Horse Gooseneck Trailer (DGS-OTA)

The California Department of General Services, Procurement Division, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB #0000000646) on behalf of the California Highway Patrol to procure one four-horse gooseneck trailer specifically designed for transporting Clydesdale breed horses. The trailer must meet detailed specifications, including a 96-inch interior height, 102-inch exterior width, dual torsion axles, and a 12,000-pound payload capacity. Key features include a separate sealed rear tack room, front dress room, feed mangers, and a loading ramp capable of accommodating Clydesdale horses up to 2,400 pounds. The solicitation was released on May 2, 2016, with questions due by May 13, 2016, and bid responses required by May 27, 2016, at 2:00 PM PST. Bidders must provide a trailer with factory-authorized service available within a 50-mile radius of Sacramento and include a minimum 5-year warranty from the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

The procurement offers preferences for California-certified small businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with a 5% bid preference for small businesses or non-small businesses demonstrating 25% California small business subcontractor participation. DVBE incentives range from 1% to 5% based on participation levels. The procurement is being conducted under the Alternative Protest Process per Public Contract Code 12125. The successful contractor must be able to provide service within 72 hours to any delivery destination after a state agency request, and a pre-construction conference will be required within 14 calendar days after the purchase order is awarded. The trailer will be delivered to the California Highway Patrol Fleet Operation Section in West Sacramento, CA. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the detailed specifications and specialized requirements suggest this is a high-value procurement for a custom, heavy-duty horse transportation trailer designed for professional law enforcement use.