Strut, Spring and Suspension Repair

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), a public transportation authority serving suburban metropolitan Detroit, is seeking bids for a comprehensive three-year contract with two optional one-year extension periods focused on suspension parts and labor services. The procurement specifically requires vendors to provide replacement parts and labor for springs, shocks, struts, and related hardware across SMART's cut-away buses and support vehicles. Targeted vehicle models span from 2011-2025 and include Ford, Dodge, and GMC vehicles. The Request for Quote (RFQ) was issued on August 14, 2025, with electronic proposals due on September 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time through Bidnet Direct or via email to bids@smartbus.org. Evaluation criteria will likely include labor rates, parts discount/markup, compliance with equal employment opportunity regulations, drug and alcohol testing program requirements, and submission of comprehensive insurance certificates.

Potential bidders must provide comprehensive general liability insurance with specific coverage minimums, automobile liability, workers' compensation, and employer's liability insurance. The contract requires vendors to submit various certifications including debarment, conflict of interest, and affirmative action compliance forms. While no specific set-aside designations were mentioned, vendors will need to demonstrate compliance with multiple regulatory requirements. SMART reserves the right to terminate or suspend the agreement with proper notice, and the contract includes provisions for warranty and record-keeping. Though exact award values were not specified, the multi-year contract structure suggests a potentially significant procurement opportunity for vendors specializing in vehicle suspension repair and parts replacement for public transportation fleet maintenance.