Metal Hitching RailsBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, is issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the procurement of metal hitching rails and associated fabrication services in Owen County. The solicitation seeks 21 units of 28-foot, 3x3x1/4 square tube metal hitching rails designed to be 10 feet tall by 8 feet wide with 2 feet in the ground, along with 21 units of welding labor to join the rails and cap the ends. The completed hitching rails are to be delivered to Ferdinand/Pike State Forest located at 6583 E State Road 264, Ferdinand, Indiana 47532. Bidding commenced April 13, 2026, at 8:32:47 a.m. EDT with a response deadline of May 13, 2026, at 10:00:00 a.m. EDT; all questions must be submitted at least seven days prior to the due date. Pricing must be quoted on a firm, fixed-price basis per unit with all applicable charges including shipping, reconditioning, installation, and labor included, and all quoted prices must remain valid for thirty calendar days following the response due date. Evaluation criteria weight each of the two line items (materials and labor) at 50 percent. Responses must be submitted by email to Kathy Evans at kmevans@dnr.in.gov or by fax to 317-972-3275, and this procurement is not eligible for electronic bidding through the Supplier Portal.

The State of Indiana has established multiple purchasing preferences and subcontracting goals that apply to this procurement, including compliance with U.S. Manufactured Product Preference, Steel Products Preference, Indiana Business Preference, Indiana Manufactured Preference, recycled content materials preference, and Indiana Small Business Preference. Specific subcontracting participation goals are mandated at 8 percent for Minority Business Enterprises, 11 percent for Women Business Enterprises, and 3 percent for Indiana Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprises. Respondents claiming Indiana Business Preference must submit the Indiana Economic Impact Form (State Form 51778). All bidders must provide certifications regarding drug-free workplace compliance, non-collusion, employment eligibility verification through E-Verify, compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and ethical obligations under Indiana Code. Responses exceeding $75,000 require manual signatures, while responses below this threshold may be faxed. No advance payments will be made; all payments shall be rendered in arrears via electronic funds transfer, and bidders must authorize direct deposit as required by Indiana Code 4-13-2-14.8. The specific award value or budget range has not been disclosed in the available procurement documents.