Utility Poles For Lineman Program

The University of Montana-Montana Technological University, Highlands College is soliciting bids for an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered UOM-IFB-2024-3276 for utility poles to support their Lineman program. The procurement specifically seeks 40-foot, Class 5 ANSI Standard O5.1 untreated wooden poles, with a purchasing volume of 40-60 poles per semester. Bidders must submit their proposals through the State of Montana's eMACS system by April 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM MST, with the contract term beginning upon execution and ending on June 30, 2025. The award will be made on an all-or-none basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with the university reserving the right to reject any or all bids. Evaluation criteria include submission of references, company profiles, and demonstrated ability to meet project requirements. Required qualifications include providing pole pricing with framing charges explicitly excluded, proof of workers' compensation insurance, and technical compliance with solicitation specifications. Delivery will be F.O.B. Destination at Highlands College in Butte, Montana, using a boom truck for pole offloading.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract allows for potential renewals at one-year intervals, not to exceed a total of seven years. Payment terms are established at net 30 days, with bidders required to provide a comprehensive pricing schedule. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the procurement involves multiple poles per semester, suggesting a potentially significant contract value. The solicitation uses commodity codes 5042 (Transportation Goods & Services - Wooden Poles, Posts & Blocks) and 0502 (Building & Construction - Construction/Other Supplies). Interested vendors can contact Jody Parrow at jody.parrow@mso.umt.edu or +1 406-243-4064 for additional information. The bid also includes a required non-discrimination declaration regarding firearm entities or trade associations, which bidders must address as part of their submission.