Utility Maintenance Truck Chassis Upfit

The City of Ames is soliciting bids for the upfitting of a 2024 Ford F450 Extended Cab chassis for the Fleet Services Department to be used for underground water utility maintenance. The scope of work requires the contractor to retrieve the chassis from City Fleet Services and install a comprehensive aluminum utility body measuring 108 inches in length and 96 inches in width with a 1/4 inch aluminum treadplate floor. Key technical requirements include a 1,300 lb capacity aluminum lift gate, cab protection, a heavy-duty hitch, LED interior lighting, and a backup alarm meeting OSHA standards. All electrical connections must be crimped or soldered and heat-shrink sealed, and all metal components must be treated with corrosion-resistant primer and finished in fleet white gloss enamel. Bids must be submitted electronically via the AmesBids portal by October 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM CT. The solicitation includes a primary bid line for the upfit and three optional items: rollout drawers, swivel hooks, and torch tank mounts. While the City reserves the right to award the contract based on its best interest, a 1% price preference is available to local businesses that provide a notarized Local Business Certificate. The final vehicle must be delivered F.O.B. Destination to 2207 Edison St., Ames, Iowa, following mandatory pre-paint and final inspections. Award and performance are contingent upon City Council appropriation of funds, and the successful bidder must comply with the City's Affirmative Action Program.