Performance Based Brake Testing System for MSP CVED

The Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division issued a Request for Proposal on May 25, 2023, for the one-time purchase of a Performance Based Brake Testing System, specifically seeking two units of the VIS-Check Performance Based Brake Tester (PBBT) system, Model VIS-TF-RL, manufactured by VIS-Service Automation. The system must be portable and self-contained, capable of measuring brake forces at each wheel end while meeting 65 FR 48799 performance specifications and FMCSA and CVSA reporting standards. Bidders must submit pricing for equipment and warranty on a separate, modifiable document with all costs including shipping and handling on an F.O.B. Destination basis with prepaid transportation charges, and warranty information detailing coverage length, repair and replacement processes, and warranty provider contact information. Key deadlines include a bidder questions deadline of May 30, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern, with answers posted by June 1, 2023, and proposal submissions due by June 8, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern, with an anticipated contract begin date of July 11, 2023 and delivery required within 16 weeks after receipt of order. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest overall price, with consideration given to prior performance with the State, total cost of ownership factors, and overall economic impact to Michigan. The proposal validity period must extend at least 90 calendar days from the RFP due date.

This is a brand/model-specific solicitation with no alternate bids accepted; only the manufacturer VIS-Service Automation or manufacturer-authorized distributors are eligible to bid, which significantly restricts the pool of potential respondents. The RFP does not indicate any set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or small businesses, though the Federal Provisions Addendum requires affirmative steps to engage small and minority businesses when subcontracting occurs. The State reserves the right to conduct background checks on contractor personnel, verify distributor authorization with the manufacturer, and implement security procedures for facility access, with all personnel accessing criminal justice information systems required to pass fingerprint-based background checks. No specific budget range or award value is listed in the solicitation documents, though the contract involves the procurement of two complete systems with associated warranties and support services. The procurement is subject to federal compliance requirements including debarment and suspension verification through the System for Award Management (SAM) and compliance with various federal provisions related to domestic preferences, telecommunications equipment restrictions, and anti-lobbying certifications.