ITEM#29, Sec. of State License Plate truck

The State of Maine's Department of Administrative and Financial Services Division of Purchases is requesting sealed bids for a standard cab, 18-foot aluminum dry-freight truck with tuck-away liftgate (Item #29, CLASS/SPEC# 920-2) for the Secretary of State, with bids due May 28, 2009.

The truck must be 2009 or 2010 model year and meet detailed specifications: diesel engine minimum 6.4 liter, automatic transmission, 26,000-pound GVWR minimum, 17,000-pound minimum payload capacity, 206-inch wheelbase, air-conditioned cab with power steering and tilt wheel, and cruise control. The 18-foot-6-inch by 8-foot by 7-foot-6-inch body (not exceeding 11-foot-6-inch total height) must feature 1-3/8-inch laminated hardwood floor, white aluminum exterior walls with steel hat side posts, and aluminum roof with crowned bow design. The tuck-away liftgate requires 4,000-pound capacity with twin-cylinder power operation, 84-by-60-inch aluminum platform with 6-inch ramp maintaining level ride, and push-button and hand-held corded remote controls. All electrical connections must use heat shrink; Scotch-Lok connectors are prohibited. The bidder must specify engine liter size and tire size and load range in the proposal.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder considering best value, including quality, conformity with specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost to the state evaluated via life-cycle costing over 100,000 miles using U.S. Department of Energy fuel economy ratings. Delivery times must be stated in definite terms; earliest delivery may influence award. Pricing must exclude federal and Maine state sales and use taxes, remain firm for a bidder-specified period, and include prepaid transportation. Cash discounts of 20 days or more will be considered in determining the low bidder. The State reserves the right to order more or fewer vehicles depending on funding availability and to increase or decrease quantities by up to 10 percent. All vehicles must be California-certified where applicable, include lead-free wheel weights, and be free of mercury-containing components. Bidders must address warranty terms, roadside assistance availability, and willingness to extend pricing to Maine political subdivisions and school districts. Terry L. DeMerchant, Procurement and Contracting Manager, is the sole point of contact for all bid inquiries.