MPA-403 OE Auto and Truck Towing

The State of Rhode Island Division of Purchases is issuing an Open Enrollment Vendor Assessment (OEV24004151) for a Master Price Agreement (MPA-403) to establish a qualified list of towing companies providing auto and truck towing services statewide. The solicitation covers four distinct towing categories differentiated by vehicle weight and axle count, with services to be provided on an as-needed basis from April 24, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Vendors must submit proposals electronically through Ocean State Procures, with evaluations conducted on a pass/fail basis. Qualified vendors will be available for selection by state agencies, municipalities, higher education institutions, and quasi-public agencies when specific towing projects arise. The procurement requires vendors to provide detailed pricing through a mini-bid process for each project, maintaining specific insurance coverages including $1 million in liability insurance, $100,000 in workers compensation, and $1 million in automobile liability coverage. Vendors must be prepared to respond quickly to agency requests for quotes and demonstrate expertise in their respective towing categories.

The solicitation strongly encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE), with a requirement that at least one quote per project must come from a certified vendor when available on the qualified list. Existing vendors on the current MPA-403 are not required to reapply, and there is no guaranteed level of purchasing activity for those selected. A 1% contract administrative fee will be withheld from all vendor invoices to support the state's eProcurement system, and vendors must submit quarterly reports detailing invoiced amounts. The state reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and to remove vendors from the qualified list if they are non-responsive or fail to meet qualifications. While no specific contract value is listed, the open-ended nature of the agreement suggests potential for ongoing, project-based revenue for qualified towing companies throughout Rhode Island. Vendors must comply with state affirmative action requirements and submit an MBE Participation Acknowledgment Form as part of their proposal.