Equipment bidding for vehicle award

[CCCFire09]

Do we have to bid out the equipment we received funding for with the pumper? We are talking NFPA 1901 equipment like 3" hose, axes, nozzles, battle lanterns...

Can i just use quotes from websites if i print them off?

[jam24u]

Do we have to bid out the equipment we received funding for with the pumper? We are talking NFPA 1901 equipment like 3" hose, axes, nozzles, battle lanterns...

Can i just use quotes from websites if i print them off?

Why wouldn't you want to send out bids for the equipment?

[CCCFire09]

Just another hassle. Most will come from GSA anyway. Also wondering if internet prices are kosher.

[jam24u]

Yeah I hear ya. I understood that, yes you could go with listed prices from catalogs or internet sites, but I would be real careful with that. I would do a thorough search. Keep copies and date them.

However, after talking with AFG concerning bids and pricings, these people are getting real serious about acquiring the lowest price possible. I mean real serious. They do not even like an awardee to purchase at state contract pricing.

So I would send them an email with your request and get an official response that you can keep for your records. Be sure and tell us what they said.

[CCCFire09]

Anyone know if shipping and handling is covered by the award, or is it just the purchase of the equipment, and we must pay the S&H out of pocket?

I have an e-mail out to the region 10 rep about internet and catalog pricing.

[islandfire03]

Did you include all the equipment in your application? It would have been listed in other equipment cost.
Yes they will pay for shipping cost if it was included in your request.
They will only pay for what you were awarded for in $$$ amounts, their share .

Yes you do need to go out to bid and show that you received competitive responses for equipment purchased with federal dollars. The AFG folks have been pretty clear on that this year. They don't like buying off state bid or gsa list as those suppliers know they have a captive audience and are usually not low priced for the same equipment. If you go out to bid on 10k worth of equipment and save 2500$ that will give you more spending power for additional equipment under excess funds. They are giving you free money, the least you can do is spend it wisely and competitively. it will be to youe advantage.

[Catch22]

From my understanding, if you're using GSA or other pre-bid packages you're OK, as they have already bid it out. However, there are those that have beat these pre-bid packages by sending out for bids.

As far as S&H, I always put in the request that the price include delivery to our station.

[CCCFire09]

From my understanding, if you're using GSA or other pre-bid packages you're OK, as they have already bid it out. However, there are those that have beat these pre-bid packages by sending out for bids.

As far as S&H, I always put in the request that the price include delivery to our station.

That was my thoughts.

[islandfire03]

That was my thoughts.

Give the grants specialist handling your file a call. Go straight to the source thats responsible for your award file. That way there will be no surprises at the end when it comes time to audit. The rules this year are different.

[ktb9780]

Anyone know if shipping and handling is covered by the award, or is it just the purchase of the equipment, and we must pay the S&H out of pocket?

I have an e-mail out to the region 10 rep about internet and catalog pricing.

As island pinte out you shoudl have had that in the applciation to beigin with but, if you shop those prices and get cost svaings, you can use the cost savings for the shipping and handling as well.

[CCCFire09]

From region 10 rep

"The answer is you must follow your departments procurement policy. For small items when researching vendors and pricing items on the web and catalogs etc. is acceptable."

I am some $2800 under budget on equipment ($14K budget) already by comparing and using GSA. I will still put out a bid request, though.