Type III Ambulance

Catawba Valley Community College, located in Cherokee County, North Carolina, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the procurement of one new Type III ambulance and one Stryker Stair-Pro Model 6252 stair chair or equivalent. The ambulance will serve exclusively as a training platform for the college's EMS and Emergency Medical Science programs, supporting hands-on education in emergency vehicle operation, patient compartment workflows, medical equipment placement, and prehospital care skills. The specifications require a 2025 or 2026 Ford E-350 or E-450 cutaway chassis with 7.3L gas engine, Type III 148" module, and must comply with all applicable federal standards, NC Office of Emergency Medical Services requirements, KKK-A-1822-F CN10 and CASS 4.0 certifications, and current industry manufacturing practices. The bid price must constitute the total all-inclusive cost for delivery as Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, North Carolina, including all shipping, handling, and administrative fees. Written questions are due by March 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET, sealed bids must be submitted electronically via the eVP portal by March 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET, and the state intends to make a contract award by March 23, 2026, with delivery expected within 90 consecutive calendar days after purchase order receipt. Award will be based on the lowest responsive bid meeting specifications, with evaluation consideration given to vendor financial stability, past performance references, and delivery promptness.

Vendors must be North Carolina registered and in good standing, provide authorized reseller documentation from the manufacturer, submit three customer references for the exact equipment model, and complete a financial condition certification. Manufacturers' standard warranty applies with a minimum 12-month coverage period or the manufacturer's warranty length, whichever is longer. No specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or other socioeconomic designations are mentioned in the solicitation. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The state reserves the right to reject all bids, award to multiple vendors, or cancel the solicitation. While no specific budget range is disclosed in the solicitation documents, the procurement represents a capital equipment purchase for educational and training purposes with delivery obligations and warranty requirements extending beyond the initial purchase.