RQS to develop a MA for home heating oil tanks.

The State of Maine Division of Purchases, procuring on behalf of the Department of Environmental Protection, is requesting quotes to develop a Master Agreement for home heating oil tanks, with quotes due March 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. local time.

The scope comprises 64 fiberglass tanks (19 double-wall and 45 single-wall, each 240-gallon capacity) manufactured by Vilco or equivalent, compliant with UL 2258 standards. All tanks must feature ultraviolet and fire-resistant properties. Double-wall tanks must include factory-installed sight glass, integral fiberglass saddles, five top openings (four usable), and 360-degree containment; single-wall tanks require four top openings and standard fiberglass construction. Both types must carry a 30-year limited warranty against corrosion-related leaks and include $5 million environmental liability insurance.

Winning vendors must be established heating equipment wholesalers with at least three retail locations in Maine, including mandatory geographic distribution with at least one store in the Portland–South Portland area or further south and one in the Bangor–Brewer area or further north. Individual tanks must be delivered to store locations nearest the contractors or job sites at no additional charge, with distribution among the vendor's store network included in the bid price. Vendors must also distribute and store MEDEP-supplied filter protectors with each tank, with associated costs included in the per-tank price. Single shipment delivery via covered 53-foot trailer is required during April–September 2012, with acceptance no earlier than April 15, 2012.

Vendors may submit separate unit prices for double-wall and single-wall tanks. The State reserves the right to award on an item-by-item basis or as a group and to increase or decrease quantities by up to 10%. Evaluation factors include quality, conformity to specifications, purpose, delivery date, and ultimate cost. Awards go to the lowest responsible bidder considering best value; in case of tie quotes, in-state bidders or those offering Maine-manufactured commodities receive preference. MEDEP guarantees purchase of all 64 tanks by September 30, 2012, and will purchase any unsold inventory at awarded prices.