MaineDOT Tire Chain Commodity Contract

The Maine Department of Transportation is requesting bids on tire chains for a one-year commodity contract running October 15, 2010 through October 14, 2011, with bids due October 5, 2010. In case of tie bids with equal price, quality, and availability, preference is given to in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine.

Tire chains must meet NACM specification 92805 and ASTM E18 hardness standards, with reference to NACM 5179(TC) and SAE specifications. The low bidder may be required to submit products for testing through the University of Southern Maine Materials Testing Unit at vendor expense, charged at $140 per hour with a one-hour minimum and a required deposit of one-half of estimated test costs prior to testing. Warranty specifications must be included in bids and may be considered during evaluation and award.

Pricing must be firm for the contract duration and include all transportation and delivery charges prepaid by the contractor on an F.O.B. destination basis. Pricing is not subject to increase during the agreement period. Orders of $5,000 or less will be emailed directly to vendors; larger orders will be routed through the Division of Purchases for approval and encumbrance. Invoices must be issued within 30 days of delivery, reference the Master Agreement Number and Customer Number, and be submitted separately for each order number.

The State of Maine is exempt from federal excise taxes and state sales taxes. Contractors must accept the State of Maine Procurement Card as payment without surcharges and agree to extend contract pricing to political subdivisions and school districts in Maine. The Division of Purchases reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive formalities, and increase or decrease ordered quantities by up to 10 percent. Delivery locations span approximately 80 MaineDOT addresses across six regions statewide. The contract may be renewed with contractor consent, and the Division may cancel with thirty days' written notice or immediately if the contractor fails to conform to contract terms.