Invitation to Bid

Classified Details

Classified ID

2976

Description

INVITATION TO BID

PURCHASE OF ONE (1) NEW 3/4-TON FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE PICKUP TRUCK WITH COMMERCIAL STRAIGHT-BLADE SNOWPLOW

Bid Number: 63541
Issue Date: 11/06/2026
Bid Submission Deadline: 11/27/2026
Public Bid Opening: 11/30/2026 11am 
Purchasing Contact: Justin Olansky - Director, Manchester Public Works

 

1. PURPOSE AND INVITATION

The Town of Manchester, Vermont, is soliciting competitive bids from qualified automobile dealerships and authorized equipment suppliers for the purchase and delivery of one (1) new 3/4-ton, four-wheel-drive pickup truck equipped with a commercial-grade straight-blade snowplow.

The vehicle will be utilized by the Town Highway/Public Works Department for municipal highway maintenance, snow removal, winter operations, and general municipal purposes.

This solicitation is performance-based and brand-neutral. The Town welcomes competitive proposals from authorized dealers representing Ford, Chevrolet, Ram, and other manufacturers capable of meeting or exceeding the minimum specifications contained herein.

No preference will be given to any particular manufacturer, make, or model. All bids will be evaluated based on compliance with specifications, total purchase price, warranty, service availability, delivery schedule, and overall value to the Town.

 

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposed vehicle shall:

• Be new, unused, and a current production model.
• Be a 3/4-ton heavy-duty pickup truck (2500-class or equivalent).
• Be equipped with four-wheel drive.
• Have a red exterior factory paint finish.
• Have an extended cab configuration or larger. 
• Be suitable for commercial municipal snowplowing operations.
• Be compatible with the proposed snowplow equipment.
• Meet all applicable federal and Vermont vehicle safety requirements.
• Be delivered fully assembled, equipped, and ready for service.

Equivalent equipment and configurations will be accepted provided they meet or exceed the specified performance requirements.

 

3. MINIMUM VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

The vehicle shall meet or exceed the following minimum specifications:

Specification	Minimum Requirement
Vehicle Class	3/4-ton heavy-duty pickup
Manufacturer	Ford, Chevrolet, Ram, or equivalent
Model Year	Current model year
Condition	New
Exterior Color	Red
Cab Configuration	Extended cab minimum; crew cab acceptable
Drive System	Four-wheel drive (4WD)
Engine	Heavy-duty gasoline or diesel
Transmission	Automatic
Seating	Minimum four passengers
Suspension	Heavy-duty, snowplow-compatible
Braking System	Four-wheel ABS
Rear Axle	Heavy-duty
Tires	All-terrain or equivalent, suitable for winter operations
Spare Tire	Full-size
Air Conditioning	Required
Power Windows and Locks	Required
Backup Camera	Required
Trailer Tow Package	Required
Tow Hooks	Required
Floor Mats	All-weather
Battery	Manufacturer-approved snowplow configuration
Alternator	Manufacturer-approved snowplow configuration

The bidder shall provide the following vehicle specifications:

• Manufacturer, make, and model.
• Engine type, displacement, horsepower, and torque.
• Transmission specifications.
• Axle ratio.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
• Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (front GAWR).
• Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (rear GAWR).
• Tire load ratings.
• Factory snowplow preparation package details.
• Manufacturer's snowplow compatibility documentation.

 

4. SNOWPLOW SPECIFICATIONS

The vehicle shall be equipped with a new commercial-grade straight-blade snowplow designed and approved for the proposed truck.

Minimum requirements:

Specification	Minimum Requirement
Blade Width	Minimum 9 feet
Blade Type	Straight blade only
Construction	Commercial-grade
Operation	Hydraulic lift and angle
Controls	Electronic in-cab controls
Mounting	Manufacturer-approved mounting system
Lighting	Dedicated snowplow lighting
Electrical	Complete wiring and connections
Installation	Professional installation
Accessories	All required mounting hardware and components

V-plows, expandable plows, and other alternative blade configurations will not be accepted.

Snowplows wider than 9 feet may be proposed, provided the bidder demonstrates that the truck is properly equipped and rated for the proposed installation.

