Sewer Combination Trucks UTC

The City of Columbus, Ohio, Division of Water Reclamation, is conducting a Best Value Procurement to establish a Universal Term Contract (indefinite quantity) for the purchase and delivery of sewer combination trucks used for cleaning and maintaining underground sewer lines. The procurement seeks diesel-powered, single and tandem axle combination sewer cleaner trucks, with the City estimating approximately one truck purchase per year while reserving the right to purchase up to twice that estimated quantity. The contract will be awarded to a single vendor for an initial three-year term with one additional one-year extension option, both at the same pricing and escalator terms. Key qualifications and requirements include proof of Ohio business registration or applicable exemption status, a valid Contract Compliance Certification Number from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per person and $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage, workers' compensation insurance, three professional references, and warranty documentation with a minimum twelve-month period. Specific equipment specifications require dual toolboxes on each side of vehicles for PPE and small tool storage, hose reels with 600 feet of one-inch high-pressure hose with preference for Parker brand, firm fixed FOB Destination Freight Prepaid pricing, and all manufacturer warranties to be included and transferred to the City. Award will not be based on lowest price but rather on total cost of ownership including maintenance and operation costs (25 points), quality and feasibility of goods offered (50 points), past performance and customer satisfaction (25 points), and acquisition cost (30 points). The timeline includes specification questions due by 11:00 AM EDT on March 30, 2026, with City responses posted by April 2, 2026, proposals due by 11:00 AM EDT on April 16, 2026, finalists notified 15-20 days after RFP opening, presentations scheduled 10-15 days thereafter, and negotiations beginning 5-10 days after presentations; the City reserves the right to require equipment demonstrations within five working days of notification.

The procurement includes restrictions on pricing adjustments, with no price increases permitted during the first six months of the contract; thereafter, a maximum of two increases per year may occur upon thirty days' notice and proper documentation, subject to the Finance and Management Director's discretion, and if cumulative price increase requests exceed fifteen percent, the City may cancel the contract with thirty days' written notice. While the documents do not explicitly identify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, the requirement for a Contract Compliance Certification Number from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion suggests the City prioritizes diverse business participation. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available procurement documents, and there is no existing infrastructure or technology requiring integration specified. No specific award value or budget range is provided in the procurement materials; however, the City's estimated purchase of approximately one truck per year with the option to purchase up to two trucks annually over a three-year initial contract term with a one-year extension provides insight into potential acquisition volumes. All proposals must be submitted through the Bonfire portal at https://columbus.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/227294, and payment will not be authorized until a valid State of Ohio Title is received, with all Ohio title documents required to be properly completed and delivered within three days of equipment delivery.