Loader mounted snow blower

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is soliciting bids on a loader-mounted snow blower with bids due November 19, 2010. Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value, including quality, conformity with specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost; in cases of tied bids, preference will be given to in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine.

The snow blower must be a current model year, in-production for a minimum of six months, and in general trade use. The unit must mount on a 3 to 3.5 cubic yard wheel loader and meet detailed operational specifications: two-stage diesel-powered design with minimum 102-inch cutting width, 1,500 tons per hour discharge rate, 100-foot minimum casting distance, and maximum 10,000-pound weight. Power source is a heavy-duty turbocharged water-cooled six-cylinder diesel engine with minimum 250 net horsepower. The blower includes a hydraulically operated spot casting and loading chute with variable casting distance from 3 to 40 feet, 300-degree hydraulic rotation controlled from the loader cab, two interchangeable high-strength steel augers, and an impeller with replaceable concave blades. Vendors must provide complete manufacturer's literature, two sets of technical publications (operator's, parts, and maintenance manuals for each unit), and specialized tools and accessories including a minimum of six shear pins for each shear pin location.

Delivery is to 145 Bennet Drive, Caribou, Maine. Bids must state separate unit prices inclusive of all delivery charges. The State reserves the right to award on an individual item basis or as a group and to reject any or all bids. Quantities may be increased or decreased by up to 10 percent. Contracts are not assignable, sublettable, or transferable without written consent from the Director. The State is exempt from Federal and Maine State Sales and Use Taxes.