Model Year 2017 or Newer Medium/Heavy Duty Truck

The State of Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) issued Request for Bid (RFB) #28265-RH to procure Model Year 2017 or newer Medium/Heavy Duty Trucks for state agencies, University of Wisconsin System campuses, and eligible cooperative purchasing participants. The procurement specifically sought bids for three primary vehicle configurations: a DOT Straight Truck with Service Body and 50' Aerial Unit, a DNR 3 Ton Conventional Cab and Chassis 4x4 Fire Truck, and a DOA/DOC-BSI Box Truck. Bidders were required to be manufacturers or authorized dealers and submit detailed equipment specifications using manufacturer specification software. Key evaluation criteria included lowest responsive and responsible bid price per vehicle configuration, with mandatory inclusion of all required equipment at no additional cost. The solicitation established critical dates including a first-round questions deadline of September 18, 2017, a second-round questions deadline of October 2, 2017, and a bid submission deadline of October 16, 2017 at 2:00 PM CDT. Bids were to be submitted in one original hard copy and one electronic copy via CD or Flash Drive, with a public bid opening scheduled for October 16, 2017 at 2:05 PM CDT.

The RFB included provisions for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVBs), and Veteran-Owned Businesses (VBs), offering a 5% price preference for certified MBEs and DVBs. Bidders were required to provide at least four references from private or public organizations with fleets of at least 50 vehicles served within the last three years. The contract term was set for one year from the effective date, with no specified renewal options. Vendors could optionally participate in the state's Cooperative Purchasing Service, enabling municipalities, counties, school districts, and federally recognized Indian tribes to purchase from the contract. The Final Abstract Rebid document revealed that awards were made to multiple vendors including Altec Industries, Inc., Lakeside International, LLC, RNOW, Inc., WI Kenworth, and others, with bid prices ranging from $77,928.41 to $257,363.89 depending on vehicle type and specifications. The state reserved the right to reject non-compliant bids, waive certain qualifications, or delete vehicle configurations if no single bidder could supply them.