Towing Services (DPS & Transportation Services

The Iowa State University solicitation RFQ-1001327 seeks qualified contractors to provide towing services for the Department of Public Safety and Transportation Services, with an estimated contract value between $500,000 and $1,500,000. The contract encompasses emergency and nonemergency vehicle towing, accident site cleanup, on-campus moves, storage, and related services, requiring equipment capable of handling various vehicle types and storage facilities within five miles of Ames. Bidders must adhere to detailed specifications, including insurance requirements, safety standards, and industry norms, with the contract governed by university-specific terms rather than federal FAR clauses. The university emphasizes compliance with accessibility standards, hazardous materials handling, and equal employment laws, encouraging use of Iowa Targeted Small Businesses and requiring reporting if applicable. Proposal submissions are to be made exclusively online via ISUBid by November 14, 2025, with Wendy Foster serving as the primary contact. The evaluation process is discretionary, focusing on best interest rather than solely lowest price, with no explicit weighting factors or technical criteria specified. The contract will be formed through a university-issued purchase order or agreement, incorporating the solicitation documents by reference. Payment procedures involve invoicing to the university’s Accounts Payable, with a standard 30-day payment window and provisions for dispute resolution. Inspection and acceptance are under the university’s authority, requiring goods and services to meet specified standards, with nonconforming items subject to correction or rejection at the contractor’s expense. The agreement stipulates that personnel must be qualified, operate vehicles safely, and adhere to all applicable laws, with the contractor responsible for correcting deficiencies and maintaining compliance throughout performance.