Rubber-Tired Loader (Buyback) FY27

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Division of Purchases is requesting bids on twelve four-wheel drive articulated rubber-tired loaders with guaranteed buyback provisions under RFB 605-2700000103, with electronic bids due September 15, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time and an anticipated award date of September 28, 2026. Kentucky resident bidders may claim reciprocal preference under KRS 45A.494 if they meet specified residency requirements.

All units must be new, manufacturer's latest standard production model, and delivered by November 30, 2026. Approved models are Case 621, Caterpillar 926, John Deere 544, and Volvo L60H — a limited-manufacturer specification. Each loader must feature a minimum 160 horsepower Tier IV final diesel engine, power shift transmission with minimum four forward and three reverse speeds, 3.0 cubic yard general purpose bucket, 20.5 × 25 radial tires, SAE rated static tipping load of no less than 16,000 pounds, dumping height of at least 9 feet at 45-degree discharge, and operating weight of at least 26,600 pounds. Required auxiliary equipment includes onboard weighing systems equivalent to Loadrite L5000, pallet forks, hydraulic lift boom with telescoping section, and telematics. Vendors must provide one day of operator training on safety, operation, and preventative maintenance, operator's manuals, and pre-service at vendor expense.

The contract term runs one year from placement in service, with equipment usage capped at 1,000 hours per year. Award uses best value scoring: 65 points for lowest purchase price and 35 points for highest guaranteed buyback price. Vendors must be authorized dealers, provide a 24-month/2,000-hour full machine warranty, and deliver comprehensive routine maintenance and repair at no cost to KYTC with guaranteed on-site response by a certified technician within 24 hours; failure to complete repairs within 24 hours incurs a $300 per day penalty or requires replacement equipment. A performance bond equal to 25 percent of the guaranteed buyback price is due within ten calendar days of award notification. Commercial General Liability Insurance minimum limits are $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, with Automobile Liability Insurance required if the contractor delivers equipment. All units are F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed, with the vendor bearing all shipment costs. Bids must be submitted electronically through Kentucky's Vendor Self Service system; vendors must register in that system prior to submission.