RFB No. 26-0029 ALTERNATORS & STARTERS FOR METRA (ANNUAL CONTRACT)

Columbus Consolidated Government's Purchasing Division has issued Request for Bids (RFB) 26-0029 for the provision of alternators and starters to METRA Transit System on an as-needed basis under a three-year contract. The procurement encompasses the repair and rebuilding of alternators, starters, and related motor components, with vendors required to meet detailed technical specifications including bearing replacement, stator and rotor testing, diode replacement, and comprehensive electrical testing. Qualified vendors must provide exchange units on hand for items with usage of five or more units annually, with a standard 72-hour turnaround time for all other repairs and a minimum warranty period of 180 days. Delivery must occur within 72 business hours of purchase order receipt, and all pricing submissions must include freight, shipping, and handling charges. Bids are due electronically via DemandStar by March 11, 2026, at 2:30 PM Eastern Time, with virtual bid opening scheduled for 3:00 PM the same day via Microsoft Teams. Vendors must submit notarized E-Verify affidavits, federal compliance certifications, conflict of interest affidavits, and communication acknowledgment forms, and must comply with E-Verify requirements and provide proof of business licensing and insurance coverage with minimum limits of $1 million for general liability and contractual liability.

The contract is partially funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), requiring compliance with federal procurement regulations and civil rights provisions. Qualified vendors must obtain a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov and demonstrate appropriate insurance and licensing credentials. Local businesses within two percent of the low bid (or one percent for contracts exceeding $50,000) are eligible for award preference under Columbus Consolidated Government's local business purchasing policy. The City is exempt from state retail and federal excise taxes, and pricing should be submitted on Forms 2-5 for each contract year. Award may be made by line item or in total at the City's discretion, and either party may terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice. No specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in the solicitation documents.