Van- Extended Length center aisle 12 passenger gas engine

The State of Maine Department of Transportation is requesting bids on five 12-passenger center aisle vans with gasoline engines for the GPCOG Go Maine Commuter Service in Portland, Maine under RFQ-17A-081204000000000394, with bids due January 23, 2009. The procurement is contingent upon federal approval under a Financial Assistance Agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration, and Buy America requirements mandate 60 percent domestic content and U.S. assembly.

Scope centers on model-year 2009 extended-length vans with 5.4L V8 gasoline engines (255 HP), 4-speed automatic transmissions, center aisle configuration, bus-style entry steps, and emergency rear doors. Interior must include Freedman Three Point Integrated Seats or approved equivalent with 3-point restraints, heating and air conditioning systems with minimum 15,000 BTU capacity each, and comprehensive safety systems including roll stability control and rear safety sensor systems. Vehicles must not exceed 85 inches in overall height and must have interior height no less than 52 inches. All vehicles must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements, with wheelchair lift service required within a 50-mile radius of Portland.

Bidders must be authorized distributors capable of providing warranty, maintenance, and spare parts service locally or through certified regional distributors. The state will conduct a pre-delivery inspection; inspection costs including round-trip airfare and lodging (not exceeding three days and two nights) must be included in bid price. An option allows the state to order an additional eight units at the quoted price within one year of bid closing, provided the same model-year chassis remains available.

Bid pricing must remain firm for one year from closing. Delivery is required within four months of purchase order issuance. Specifications and certifications must be submitted in sealed format; pricing must be submitted electronically through Advantage ME. Payment terms are net thirty days after vehicle acceptance. Contact: Terry DeMerchant, Procurement Manager, 207-624-7334.