Tree Seedling Lifter & Pickup

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Forestry is seeking bids for the procurement of tree seedling equipment through a Request for Bid (RFB 758 2600000526). This is a one-time purchase with no renewal options for two primary line items: one SMZ PL ECO 3 Lifter equipped with a movable knife, three shakers, PTO drive, rear lighting, hydraulically adjustable wheels, and a Walterscheid PTO shaft with 1.5-meter working dimensions; and one 1400 Pickup Attachment with Side Delivery Conveyor designed to collect plants behind the lifter, featuring hydraulic steering wheels, adjustable hydraulic band with pins, adjustable pickup arm and unit, and side conveyor adjustable in height and speed. Both units must include two-year warranties and comply with CE regulations. Bidders must submit responses electronically through the Commonwealth's eProcurement system by May 1, 2026, at 1:30 PM ET, with written questions due by April 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. Evaluation will be conducted using a best value ranking approach with price weighted at 90 points and delivery weighted at 10 points, with the lowest-priced bidder receiving maximum points and subsequent bids scored proportionally. Equipment must be delivered to the John P Rhody Nursery in Gilbertsville, Kentucky, with delivery time specified in working days and one percent per day deducted from invoices for missed delivery dates. All vendors must be registered in the Vendor Self Service System prior to submission, must bid all line items, and must submit F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed quotations with all shipping costs included.

Kentucky resident bidders and qualified bidders, including Kentucky Correctional Industries and organizations serving individuals with disabilities, receive statutory preferences in the award process. Prior to award, vendors must submit the Kentucky Tax Registration Application Form 10A100 if applicable, Certificate of Authority for foreign entities, and required affidavits. All bidders must maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and Automobile Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence if delivery services are provided. Vendors proposing alternate brands or specifications must submit descriptive literature for approval, with insufficient documentation potentially resulting in a non-responsive bid. Pricing must exclude federal excise tax and Kentucky sales or use tax and remain firm for the contract period. No specific budget range or award value is listed in the solicitation documents; however, interested vendors should contact Stephanie Durr at 502-564-6521 for additional information regarding the procurement.