The purchase of five Hot Patch Trailers

The Maine Department of Transportation is requesting bids on five diesel-fired hot patch trailers (four-ton asphalt heating and transport systems mounted on tandem axle chassis) with bids due October 17, 2007.

Each unit must be capable of reheating cooled hot mix or heating cold mix asphalt and include a portable vibratory roller. Detailed specifications cover chassis, container, electrical systems, and heating equipment. All units must be painted with lead-free, heat-resistant highway orange paint and comply with federal and state regulations. Bidders must submit manufacturer's brochures, specification sheets, National Association of Trailer Manufacturers audit compliance documentation, certification of Maine service facilities staffed with trained technicians, and a detailed parts and service availability program.

The successful bidder must provide a minimum one-half day of training for operators and mechanics upon delivery, along with all operating, service, and parts manuals. A minimum two hours of on-site training at a Maine location is also required, scheduled through the region superintendent. The bidder must maintain parts inventory within Maine with 95% availability within 48 hours for standard parts and 24 hours for expendable items. Each unit carries a minimum one-year manufacturer's warranty against faulty material and workmanship, commencing on the in-service date.

Evaluation will consider price, warranty terms, manufacturer performance data, delivery schedule, and parts availability. The state reserves the right to perform warranty work in-house during the manufacturer's warranty period, except for major engine, transmission, and axle rebuilds. All transportation charges must be prepaid by the contractor and deliveries made to Maine DOT Fleet Service in Augusta. In the event of tied bids, preference is given to in-state bidders or bidders offering products manufactured in Maine. Bids must be submitted electronically through the state's secure response system, and the state reserves the right to reject any or all bids and adjust quantities by up to 10 percent.