Invitation to Bid - CNC Plasma Cutting System

Alma Public Schools in Alma, Michigan issued an Invitation to Bid for the procurement of a CNC Plasma Cutting System on September 5, 2019, with sealed bids due by 2:00 p.m. on September 12, 2019. The school district seeks a Lincoln Electric Torchmate Model 4400 or equivalent system meeting specified minimum requirements, including a 74" x 67" x 63" table with dual tool cutting area, an 80-amp plasma cutter capable of cutting mild steel, digital height control, magnetic torch breakaway, Visual Machine Designer Software with shape library, CAD software with DXF importer, integrated water table, touch screen HMI interface, and a consumable starter kit. The bid must include delivery to the point of use, unlimited student licenses, technical phone support, a 2-year complete single-source warranty, and mandatory training on equipment use and care. Bidders should direct inquiries to the Maintenance Director at 989-466-7544 or the Finance Director's office at 989-466-7515, and proposals must be submitted to Mark Jacobs, Finance Director, at 1500 Pine Avenue, Alma, Michigan 48801. Award will be made to the lowest, responsible, qualified bidder within 30 calendar days of the bid opening, and the school district reserves the right to reject any or all bids, request samples of equivalent items, and serve as the sole judge of equivalency.

The procurement documentation does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting bidder eligibility to particular enterprise categories. However, all bidders must certify compliance with the Iran Economic Sanctions Act under Michigan law, with false certification potentially resulting in contract termination, bid ineligibility for three years, and civil penalties up to $250,000 or twice the bid amount. Manufacturers' written guarantees must accompany all proposals, and bidders may submit voluntary alternates that meet or exceed the minimum specifications. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the solicitation materials. The bid specification does not disclose a specific budget or award value range, requiring interested vendors to submit competitive pricing proposals to determine the procurement cost.