The bidder shall identify:

• Snowplow manufacturer.
• Snowplow model.
• Blade width and height.
• Blade material and construction.
• Total installed snowplow weight.
• Warranty information.

The bidder shall provide written confirmation that the truck and snowplow combination is approved by the respective manufacturers and that all applicable vehicle, axle, tire, and suspension weight ratings will be maintained.

Any necessary suspension, ballast, electrical, or other equipment upgrades shall be identified and included in the bid price.

 

5. VEHICLE CONFIGURATION AND ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT

The following equipment shall be included:

• Factory snowplow preparation package.
• Heavy-duty alternator and battery configuration.
• Trailer towing package.
• Front tow hooks.
• Spray-in bedliner.
• All-weather rubber floor mats.
• Running boards or side steps.
• Bed lighting.
• Full-size spare tire and wheel.
• Two sets of keys and remotes.
• All required snowplow mounting and electrical components.

Any additional recommended equipment shall be identified and separately itemized.

 

6. ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS AND EQUIVALENT VEHICLES

The Town anticipates receiving competitive proposals for vehicles in the following categories:

• Ford F-250 Super Duty or equivalent.
• Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD or equivalent.
• Ram 2500 Heavy Duty or equivalent.

These examples are provided for reference only and do not establish a manufacturer preference.

Any manufacturer may submit a proposal provided the proposed vehicle meets or exceeds the minimum requirements and is approved for the proposed snowplow installation.

The Town reserves the right to determine whether a proposed equivalent vehicle meets the specifications.

 

7. VEHICLE SAFETY AND WEIGHT COMPLIANCE

Because the vehicle will be used for municipal snowplowing operations, safety and weight compliance are essential.

The successful bidder shall provide documentation confirming:

1. The proposed vehicle is approved for snowplow installation.
2. The installed snowplow does not cause the vehicle to exceed its front axle weight rating.
3. The completed vehicle does not exceed its rear axle weight rating.
4. The completed vehicle does not exceed its GVWR.
5. Tires and wheels are rated for the completed vehicle configuration.
6. Electrical and charging systems are adequate for snowplow operation.
7. All required manufacturer-recommended equipment has been installed.

The bidder shall provide a completed vehicle weight analysis, including the installed snowplow and all permanently installed accessories.

 

8. WARRANTY AND SERVICE

The bidder shall provide complete warranty information for:

• Base vehicle.
• Powertrain.
• Corrosion protection.
• Snowplow equipment.
• Snowplow installation.
• Additional accessories.

The bidder shall identify the nearest authorized vehicle service facility and snowplow repair facility.

The Town will consider warranty coverage and local service availability as part of the overall evaluation.

 

9. DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINE

The vehicle shall be delivered to:

Town of Manchester 
Department of Public Works 
140 Town Shed Road 
Manchester, VT 05255

The successful bidder shall deliver the complete vehicle, including the professionally installed snowplow and all required accessories, within thirty (30) calendar days of written contract acceptance or Notice of Award by the Town.

The 30-day delivery requirement is mandatory. Bidders must confirm in writing that they can meet this delivery deadline as part of their submitted proposal.

The vehicle shall be delivered:

• Fully assembled and operational.
• With the commercial straight-blade snowplow professionally installed.
• With all required accessories and equipment installed.
• Fully inspected and ready for municipal service.
• With all owner manuals and warranty documentation.
• With title and registration documentation, as applicable.
• With a full tank of fuel.
• With a complete demonstration of truck and snowplow operation to Town personnel.

The bidder shall provide written confirmation of vehicle availability and the anticipated delivery date with the bid submission.

Any proposed exceptions to the 30-day delivery requirement must be clearly identified in the bid. Failure to agree to the mandatory delivery requirement may result in the bid being deemed nonresponsive.

The Town shall establish the official contract acceptance date in writing.

Any anticipated delivery delays shall be reported immediately to the Town. Extensions to the delivery deadline shall require prior written approval from the Town.

 

10. BID PRICING SCHEDULE

Bidders shall complete the following schedule. All prices shall include equipment, installation, and delivery unless otherwise noted.

