Gyratory Compactor for the Beaumont District Office

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is procuring a Superpave Gyratory Compactor for its Beaumont District Office through a competitive solicitation (No. 601330000042716). The procurement seeks one new, fully operational laboratory gyratory compactor that meets TxDOT Specification No. 845-63-42716, specifically capable of creating cylindrical hot mix asphalt specimens through vertical consolidation and gyratory kneading effort. The equipment must include three 150mm mold assemblies, a built-in extruder, RJ45 Ethernet port, two USB data ports, and comply with AASHTO T312 and ASTM D6925 standards. Key requirements include the provision of a factory-trained technician to conduct a minimum two-hour training session on safety, operation, and preventative maintenance, and the equipment must be brand new with no used, demonstrator, or reconditioned models accepted. The solicitation timeline includes an open date of December 23, 2024, with questions due by December 27, 2024, and TxDOT responses to questions posted by January 3, 2025. Bids are due January 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM Central Time, with a tentative contract award date of January 17, 2025, and delivery to be made to 8350 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77708.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, but it does include provisions for bid preferences under Texas Administrative Code Rule 34TAC 20.306, which considers factors such as Texas-produced goods, agricultural products, and services from economically depressed areas. The procurement allows for an Instrotek G2 Gyratory Compactor or TxDOT-approved equal, suggesting some flexibility in manufacturer selection. Vendors must be registered on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) to participate. The equipment requires a comprehensive 12-month or 1,200-hour warranty covering all defects in materials and workmanship, with 100% parts and labor coverage. The manufacturer must have an authorized dealer within Texas with factory-trained personnel for warranty repairs. While no specific budget range is listed in the documents, the detailed technical specifications suggest a high-precision, specialized piece of laboratory equipment. TxDOT also offers an Early Payment Program that allows vendors to receive accelerated payments in exchange for a cash discount, providing additional financial incentives for potential bidders.