProcurement system, and interested vendors may contact Stephanie Durr at 502-564-6521 for additional information.