Public Defense Barrack Mattress

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS), acting on behalf of the Iowa Department for the Blind, is seeking to procure a new, unused 12-15 passenger van through a Request for Bid (RFB) numbered 005-RFB-0310-2023. The procurement requires a manufacturer or manufacturer-authorized dealer to supply a vehicle meeting specific detailed specifications, including options for front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD) models. Acceptable van models include Ford Transit and Chevy Express Passenger Vans, with mandatory features such as 12 or 15-passenger seating, V6 or V8 engines, power door locks, privacy glass, running boards, and advanced safety technologies like backup cameras, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning systems. The solicitation opened on 1/15/2023 at 12:00 PM CST and closed on 1/27/2023 at 9:00 AM CST, with required delivery of the vehicle on or before 5/1/2023. Bidders must comply with all specifications in the Vehicle Specification Worksheet and submit their proposals electronically through the State of Iowa IMPACS electronic bidding system.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must be franchised dealers located in Iowa or bordering states, with the contract structured for an initial one-year period and options to renew for two additional annual periods. The state encourages preferences for flexible fuel vehicles, hybrid-electric, or alternative fuel vehicles, with a priority on vehicles free from mercury-added products. Political subdivisions and surrounding states may also purchase vehicles under the resulting contract, with additional delivery costs to be negotiated. While no specific budget range is detailed, the solicitation requires firm fixed pricing for the initial contract period and mandates that the manufacturer's standard new vehicle warranty cover at least three years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper, with full parts and labor coverage. Bidders are required to provide contact information, state or foreign country of residence, and potential resident preference, with the option to submit exceptions to terms using an Exceptions Form.