Portage County Winter Pay Loader Rental

Portage County, Wisconsin is soliciting bids for the rental of two pay loaders for the 2018-2019 winter season, primarily for loading salt during winter events. The Request for Bid (RFB) requires sealed bids to be submitted by August 16, 2018, at 2:00 PM to the Portage County Purchasing Department. Two specific units are requested: Unit 1 with 125 horsepower and a 3.5-yard bucket, and Unit 2 with 180 horsepower and a 4-yard bucket, with an optional third unit at 210 horsepower with a 4.5-yard bucket. The contract term runs from November 1, 2018, through March 31, 2019, with Unit 1 to be delivered on November 1, 2018, and Unit 2 on December 1, 2018, both with pickup scheduled for March 31, 2019. Bidders must be original manufacturers or authorized distributors with three years of business experience, provide three references, maintain repair service capabilities, and offer 30 minutes of equipment instruction. Evaluation criteria include lowest total cost from a responsive, responsible bidder meeting all specifications, with pricing to include delivery and pickup to the Portage County Highway Department.

The procurement does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must provide a manufacturer's warranty statement and comply with Wisconsin and federal regulations. All maintenance and warranty work must be provided at no charge to the County, with a maximum 72-hour turnaround for warranty service or replacement unit provision. The bid requires firm pricing for 30 days after bid opening and for the entire contract period, with any price adjustments requiring supporting documentation of industry-wide increases. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the bid documents indicate that Portage County is exempt from federal excise and Wisconsin sales taxes. The contract includes provisions for potential extensions, subject to mutual agreement between the vendor and County. All equipment must be equipped with a 110-volt block heater, and bidders must submit any questions about specifications in writing by August 9, 2018, at 4:00 PM.