Purchase of Pickup Trucks for Water Utilities

The City of Waco, Texas is conducting a Request for Bid (RFB No. 2025-019) for the procurement of five 1/2-ton 4x4 extended cab pickup trucks for its Water Utilities department. The solicitation requires specific vehicle configurations, including white exterior, standard tow package, spray-in bed liner, upfitter switches, automatic transmission, vinyl seats and floor, AM/FM radio with Bluetooth, and detailed Whelen lighting configurations. Each vehicle must include unique specifications such as TLIB/TLIA rear bumper lights, WIONSMA/WIONSMB grille lights, strobe lights connected to upfitter switches, and signage reading "MAKES FREQUENT STOPS". The city is open to both traditional gasoline and electric vehicle (EV) alternatives that meet or exceed the outlined specifications. Key evaluation criteria include lowest responsible bidder status, with award determination based on base bid plus selected alternatives, provided the total amount does not exceed available funds. Critical dates include a February 28, 2025 deadline for questions at 5:00 P.M. CT, and a bid opening scheduled for March 6, 2025 at 2:05 P.M. CT.

The procurement encourages participation from Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), though MWBE status is not a determining factor in bid selection. Vendors can submit bids electronically through the City's Bonfire portal or via mail/personal delivery to the Purchasing Services Office. The solicitation requires vendors to provide pricing that excludes Federal Excise and State of Texas Sales Taxes, acknowledging the city's tax-exempt status. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement is for five vehicles with both standard and alternative EV configurations. Additional requirements include 25% window tinting, three sets of keys, power windows/locks, remote keyless entry, and a full-size spare tire. Vendors must specify estimated delivery times upon receipt of the purchase order, and all vehicles must be delivered fully equipped and ready for immediate service. The city maintains flexibility in the procurement process, allowing for potential alternative vehicle configurations while maintaining specific operational requirements for the Water Utilities department.