Welding Gases

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Division of Purchases, is issuing a Request for Bid (RFB 605 2100000565) for a master agreement contract to supply welding gases to KYTC divisions and agencies throughout Kentucky. The procurement seeks bids for the supply and delivery of oxygen, acetylene, argon, and argon/carbon dioxide mix cylinders in various sizes ranging from 75 to 390 cubic feet, with estimated quantities ranging from 2 to 149 units across thirteen line items that also include delivery charges and cylinder rental services. Vendors must submit all bids exclusively through the Kentucky eProcurement system, with a deadline of April 20, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time; written questions must be submitted by April 9, 2021 at 4:00 p.m., with Commonwealth responses posted by April 13, 2021. The master agreement will commence no sooner than May 1, 2021 and expire April 30, 2022, with four optional one-year renewal periods available by mutual written agreement, and the tentative award date is April 30, 2021. Evaluation will be based on best value criteria, with pricing weighted at 95 percent and delivery time weighted at 5 percent of the total score, and vendors must provide unit pricing for all line items and specify the number of calendar days required for delivery after receipt of a delivery order. Pricing shall be F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed, with price increases prohibited during the first 12 months and only one price increase permitted thereafter, subject to written justification and 30-day notice.

The procurement includes designated set-asides and preference programs for qualified vendors, including Kentucky Correctional Industries, Kentucky Industries for the Blind, and qualified nonprofit agencies for individuals with severe disabilities, which receive preferences of 20 percent and 15 percent respectively of maximum available points. Kentucky resident bidders also receive reciprocal preference equal to the preference provided by the nonresident bidder's state of residence. All bidders must be registered in the Commonwealth's eProcurement System prior to bid submission and must complete and submit a notarized Annual Affidavit affirming compliance with Kentucky campaign finance laws, tax registration requirements, and various statutory restrictions on boycotts and campaign contributions. The contract will include a one percent per day deduction for late deliveries, and payment will be made within 30 working days of invoice receipt, with a one percent monthly penalty for payments exceeding this period. Service delivery locations span multiple districts throughout Kentucky, with detailed contact information and addresses provided for District garages and additional facility locations across the state to support contract performance and service delivery obligations. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents.