RFB- dry cell batteries- 26016

Cattaraugus-Allegany Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) is conducting a cooperative procurement for dry cell batteries to support multiple participating school districts in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties, New York. The bid (Bid #26016) seeks to procure a comprehensive range of battery types including alkaline, lithium, and silver oxide batteries in various sizes such as 9V, AA, AAA, C, D, AAAA, CR123A, CR2032, and button cell formats. Specific requirements include batteries with heavy current drain, frequent use, 5-year shelf life, and no mercury added, with options for Duracell brand or equivalent products. The bid allows vendors to provide both specified and substitute products, with strict submission guidelines requiring electronic bid submission through BidNetDirect or physical sealed envelope. The contract term will run from June 5, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with bids remaining firm for 45 days following the opening date. Proposals are due by 3:00 P.M. on May 19, 2025, with a Zoom live-streaming bid opening scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. Evaluation criteria include lowest responsible bid for individual items, groups of items, or total bid, as determined by the specification committee.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Participating school districts include Allegany-Limestone, Belfast, Bolivar-Richburg, Cuba-Rushford, Ellicottville, Fillmore, Franklinville, Friendship, Hinsdale, Olean, and Salamanca Central School Districts. BOCES guarantees no minimum or maximum purchase quantities, with actual purchase order quantities subject to variation. Vendors must comply with various state regulations, including the Iran Divestment Act and sexual harassment prevention policies, and provide Material Safety Data Sheets. The bid includes a unique Appendix D mechanism allowing participants to request additional catalog items with percentage discounts, providing flexibility for future purchases. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the bid form indicates unit pricing ranging from $1.00 to $311.00 per pack or unit. Vendors are required to include all freight, packing, and delivery costs within their individual item pricing, with no additional charges permitted.