Tractor and Refrigerated Bobtail Truck Rental (Pomona) IFB - CN160004

The California Department of Education (CDE), specifically the Nutrition Services Division (NSD) in Los Angeles County, is soliciting bids for tractor and refrigerated bobtail truck rental services at the Pomona Distribution Center. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) CN160004 seeks vendors to provide 3-axle tractors and refrigerated bobtail trucks for transporting U.S. Department of Agriculture Foods throughout Southern California. Bids are due on March 22, 2016, at 2:00 pm, with a public bid opening scheduled for March 24, 2016, at 2:00 pm. The initial contract period will run from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017, with two additional one-year renewal options available through June 30, 2019. Evaluation criteria include the lowest responsive/responsible bidder, determined by the average "Grand Total" cost across three bid forms covering the initial term and both option years. Contractors must provide vehicles within 24-48 hours of request and ensure all vehicles meet CARB certification and California Highway Patrol (CHP) BIT inspection compliance requirements.

The procurement includes provisions for small businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with a 5% bid preference for small businesses and a 3-5% DVBE incentive program, though DVBE participation is not mandatory. The CDE estimates approximately 20,000 miles of annual vehicle usage, and contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and automobile liability insurance of $1 million combined single limit. Pricing must comprehensively cover all operating expenses, including transportation, fuel, parking, towing, equipment rental, inspections, and insurance. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract allows for flexible, on-demand vehicle rental to support the Nutrition Services Division's food distribution operations. The procurement appears designed to provide the CDE with a reliable, cost-effective solution for transportation needs, with built-in flexibility through the option years and comprehensive insurance and operational requirements.