Request for Sealed Competitive Bids for the Wells County Highway Department
Issue Date: October 9, 2026
1. Introduction: The Wells County Highway Department, located in Bluffton, Indiana, is seeking quotations for the purchase of one (1) Upfit for a tandem axle chassis truck to support daily operations and maintenance. This RFQ is issued in accordance with Indiana Code Title 36 and other applicable state and local procurement regulations. Vendors are invited to submit competitive bids that meet the specifications outlined below.
2. Scope of Work: The Wells County Highway Department requires one upfit for a tandem axle Western Star 47X heavy truck Chassis with the following specifications:
• Manufacturer and Model: Buyers, Bonnell, Swenson or equivalent.
• Bed: 14ft minimum inside length with a capacity of at least 13 cubic yards. Bed will be made of stainless steel, have a live floor with a belt over conveyor and a DC1600, Couger, or equivalent bed vibrator. All lighting will be LED with 360-degree visibility.
• Underbody Plow: Will be 12ft length with grease bank
• Front plow mount: Will be a Husting Style hitch compatible with the County’s current plows.
• Central Hydraulic System: Either a front piston mounted pump or hot shift type mounted off the transmission.
• Rear Hitch with D-Rings: 2 ½” Receiver Tube Pintle, 20 Ton Pintle plate, Trailer plug of customer choice, with easily accessible Glad Hands.
• Chipper Bar: To meet County’s current specs
• Rear Salt Spinner: Must be fully framed stainless-steel housing around spinner with 20” disc. Spinner will mount to the truck with dual 2” receivers.
• Intended Use: Chip and seal, winter operations, materials and spoils hauling
• Upfit specification check list will be provided at bidders request to assist with bidding
• Warranty: Factory and installer warranties required, with options for extended warranty to be included in the quotation.
• Delivery: Equipment must be delivered to the Wells County Highway Department, 828 E 200 S, Bluffton, IN 46714.
3. Submission Requirements: Vendors must submit their quotations by 1:00 PM EDT on November 2nd, 2025. Submissions may be sent via:
• Mail or In-Person: Wells County Highway Department, 828 E 200 S, Bluffton, IN 46714 Quotations must include:
• Detailed description of the proposed equipment, including make, model, and specifications.
• Itemized pricing, including base equipment cost, additional equipment, and any applicable taxes or fees.
• Warranty details (factory warranty and extended warranty options).
• Delivery timeline and confirmation of delivery location.
• Vendor contact information and any relevant certifications or qualifications.
• Statement of compliance with Indiana procurement laws and regulations.
4. Evaluation Criteria Quotations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Price: Competitiveness of the total cost, equipment, and additional services.
• Specification Compliance: Extent to which the proposed equipment meet or exceed the requirements in section 2.
• Delivery Timeframe: 8 months from submission date.
5. Terms and Conditions
• The Wells County Highway Department reserves the right to reject any or all quotations, waive minor informalities, or accept the quotation deemed most advantageous to the County.
• All vendors must comply with Indiana Code Title 36, including IC 36-1-12 (Public Works Projects) and IC 5-22 (Public Purchasing).
• Vendors must certify that all materials, equipment, and labor provided comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Buy American requirements where applicable.
• Payment terms will be negotiated with the selected vendor, subject to County approval and funding availability.
• The County encourages participation from minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses in accordance with Indiana procurement policies.
• All equipment must meet federal and Indiana safety and emissions standards.
• Vendors must provide proof of insurance and any required licenses or certifications.
6. Contact Information For questions or clarifications regarding this RFQ, please contact: Matt Witt Wells County Highway Department Email: Matt.Witt@wellscounty.org Phone: 260-224-0506
Thank you for your interest in providing pickup trucks for the Wells County Highway Department. We look forward to receiving your quotation.
Note: This RFQ is issued by the Wells County Highway Department in compliance with Indiana public procurement laws. The County reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFQ at its discretion.
oj, nb 10/15, 10/22