MnDOT MRR D2 NCAT Ignition Furnace

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Office of Materials and Road Research is seeking to procure a single NCAT Ignition Furnace through a competitive bid process for its District 2 Materials Lab located in Bemidji. This procurement is a one-time purchase of specialized laboratory equipment used for testing asphalt materials, with specific technical requirements including precise temperature maintenance, sample weighing capabilities, and the ability to calculate asphalt content with printed test results. The solicitation requires suppliers to provide a furnace that meets detailed technical specifications outlined in Exhibit C of the sample contract. Potential bidders must submit responses through the SWIFT Supplier Portal by November 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with any questions to be emailed to the designated contact by November 12, 2024. The procurement timeline indicates that the awarded furnace must be delivered to the MnDOT District 2 location by November 20, 2024, with the contract effective from November 15, 2024, through December 31, 2024, and the potential for a six-month extension.

The state encourages participation from diverse businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with substantial physical disabilities. A veteran-owned preference of up to 12% is available for certified small businesses that are majority owned and operated by veterans. The procurement falls under Minnesota's Small Business Procurement Program, with opportunities for businesses meeting specific certification criteria. The estimated contract value ranges from $10,000 to $16,000, representing a modest but focused procurement effort. Suppliers must provide a one-year parts warranty and 90-day labor warranty, with all warranty work to be performed on-site or at the contractor's expense for shipping. Bidders are required to complete multiple attachments, including non-collusion declarations, pricing details, and veteran-owned preference forms. The state will evaluate responses based on meeting the specified technical requirements, pricing, and adherence to the detailed solicitation instructions.