Replaceable Cutting Edges for Snowplow Underbody and Wing Bl

The Michigan Department of Transportation is requesting proposals for replaceable cutting edges for snowplow underbody and wing blades under RFP 26-2244, with proposals due July 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern and questions due June 22, 2026.

The scope encompasses curved and straight underbody blades (4-foot and 5-foot lengths) and wing blades (7-foot, 9-foot, and 12-foot models), all featuring tungsten carbide inserts and meeting detailed metallurgical specifications. Underbody blades measure 0.750 inches thick by 6 inches wide with trapezoid tungsten carbide inserts (88–89% carbide, 11–12% cobalt, 88.2 Rockwell A hardness) brazed with high-strength solder (minimum 70,000 psi bend rupture strength) and a full-length embedded carbide strip. Moldboard cutting edges use cemented rectangular carbide inserts (Kennametal 3030 or equivalent) in SAE 1020 steel. Contractors must submit certified test results for each carbide batch and furnish sample blades (two per shipment or four per yearly purchase order, whichever is greater) for MDOT testing within ten business days of notification; testing blades are excluded from order quantity. Acceptance criteria require averaged shear strength of at least 20,000 psi (138 kPa) with no voids or brazing gaps permitted. Failure of two or more sampled blades results in rejection of the entire shipment.

Estimated first-year quantities include 428 curved underbody blades, 223 nine-foot wing blades, 32 twelve-foot wing blades, and 86 curb feelers. Unit pricing for underbody blades is estimated at $155.28 for direct shipping and $194.10 for central warehouse delivery to 7575 Crowner Drive, Dimondale, Michigan. The initial contract term runs August 6, 2026 through August 5, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods at the State's sole discretion. Pricing is firm through January 31, 2027. All deliveries are F.O.B. destination with transportation paid by the contractor. Undisputed invoices are payable within 45 days of receipt.

Evaluation is pass/fail on five criteria: completion of Confidential Treatment Form, Vendor Questions Worksheet, Schedule A (Statement of Work), Schedule B (Pricing), and agreement with standard contract terms. Award goes to the responsive and responsible bidder offering best value. The State reserves the right to conduct on-site inspections, request oral presentations, and negotiate with one or more bidders. Contracts valued at $250,000 or more require State Administrative Board approval. Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability coverage of $1 million per occurrence and Automobile Liability of $1 million per accident, with the State named as additional insured. Liquidated damages are $1,000 plus $500 per day for late or improper completion.