ITB for DEKA Brand Batteries

The City of Portland, Oregon is requesting bids on DEKA brand automotive batteries for its Fleet Division under ITB 00002408, with bids due September 12, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. via BuySpeed portal. This is a sole-source procurement requiring DEKA "Gold" series or above batteries from East Penn Manufacturing or authorized distributors and resellers.

For purchases under $150,000, the City prioritizes local Portland-based businesses meeting state and local contracting requirements. Bidders must submit firm, fixed unit prices for all DEKA 12-volt batteries across Ultimate Group, Gold Group, and Heavy Duty Commercial Service Group categories, specifying percentage markup above manufacturer cost, core charges per battery, applicable discounts or rebates, restocking charges, and delivery time in calendar days. Pricing must be FOB destination freight prepaid with transportation and handling charges paid by the bidder. The City's standard payment terms are Net 30 days via electronic funds transfer through ACH; no taxes are included in bid pricing and no bid bond is required.

The initial contract term is five years with options to extend. Quantities are not specified; purchases will be made on an as-needed basis from the City and potentially other public agencies through intergovernmental cooperative purchasing provisions. The most frequently ordered models are 648MF, 658MF, 665MF, 694MF, 748MF, 1131MF, and 1131PMF. Stock orders typically range from 40–50 units; smaller or emergency orders require same-day or one-hour delivery. Only authentic DEKA-labeled batteries are acceptable; DEKA-manufactured batteries sold under alternative brand names do not qualify.

Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on delivery ability and pricing. Successful bidders must extend identical pricing and terms to all public agencies and provide quarterly usage reporting for both City and other agency purchases. The contract requires compliance with City sustainability objectives, Equal Employment Opportunity certification, Equal Benefits Program compliance, and business license tax registration. Two bidders responded: Fleetpride and Motive Energy Automotive and Commercial LLC, both Portland-based.