RFQ - Misc. Parts - Due 5-1-2026 (Spot Buy))

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is seeking term contracts to procure miscellaneous bus parts on an as-needed basis to support preventive maintenance, unscheduled repairs, and component replacements across its transit fleet, ensuring continued safety, reliability, and operational readiness. This solicitation, identified as 2026-Parts-029 and posted April 28, 2026, with a response deadline of May 1, 2026, targets responsible vendors capable of meeting COTA’s technical specifications, delivery timelines, and inventory support needs. Deliveries must be made FOB Destination, freight prepaid, to Columbus, Ohio, with performance centered in Central Ohio and a preference for local products and labor. Though no fixed contract duration exists, the arrangement is indefinite and demand-driven, with items such as valve assemblies, hydraulic adapters, and hex screws listed as potential line items, though pricing details are not provided. Vendors must comply with federal regulations including Buy America requirements, FTA Circular 4220.1G, and 49 CFR Part 661, submitting a signed and notarized affidavit to certify compliance. All parts must be new, unused, and either OEM or OEM-approved, conforming to manufacturer and industry standards. Evaluation is based on a holistic best value approach that considers pricing, part availability, lead time, and the vendor’s ability to support operational needs—rejecting a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable methodology in favor of trade-offs that prioritize minimizing vehicle downtime. Vendors must hold a valid CAGE Code, report size status by annual gross receipts, and demonstrate compliance with DBE participation requirements if applicable. Insurance mandates include primary non-contributory liability coverage with COTA as additional insured, a waiver of subrogation, and an A.M. Best rating of A- or higher, effective for three years post-completion. Additional compliance obligations include adherence to the Fair Labor Standards Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and DOT drug and alcohol testing rules for safety-sensitive roles, as well as prohibitions on lobbying using federal funds and mandatory reporting of Clean Air or Clean Water Act violations exceeding $100,000. Invoices must be emailed to [email hidden] and include required referencing details but no automated invoicing platforms are accepted. Respondents must submit electronically via COTA’s online portal, including completed Form W-9 and Buy America Affidavit as mandatory attachments, with no hard copies or physical media permitted. The Procurement Administrator, Bruce Neel