IFB 25-0002 Forklift Maintenance

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 25-0002 for comprehensive forklift preventative maintenance services at their Hawaii Fruit Rearing Facility located in Waimanalo. The procurement specifically covers maintenance for a Komatsu FG25T-14 forklift and requires quarterly comprehensive services including visual inspections, fluid checks, oil and filter services, lubrication, and component testing. Contractors must be prepared to perform routine maintenance and respond to emergency repairs with potential additional fees for urgent service requests. The contract will span three years, commencing July 1, 2025, or upon final approval, through June 30, 2028, with no renewal options. Key procurement dates include a bid release on June 27, 2025, written questions due by July 11, 2025, and completed bids required by July 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM PT, with bid opening and cost proposal estimation scheduled for the same date. Bidders must demonstrate capability to provide comprehensive maintenance services and meet specific insurance requirements, including commercial general liability, automobile liability, and workers' compensation coverage.

The solicitation includes specific set-aside and preference opportunities for disadvantaged businesses, with a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goal of 3% and a potential DVBE incentive that could provide up to a 5% preference for meeting participation levels. A small business preference option could also grant a 5% preference to qualifying businesses. While the attached cost proposal spreadsheet currently shows placeholder $0.00 values, indicating a template or draft status, the procurement suggests a competitive bidding process with potential for multiple vendors to submit proposals. Insurance and service capability will likely be key evaluation criteria, with contractors needing to demonstrate technical expertise in forklift maintenance, prompt emergency response capabilities, and compliance with state insurance requirements. The contract appears designed to ensure consistent, high-quality maintenance for a critical piece of agricultural facility equipment, with flexibility for emergency and unexpected repair needs.