The State of Nebraska, Department of Administrative Services, Materiel Division, State Purchasing Bureau issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) Number 6760 OF for the procurement of two 8x10x9 equipment shelters, specifically targeting locations in Wauneta and Crawford, Nebraska. The ITB requires contractors to provide custom-built equipment shelters with precise specifications, including a 3'x7' exterior steel door, 6-4" port wave guide entrance, stone aggregate exterior, specific R-values for walls, floor, and roof, a painted "I" beam box skid assembly, single-ply rubber roofing, and vinyl tile floor covering. Contractors must also submit a full set of Nebraska PE sealed construction drawings and structural calculations. The bid opening was scheduled for February 10, 2023, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with electronic submissions required. Evaluation criteria focused on the lowest responsible bidder, considering factors such as price, location, quality, and delivery time. The procurement timeline indicated an acceptable lead time ranging from Q3 2024 to approximately 120-150 days from approved prints.
The ITB did not impose strict set-aside designations but indicated that bids from resident disabled veterans or businesses located in designated enterprise zones would be considered equally if all other factors were equivalent. No exclusive contract was established, with the State reserving the right to contract for similar goods from alternative sources. Two vendors participated in the bidding process: Technology International, Inc. and Thermo Bond Buildings, LLC. Ultimately, Thermo Bond Buildings, LLC was awarded the contract with a total bid of $114,300, which included two shelters and associated shipping costs. The pricing structure required a 25% down payment, with the remaining balance due upon completion of the shelters. Each 8x10x9 equipment shelter was priced at $53,850, with an additional $3,300 freight charge per load, resulting in a total delivered price of $57,150 per shelter. The contract was structured as a one-time purchase with no indication of future recurring procurements.