Tractor and Refrigerated Bobtail Truck Rental IFB CN160091

The California Department of Education (CDE), Nutrition Services Division, is seeking to procure tractor and refrigerated bobtail truck rental services for the Pomona Distribution Center through Invitation for Bid (IFB) CN160091. The procurement involves renting new or used 3-axle tractors and refrigerated bobtail trucks on an as-needed basis for transporting U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods throughout Southern California. Required vehicles must meet specific technical specifications including minimum horsepower, fuel capacity, braking systems, and CARB certification requirements. The initial contract term is from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, with two optional one-year renewal periods potentially extending the contract through June 30, 2019. Bids are due May 26, 2016, at 2:00 PM, with a public bid opening scheduled for May 31, 2016, at 2:00 PM. The CDE estimates approximately 20,000 miles of annual usage, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on the average "Grand Total" calculated from three bid forms covering the initial term and both option years.

The solicitation includes set-aside preferences for Small Businesses (5%) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (3-5%), which may provide competitive advantages for qualifying vendors. Bidders must demonstrate comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1 million in commercial general liability and automobile liability. The contract requires vendors to include all operating expenses in their pricing, such as transportation, fuel, parking, towing, equipment rental, inspections, repairs, and insurance. CDE will provide fuel through a CDE-issued fuel card and will restrict vehicle operation to CDE-authorized employees with valid Class A licenses. While no specific budget range is detailed, the contract allows for flexible, as-needed vehicle rentals with strict 48-hour response requirements for vehicle requests. Failure to meet these requirements may result in contract termination, as outlined in Exhibit E of the solicitation documents. The procurement is specifically focused on Los Angeles County, specifically serving the Pomona Distribution Center located at 2550 Fulton Road, Pomona, California.