Item	Description	Bid Price
1	Base 3/4-ton 4WD pickup truck	$
2	Factory options and snowplow preparation	$
3	Commercial straight-blade snowplow	$
4	Snowplow installation	$
5	Additional accessories	$
6	Delivery	$
7	Other applicable charges	$
	TOTAL BID PRICE	$

Applicable taxes, title charges, registration fees, and other governmental fees shall be separately identified.

The total bid price shall represent the complete cost to the Town for the vehicle, snowplow, accessories, installation, and delivery.

 

11. BID EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Town intends to evaluate bids based on the following criteria:

Evaluation Category	Weight
Total purchase price	40%
Compliance with vehicle specifications	20%
Snowplow equipment and compatibility	15%
Warranty and service availability	10%
Delivery schedule	10%
Vendor qualifications and experience	5%
TOTAL	100%

The Town may request additional information or clarification from bidders to determine compliance.

A bid that fails to meet mandatory minimum specifications may be deemed nonresponsive.

The contract will be awarded to the responsible bidder whose proposal is determined to provide the best overall value to the Town based on the published evaluation criteria.

The Town reserves the right to reject any proposal that does not meet the mandatory requirements of this solicitation.

 

12. BIDDER INFORMATION

Each bidder shall provide:

Dealership Name: __________________________________

Manufacturer: _____________________________________

Proposed Make and Model: __________________________

Cab Configuration: _________________________________

Engine: __________________________________________

Transmission: _____________________________________

GVWR: ___________________________________________

Front GAWR: ______________________________________

Rear GAWR: _______________________________________

Snowplow Manufacturer/Model: ______________________

Snowplow Blade Width: _____________________________

Snowplow Blade Type: Straight Blade

Total Installed Vehicle Weight: ______________________

Estimated Delivery Date: ___________________________

Nearest Service Facility: ___________________________

Total Bid Price: ___________________________________

MANDATORY DELIVERY CONFIRMATION

Can you guarantee delivery within thirty (30) calendar days of written contract acceptance or Notice of Award?

? YES ? NO

Confirmed Delivery Timeframe: __________ Calendar Days

Vehicle Currently in Inventory: ? YES ? NO

Vehicle Factory Order Required: ? YES ? NO

 

13. BID SUBMISSION

Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked:

BID – MUNICIPAL 3/4-TON PICKUP TRUCK WITH STRAIGHT-BLADE SNOWPLOW

Submit bids to:

Town of Manchester, VT 
Attn: Justin Olansky - Director, Manchester Public Works 
40 Jeff Williams Way 
Manchester, VT 05255

Bids must be received no later than 1:00 pm on 11/27/2026.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Bids will be publicly opened at:

40 Jeff Williams Way

Manchester, VT 05255

11/30/2026 11am

 

14. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

The Town reserves the right to:

• Reject any or all bids.
• Waive minor informalities or technical defects.
• Request clarification of submitted proposals.
• Verify vendor qualifications and references.
• Reject bids that do not meet minimum requirements.
• Cancel or amend this solicitation when necessary and consistent with applicable law.
• Award the contract in the best interest of the Town.

 

15. BIDDER CERTIFICATION

The undersigned certifies that the information submitted is accurate and that the proposed vehicle and snowplow meet the specifications and requirements of this solicitation.

The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that the proposed vehicle, including the professionally installed commercial straight-blade snowplow and all required equipment, shall be delivered within thirty (30) calendar days of written contract acceptance or Notice of Award by the Town, subject only to any written extension approved by the Town.

Company: _______________________________________

Authorized Representative: ________________________

Title: __________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

Telephone: ______________________________________

Email: __________________________________________

Total Bid Price: __________________________________

Estimated Delivery Date: __________________________

Bidder agrees to mandatory 30-day delivery requirement:

? YES ? NO

Signature: ______________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________

Title

Invitation to Bid

Salary Range

$0 to $0

Application Deadline

11/27/2026

Location

Manchester, VT

Application URL

 

Contact Information

Name

Youngers, Stephanie

Phone Number

(802) 362-1313

Email

s.youngers@manchester-vt.gov 

Best Method of Contact

EMAIL