Grader bolts

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Purchases, on behalf of the Division of Equipment, is issuing a Request for Bid (RFB) for the procurement of grader bolts under a master agreement contract. The solicitation encompasses two line items: 800 units of 5/8" x 2-1/2" Grade 8 steel plow bolts with #3 dome heads and coarse thread per SAE J429 standard with Grade 8 hex plain coarse thread nuts, and 200 units of 5/8" x 3" Grade 8 steel plow bolts with identical specifications, with all items to be packaged 25 per box and manufactured to EARNEST MACHINE or approved equal standards. The bid closing date is December 2, 2024, at 1:30 PM Eastern Time, with a tentative award date of December 10, 2024, and bids must be submitted electronically only through the Kentucky Vendor Self Service eProcurement system at https://vss.ky.gov. The initial contract period runs from the award date through October 31, 2025, with four optional one-year renewal periods available by written agreement of both parties. Award will be determined on a best value basis using evaluation criteria of 95 points for lowest price and 5 points for best delivery time, with vendors required to specify a concrete delivery timeframe in calendar days after receipt of delivery order, and vague terms such as "as required" or "as soon as possible" rendering bids non-responsive. Shipment terms are F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed, with the vendor responsible for all freight charges, and late delivery penalties of 1% per day of invoice value apply except for delays caused by factors beyond the vendor's control. Prices are firm for the first twelve months; price increases after that period require written justification based on industry-wide changes and thirty days' notice.

Kentucky resident bidders are eligible for statutory preference consideration, and qualified bidders including nonprofit organizations serving individuals with severe disabilities, Kentucky Correctional Industries, and Kentucky Industries for the Blind receive preference equal to 15 to 20 percent of maximum points under KRS 45A.465(3). All bidders must submit required affidavits regarding campaign finance compliance and resident or qualified bidder status if claiming such preferences. Vendors must be registered in the Commonwealth's eProcurement System to submit bids, and bids must remain valid for 90 calendar days after the closing date. The solicitation does not identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors for this procurement. While a specific award value or budget range is not explicitly stated in the solicitation documents, the master agreement structure allows the Division of Equipment to purchase parts as needed with quantities specified as estimates only, suggesting flexibility in overall contract value based on operational requirements. Delivery is requested to the KYTC Division of Equipment warehouse located at 1239 Wilkinson Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.