Request for Quote: Computer Equipment Racks

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting quotes on computer equipment racks, with quotes due August 23, 2012.

Quotes must be submitted electronically through the Vendor Self Service (VSS) platform by 2:00 p.m. local time on the deadline. Bidders may submit additional or alternate quotations prior to closure and must upload all supporting documentation within VSS. Questions must be posted through the VSS Question and Answer link, with all responses committed to writing and viewable to all bidders.

Equivalent items to those specified by trade name or catalog number are acceptable if deemed equal in character, quality, and performance by the Director of the Division of Purchases. All bidders must submit separate unit prices for each requested item; discrepancies between unit and total prices are governed by the unit price on the original quotation. Prices must be stated in specified units and quantities, include all trade or quantity discounts, and be delivered FOB Destination with all transportation charges prepaid by the bidder. The State of Maine is tax-exempt; quoted prices must exclude federal and state taxes.

Award is made on one of two bases: strictly on the lowest conforming price, or on a combination of factors including quality, conformity to specifications, delivery time and destination, and cost to the state, with price receiving a minimum of 25 percent weight. Cash discounts offered for payment in 20 days or more may be considered in evaluation. The state's standard payment terms are net 30 from receipt of a correct invoice.

The State of Maine reserves the right to reject any or all quotations, waive irregularities, and partially accept quotations based on individual items or groups of items. Contractors may not subcontract without approval from the Division of Purchases Director. The state reserves the right to terminate contracts in whole or in part, increase or decrease quantities by up to 10 percent at agreed-upon pricing, and procure goods from alternative sources if the contractor defaults, with the contractor liable for excess costs incurred.