RIDOT: 4WD Tractors with 18ft Mid-Mount Booms

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is conducting a Request for Quotation (RFQ24004054) to procure 9 units of 4WD tractors with 18-foot mid-mounted, hydraulically powered boom mowers. These specialized tractors are required for cutting grass and brush on roadsides and areas inaccessible to conventional mowing equipment, with specific technical requirements including the ability to reach over guardrails and barriers without damage. The boom mowers must have sidewalk sweeping capabilities and be designed to reach limbs at maximum upward reach. The procurement solicitation opens on April 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM GMT and closes on May 2, 2024, at 5:00 PM GMT, with a non-mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for April 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM EST at RIDOT Maintenance Headquarters in Warwick, RI. A vendor Q&A period will run from April 5 to April 24, 2024, during which potential bidders can seek clarification on the technical specifications and procurement requirements. Acceptable manufacturers include New Holland, Kubota, John Deere, and CaseIHFarmall, with the requirement that submitted equipment be the manufacturer's current production model or an approved equal meeting or exceeding the minimum specifications.

The solicitation includes strong provisions for minority and women-owned business enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation in accordance with Rhode Island General Law 37-14.1-1. Vendors must submit an MBE Utilization Plan for review by the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion upon award, supporting the state's policy of promoting diverse business participation. Insurance requirements are substantial, mandating $1,000,000 in liability coverage per occurrence, $100,000 in workers compensation, and $1,000,000 in automobile liability coverage. All bid submissions must be made electronically through the Ocean State Procures system, with vendors required to be registered in the system to participate. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the procurement is for 9 tractor units with associated boom mower equipment. The state reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and may reject any or all bids. Vendors must also provide disclosures regarding any prior suspensions, debarments, contract terminations, environmental fines, and potential conflicts of interest as part of their submission.