Snow Plow Blades

The California Department of Transportation's Division of Equipment is conducting a one-time acquisition for snow plow blades through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) that spans Sacramento County and San Francisco City. The procurement seeks two specific types of plow blades: 200 blades measuring 7/8" x 5" x 36" (Specification #600-1223) and 500 blades measuring 7/8" x 5" x 48" (Specification #600-1224). Technical specifications require hot-rolled finished steel (SAE 1010-1044) with tungsten carbide inserts, mandating specific density, hardness, and strength properties. Bidders must provide a two-foot sample blade segment for laboratory testing four weeks prior to shipment. The bid submission deadline is June 2, 2016, at 2:00 PM, with bid opening scheduled for 2:15 PM, and all questions must be submitted by May 26, 2016, before 4:00 PM. Award will be made on an "all or none" basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all administrative and technical requirements, with delivery required within 180 days after receipt of order.

The solicitation includes specific preferences and incentives for small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises (DVBE), offering a 5% preference for small businesses and DVBE incentives ranging from 1% to 5% based on participation levels. Pricing must be FOB Destination with freight prepaid, and sales tax should not be included in bid pricing. While no incumbent vendors are specified in the documentation, the procurement appears designed to create flexibility for diverse business types to compete. The contract requires precise manufacturing capabilities, particularly the ability to produce plow blades with specific tungsten carbide insert characteristics. Though a precise award value is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves 700 total plow blades, suggesting a significant equipment investment for the California Department of Transportation's winter maintenance operations. Potential bidders must demonstrate technical competence in producing high-quality, specification-compliant snow plow blades with precise material and performance characteristics.