SOD CUTTERS for (4) KDVA CEMETERIES

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA), issued Request for Bids (RFB 758 1900000050) to procure four sod cutters for delivery to four separate Kentucky Veterans Cemeteries located in Radcliff, Williamson, Grayson, and Hyden. The procurement seeks Classen Pro Model HSC 188 Hydro Drive sod cutters or approved equivalents, each featuring a 4-cycle 14.8 cubic inch engine with 3400 RPM capability, hydro drive transmission, 24-inch cutting width with capacity to cut up to 2.5 inches in depth, semi-pneumatic rear tires, and a 2-year warranty. Vendors must bid on all four line items as a single group or face rejection, with all pricing quoted as F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed, exclusive of federal excise tax and Kentucky sales or use tax. The contract will be awarded using a best value ranking approach with evaluation criteria weighted at 90 points for price, 10 points for delivery time (stated in specific working days), and 10 points for warranty period (minimum 24-month warranty required at no additional cost), for a total of 110 points. Vendor written questions were due by July 23, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. ET, and sealed bids were required to be submitted in person to the Commonwealth Bid Clerk at the Office of Procurement Services, Capitol Annex Room 095, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky, by August 1, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. ET. All quoted prices must remain valid for a minimum of sixty calendar days after the bid due date, and all supplies must be new, latest model equipment in first-class condition.

The procurement is subject to Kentucky reciprocal preference regulations favoring resident bidders, as well as preferences for qualified bidders including Kentucky Correctional Industries (20 percent preference) and qualified nonprofit agencies serving individuals with severe disabilities (15 percent preference). Bidders claiming resident bidder status must verify authorization to transact business in Kentucky, filing of prior-year corporate income taxes, payments to the Kentucky unemployment insurance fund, and maintenance of a current Kentucky workers' compensation policy. All bidders are required to complete Kentucky Revenue Form 10A100 Tax Registration Application, provide a Certificate of Authority if a foreign entity, and execute notarized affidavits affirming compliance with Kentucky statutory requirements regarding campaign finance disclosure, contractor responsibility, sales and use tax registration, and maintenance of current tax and fee compliance. No incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the solicitation. The bid documents do not specify an estimated contract value or budget range for this procurement.