Navigational Buoys, 9" & 5"

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of State Procurement Services, is seeking quotations for a one-time purchase of navigational buoys on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The procurement involves 346 total buoys, specifically 222 units of 9-inch diameter buoys and 124 units of 5-inch diameter buoys, with precise specifications including standard inland waterway symbols, reflective bands, and permanent imprinting of "PROP. STATE OF MAINE" on the lower portion. Quotations are due by November 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, with delivery required by March 1, 2026, to a specified address in Richmond, Maine. Bidders must submit all questions and responses through the State's e-Procurement system (AdvantageME/Vendor Self Service), with questions accepted up to 48 hours before the closure date. The state anticipates making a single award to the lowest-priced qualified bidder, with bids required to include pricing on a Free on Board (FOB) - Destination basis, which means all shipping charges are included in the quoted price.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for specific types of organizations. The state reserves the right to negotiate purchase of additional units at the bid price for six months following the award and retains the discretion to not make an award. Equivalent bid items may be proposed but will require documentation proving equivalency, potentially resulting in sample requests at no cost to the vendor. Vendors must be prepared to provide samples within 15 business days or risk bid disqualification. The entire order must be shipped upon completion, with no partial shipments permitted, and unsuccessful shipments may be refused and returned at the vendor's expense. While a specific budget range is not provided, the procurement involves a one-time purchase of navigational buoys, suggesting a moderate-scale contract value focused on meeting specific maritime navigation equipment needs for the State of Maine.