KDF Seedling Tree Planter

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Division of Forestry, under the Energy & Environment Cabinet, is issuing a Request for Quote (RFQ) to procure one R.A. Whitfield Seedling Tree Planter, Model #SP-3204-RF or approved equal, for delivery to the Madisonville Branch located at 625 Hospital Drive, Madisonville, Kentucky 42431. The required equipment is a two-seat rear-facing planter featuring a 7-position 3-point hitch, adjustable coulter arms with depth skids, dual side boxes, hi-carbon steel blade and trencher foot, foam-filled tires, operator seats with footrests and leg protectors, and safety hand hold rods, capable of accommodating both pine and hardwood seedlings with options for tall stock and choice of trencher plates and points. Bidders must submit written questions by March 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET, with quotes due electronically through the Kentucky Vendor Self Service system by March 10, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET. All pricing must be quoted on an F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed basis with delivery costs included in the quoted price, and bidders must specify exact delivery time in working days rather than vague terms such as "as soon as possible." The evaluation methodology allocates 90 points to price and 10 points to delivery time for a total of 100 points, with the lowest bidder receiving maximum points and subsequent bidders scored proportionally, along with a 1% daily deduction for each day delivery extends beyond the contracted date. Prior to award, the successful bidder must provide proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate) and Automobile Liability Insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence), and instruction and operating manuals must be furnished with all equipment.

Kentucky resident bidders may receive reciprocal preference equal to competing states' preferences, and qualified bidders including Kentucky Correctional Industries, Kentucky Industries for the Blind, and certain nonprofit agencies may receive an additional 15-20% preference based on their status. All bidders must be registered in the Commonwealth eProcurement system prior to submission, with registration requiring 24-48 hours, and must submit a notarized Required Affidavit for Bidders, Offerors, and Contractors attesting to compliance with Kentucky's campaign finance laws under Kentucky Revised Statutes 45A.110 and 45A.115. All pricing must exclude federal excise tax and Kentucky sales or use tax, and proposed pricing must remain valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days after the bid due date. The contract shall be awarded by line item to the single vendor offering the best value, and the Commonwealth retains the right to cancel the contract with 30 days' written notice. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents, with pricing to be determined through competitive bidding in response to the RFQ.