Heavy Duty Truck Tractor

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is soliciting 120 heavy-duty truck tractors—60 automatic and 60 13-speed manual—through an Invitation for Bid under solicitation number Doc2279369936, with a response deadline of August 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. The procurement, issued on behalf of the North Carolina Forest Service, requires delivery to three regional headquarters locations in Kinston, Chapel Hill, and Asheville, with all shipments governed by FOB Destination terms, meaning vendors bear transportation costs and risks until delivery. Each vehicle must meet stringent technical specifications including a Detroit DD-16 or Cummins ISX15 engine with minimum 525 horsepower, dual 60-gallon ICC-approved fuel tanks, air ride suspension, locking differentials, air disc brakes, and full compliance with EPA 2010 emissions, OSHA, FMVSS, and SAE standards. Safety equipment such as back-up alarms, fire extinguishers, and warning triangles are mandatory, alongside proper labeling certified by UL, ASME, and AGA. The contract will be awarded on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable basis, where bids must meet all specifications and be deemed responsive before price is considered. Pricing is to be submitted via Attachment A, though no dollar values are pre-filled, making the total contract value currently unquantifiable. Bidders must submit mandatory attachments including a completed pricing form, customer references, worker location disclosures, financial condition certification, sustainability efforts statement, OMB Form LLL if lobbying applies, and proof of NC Secretary of State registration within 10 days of award. No subcontracting is permitted without prior written approval, and vendors must designate a contract manager and provide training at no cost. All submissions must be electronically filed via the Ariba Sourcing Tool; paper, email, or fax submissions are prohibited. The contract duration spans at least 120 days from purchase order issuance, and prices are firm for the first year with any future adjustments requiring formal State approval. Delivery must be completed within 120 consecutive calendar days after order placement. The State reserves the right to request Best and Final Offers and evaluates responses based on completeness, cost, quality, process capability, information security, and alignment with state operational culture. Government oversight is led by Jim Aldridge as Contract Manager, who holds final authority on acceptance and contract administration.