MCJA Coach-type bus

The Maine Criminal Justice Academy (under the State of Maine's Division of Purchases) is soliciting bids for one coach-type mass transit bus by November 21, 2008. The procurement emphasizes environmental sustainability through Maine's commitment to environmentally preferable purchasing practices, including a requirement for lead-free wheel weights and liquid-balancer tire treatment or approved equivalent.

The bus must seat at least 44 adults in high-backed seats, feature external luggage or equipment storage accessible from outside, and have no school bus lighting. The vehicle must be rear-engine diesel powered with a minimum of 230 horsepower and heavy-duty automatic transmission; minimum axle ratings are 23,000 lbs rear and 12,000 lbs front. The bus must be a 2001 model or newer with no more than 125,000 miles, meet current Maine inspection standards, be road ready, and have no history of accident damage exceeding $500. Delivery or location must be within 50 miles of the Academy.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder offering best value to the state, with consideration given to quality, conformity with specifications, delivery dates, and ultimate cost. Tie bids are resolved in favor of in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine. The state is exempt from federal and Maine sales and use taxes; bidders must quote prices excluding these taxes. All transportation charges, including freight and express delivery, must be prepaid by the contractor unless otherwise specified. Terms and cash discounts must be specified; discounts under 20 days will not be considered in contract awards. Sealed bids or electronic quotes must be submitted to the Division of Purchases office in Augusta, Maine by the closing date and time specified on the notice. The state reserves the right to accept alternate commodities of equal quality and performance, reject any or all bids, and increase or decrease quantities by up to 10 percent.