Winter Heavy Duty Towing for SHA in Washington County

The Maryland State Highway Administration is requesting bids for winter heavy duty towing services in Washington County (with potential deployment to Allegany County in SHA District Six) under IFB HGWHDTOW28, with bids due November 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. This is a Category II Small Procurement with a bid ceiling of $49,999.

Contractors must supply a minimum of two heavy duty tow trucks equipped with hydraulic underreach systems capable of lifting 25,000 pounds and towing 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, plus a minimum 40-ton crane towing capacity and winching capabilities. All vehicles must be all-wheel drive or equipped with chains for winter service. One wrecker will be stationed at Exit 77 on I-68 (Sideling Mountain area) and a second at the MD 66 Ridesharing Lot (South Mountain area). Services are on-call, 24 hours per day, seven days per week, with a mandatory one-hour response time from notification. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years of verifiable hire towing experience as an owner or principal, or employ a full-time manager with three years of commercial towing experience. Tow truck operators require a minimum of one year of wrecker service experience or completion of an approved training program within the last five years.

Pricing is hourly for each service area, with estimated quantities of 100 hours per location for bid evaluation purposes only. The contract will expire May 31, 2028, or when the awarded dollar value is expended, whichever occurs first. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on total bid price. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate, plus workers' compensation and automobile insurance at state minimums. Zero percent MBE/DBE and VSBE subcontracting participation goals apply. Questions are due November 12, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. This is not an exclusive contract.