ITB Wheel Loader

The solicitation issued by the Thomas County Board of Commissioners seeks sealed bids for the purchase of a new wheel loader, with specifications emphasizing performance, safety, and durability standards. The bid package includes general conditions, instructions, detailed specifications, and a bid form requiring bidders to note any deviations with explanations. The equipment must meet or exceed technical requirements such as a 168-horsepower engine, 27,000-pound operating weight, 2.75 cubic yard bucket, enclosed cab with HVAC, Bluetooth radio, auxiliary hydraulics, ISO coupler, and a manufacturer’s warranty. Delivery is to be made F.O.B. Thomas County’s Public Works facility in Georgia, with the bid deadline set for December 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Bidders are instructed to mark their bids with their name and address and submit them via sealed envelope either by mail or in person. The contract's structure is based on local government bid requirements, with clauses covering non-collusion, interest disclosures, rejection and withdrawal procedures, and experience statements, but it does not follow the FAR clause numbering or formal FAR clause titles. Evaluation factors for award include business integrity, financial resources, facilities, and relevant experience, suggesting a trade-off process rather than a strictly lowest-price award. The procurement emphasizes compliance with all applicable laws and standards, with inspection and acceptance occurring at the designated Thomas County facility upon delivery. The bid form requires detailed pricing, but specific contract value estimates or unit prices are not provided in the available documentation. Additionally, the solicitation specifies no particular packaging, marking, or security requirements, and no explicit references to socioeconomic certifications or small business designations are included. Overall, the contract aims to acquire a compliant, high-quality wheel loader through a straightforward sealed bid process, with clear instructions for submission and evaluation criteria centered on technical capability and experience.