Winter Pay Loader Rental

Portage County, Wisconsin is seeking bids to establish a contract for the rental of two pay loaders for the 2019-2020 winter season, with the primary purpose of loading salt during winter events. The procurement requires rental of three equipment options ranging from 125 to 210 horsepower with bucket sizes between 3.5 and 4.5 yards. Bidders must demonstrate specific qualifications, including three years of heavy equipment rental experience, authorized manufacturer status, three client references from similar institutions, and ability to provide in-store or depot repair service with a maximum 72-hour turnaround. The bid documents specify that equipment must include a 110-volt block heater and be delivered FOB Destination with freight included. Bid submissions are due by 2:00 PM on August 15, 2019, at the Portage County Purchasing Department, with bids to be publicly opened at that time. Potential bidders must submit written questions by 4:00 PM on August 6, 2019, to Karen Kluck, Procurement Specialist. The county will evaluate and award the contract based on lowest total cost from a responsive, responsible bidder meeting all specifications, with delivery timeliness also considered in the evaluation.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Monthly rental rates will be bid at minimum 40-hour and 80-hour thresholds, with prices required to remain firm for 30 days after bid opening and throughout the entire contract period. The contract term is from December 1, 2019, through March 31, 2020, with Unit 1 to be delivered on December 1, 2019, and Unit 2 on November 1, 2019, both to be picked up on March 31, 2020. All maintenance, warranty work, and equipment setup instruction will be provided at no charge to the county, with a commitment to supply a comparable unit if warranty work cannot be completed within 72 hours. Portage County is exempt from federal excise and Wisconsin sales taxes. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the document, the procurement is structured to secure reliable winter equipment rental with comprehensive service provisions. The solicitation appears open to qualified equipment rental vendors who can meet the specified technical and operational requirements.