Requesting to put out to bid for the purchase of five Mowers

The Maine Department of Transportation is requesting bids for the purchase of five zero-turn riding mowers for Fleet Service, with bids due November 5, 2007. All bids must be electronically submitted through the state's secure response system with separate unit prices for each item, and bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

The scope comprises industrial-quality zero-turn mowers for heavy-duty, continuous extreme-duty service compliant with all applicable Federal and State of Maine vehicle and OSHA regulations. Minimum specifications include 27-horsepower V-twin engines, 24"×12"×12" rear drive tires with dual hydraulic pumps and rear drive motors, 7-gauge steel mowing decks with 52-inch minimum cutting width and adjustable cutting height from 1" to 5", and operator controls with dampened steering grips, deluxe seats with armrests, retractable seat belts, and ANSI/OSHA-approved fold-down ROPS. Successful bidders must maintain or have access to parts inventory within the State of Maine, with parts availability of 95% within 48 hours and expendable items available within 24 hours. Bidders must submit a proposal program detailing parts and service availability. Manufacturers must supply complete parts manuals, service manuals, and operator's manuals (two copies each) and a specification sheet. All bids must include shipping and delivery to MaineDOT Fleet Service in Augusta, Maine.

Award will be made to the best-value, responsible bidder based on quality, conformity with specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost to the state. In case of tie bids, preference will be given to in-state bidders or those with products manufactured in Maine, or award will be determined by drawing of lots if prices and other factors are equivalent. Bid evaluation will include price, warranty, manufacturer performance data, delivery schedule, parts availability, and other factors deemed appropriate. Bidders must exclude Federal and Maine State Sales and Use Taxes from quotes. All transportation charges shall be prepaid and borne by the contractor unless otherwise specified. The Division of Purchases reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive formalities or technicalities, and increase or decrease quantities by up to 10%.