Railroad Cross Ties

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services is seeking quotations for 500 industrial-grade timber railroad cross ties through a Request for Quote (RFQ # 17A 25060400000000000270) issued by the Office of State Procurement Services. The procurement is specifically targeting cross ties that must fully comply with technical specifications outlined in the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering, including precise requirements for wood types, dimensions, defect limitations, and treatment standards. Vendors must submit their quotations electronically through the state's Advantage Vendor Self Service system by June 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. local time, with delivery of the cross ties required within 30 days after order receipt to Unity, Maine. The state will evaluate bids on a "Best Value" basis, primarily focusing on the lowest price among bidders who meet all technical specifications, and reserves the right to negotiate additional unit purchases at the bid price for six months following the award. Comprehensive documentation proving compliance with technical specifications is mandatory, and the state may request samples to make final determinations on product equivalency.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The state anticipates making a single award and has not guaranteed a specific purchase quantity, with actual purchases dependent on bid results and departmental budget constraints. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement allows for potential future unit purchases at the established bid price within a six-month window after the initial award. The contract is structured as a "Free on Board (FOB) - Destination" procurement, meaning the quoted price must include all shipping charges to the specified delivery location. Although a precise budget range is not specified, the procurement is for 500 cross ties, suggesting a moderate-scale infrastructure or maintenance-related procurement. The state retains significant discretion in the procurement process, including the ability to negotiate, request additional information, and make final determinations on product suitability.