New Timber Cross-ties 7, 000 to Rockland 1, 500 to Elsworth

The Maine Department of Transportation is soliciting bids on new timber cross-ties—7,000 units to Rockland and 1,500 units to Ellsworth—with bids due February 27, 2008.

The scope requires treated railroad cross-ties measuring 6 inches by 8 inches by 8 feet 6 inches, manufactured from mixed hardwoods (oak, beech, birch, cherry, hard maple), cut square at the ends with parallel surfaces and completely free of bark. Each tie must have anti-splitting end plates of 18-gauge galvanized steel centered on both ends. Cross-ties must meet detailed straightness and wane standards in rail-bearing areas, with rejection criteria for decay, holes exceeding specified dimensions, large knots, excessive shake, splits, slanting grain, and excessive wane. Air seasoning for 12 to 18 months is required prior to treatment, or alternatively drying via Vapor or Boulton process with State approval. Treatment shall consist of creosote coal tar solution at seven pounds per cubic foot retention or to refusal of a 60/40 solution per AWPA standards P1 or P2; creosote petroleum solution is an acceptable substitute subject to approval at time of award. Vendors must provide verified test results from borer cores (minimum 20 per charge) taken before and after treatment.

Delivery to Rockland is in four equal lots via rail car or freight between March 15 and April 30, 2008. Delivery to Ellsworth is via truck in truckload quantities between May 1 and June 30, 2008. The State reserves the option to purchase additional cross-ties at the quoted contract price during calendar year 2008. All bids must be submitted electronically to the Division of Purchases office in Augusta. Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder offering best value, with consideration given to quality, conformity with specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost. Tie bids favor in-state bidders or those offering Maine-produced commodities.