2025 or Newer Water Truck Package

BID DOCUMENTS
CASCADE COUNTY
SOLICITATION FOR BIDS FOR
1 (ONE), 2025, OR NEWER, 6x4 Water Truck with
4000-gallon tank and
1 (ONE) 2025, OR Newer, Cab and Chassis
(Preapproved Models: Kenworth T480, Peterbilt 567, Western Star 49X, Freightliner 114SD or equivalent)
MARCH 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
Invitation to Bidders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General Information for Bidders . . . . . . . . . 4
Bidder's Submission Requirements . . . . . . . . 7
Bid Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Explanation Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Affidavit of Non-Collusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Verification of nondiscrimination Firearm Assoc.. 29
Bidder's Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
INVITATION TO BIDDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Cascade County Public Works Department will receive
sealed bids for the purchase of one (1) 2025, or newer, diesel powered 6 x 4 tandem axle truck as
specified in this package.
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Equipment specifications may be obtained by contacting Bob Wilson, Superintendent, Cascade County
Public Works, 279 Vaughn S. Frontage Road, Great Falls, MT 59404; by phone at: (406) 454-6920, or
by visiting the website at www.cascadecountymt.gov/bids.
Bids will be opened on Thursday, April 2nd, 20206 at 1:00 p.m. in the office of the Board of Commissioners,
Cascade County Courthouse Annex, 325 2nd Ave North, Room 111, Great Falls, Montana.
Electronic or digital media bids will not be accepted. Late bids will be returned unopened.
Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier's check, or bid bond payable to Cascade
County in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total bid price for the truck.
The successful bidder shall forfeit the bid security to Cascade County if the bidder fails or refuses to
enter into a contract within the time specified. Bid security submitted by unsuccessful bidders will be
returned upon acceptance of the successful bid.
All bids shall remain valid for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of opening. Cascade County
reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to waive any defects or irregularities. All
bidders must use the bid form provided with the specifications.
The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
All bidders are expected to be familiar with and comply with all applicable state and federal statutes,
rules, and regulations governing the solicitation and award of public contracts, including any statutes,
rules, or regulations relating to nondiscrimination.
The Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities, and to
accept any bid deemed to be in the best interest of Cascade County.
DATED this 9th day of March 2026
Les Payne, Director
Cascade County Public Works Department
(Publish: March 15, 2026, March 18, 2026, and March 22, 2026)
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS
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1. Bid Opening. The Cascade County Public Works will receive bids from persons or entities capable
of supplying one (1) 2025, or newer, diesel powered 6x4 tandem axle truck as specified in this
package and the accompanying specifications included herein.
Bids are due and will be opened and read aloud on April 2nd, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Commissioner's
Office, Cascade County Courthouse Annex Room 111. All bids must be received no later than the start
of the meeting.
2. Notice. Notice is being published in the Great Falls Tribune, (a copy of the notice is included in this
package) with publication dates of March 15, 2026, March 18, 2026, and March 22, 2026. All interested
and qualified persons or entities are invited to submit bids on the bid form included in this package.
3. Bid Security. Pursuant to Section 18-1-201, Montana Code Annotated, the Board of Commissioners
is required to obtain bid security. Each bid must be accompanied by bid security in one of the forms
specified below, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bidder's total bid, and payable to
Cascade County.
As provided in the above-cited statute, bid security is required "as a condition precedent to considering
any such bids, as evidence of good faith on the part of the bidder, and as indemnity for the benefit of
such public authority against the failure or refusal of any bidder to enter into any written contract that
may be awarded upon and following acceptance of (a) bid ...." Accordingly, if a bidder is selected and
fails or refuses to enter into the contract when requested, the bid security shall be forfeited in its entirety
to Cascade County.
The form of the bid security is specified in Section 18-1202, Montana Code Annotated, as follows;
(1) In all cases under 18-1202 (1), the bidder, offeror, or
tenderer shall accompany and bid with either:
(a) lawful money of the United States;
(b) a cashier's check, certified check, bank money order, or
bank draft, in any case drawn and issued by a federally chartered or
state-chartered bank insured by the federal deposit insurance
corporation; or
(c) a bid bond, guaranty bond, or surety bond executed by a
surety corporation authorized to do business in the state of Montana.
If a financial guaranty bond or surety bond is provided to secure the
purchase of indebtedness, the long-term indebtedness of the company
executing the financial guaranty bond or surety bond must carry an
investment grade rating of one or more nationally recognized
independent rating agencies.
(2) The money or, in lieu of money, the bank instruments or
bid bonds, financial guaranty bonds, or surety bonds must be payable
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directly to the public authority soliciting or advertising for bids."
The successful bidder's bid security shall be returned upon execution of the contract by the parties. At
that time, the bid security of unsuccessful bidders shall be returned.
4. Contract. The successful bidder will be required to enter into a contract with
Cascade County. A copy of the contract is included in this package. However, Cascade County reserves
the right to make changes to the contract which do not affect the substantial rights of the parties.
All bids shall remain effective for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of
opening at some time during said sixty (60) day period, the successful bidder will be expected to enter
into the contract.
5. Waiver of irregularities and informalities. Cascade County reserves the right to
waive any irregularity or informality in any bid. Further, Cascade County reserves the right to reject
any and all bids for any reason.
6. Basis of Award. Shall be dependent on the most responsible bid submitted.
Consideration will be given, but is not limited to, cash flow, purchase price, delivery date, equipment
service guarantees, parts and service availability, parts and service facilities locations, analysis and
comparison of equipment specification details, and past experience of Cascade County with similar or
related equipment.
7. Resident Bidder Preference. Pursuant to Section 18-1-102, Montana Code
Annotated, Cascade County will award the contract "to the lowest responsible bidder without regard to
residency. However, a resident must be allowed a preference on a contract against the bid of a
nonresident if the state or country of the nonresident enforces a preference for residents. The preference
must be equal to the preference given in the other state or country."
According to Section 18-1-113, Montana Code Annotated, any bidder seeking a preference shall be
required to file, along with the bid, an affidavit, specifying in detail, the basis upon which the bidder
claims a preference.
8. Non-Discrimination. The successful bidder shall be expected to abide by a all
provisions of state and federal law regarding discrimination. One such provision, in Montana law is
Section 49-3-207, Montana Code Annotated, which states Non-Discrimination; "(e)very state or local
contract or subcontract for construction of public buildings or for other public work or for goods or
services must contain a provision that all hiring must be on the basis of merit and qualifications, and a
provision that there may not be discrimination on the basis or race, color religion, creed, political ideas,
sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or national origin by the persons performing the
contract.
9. Laws and Regulations. Each bidder is expected to be familiar with and abide
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by all laws of the federal, state and local governments regarding their obligations in bidding and
performing public contracts.
10. Trade-in. There will be no trade-in equipment associated with this truck purchase.
11. Warranty. In order to guarantee the cost of repairs and minimize downtime for Cascade County,
all bidders shall include with their bid a total truck basic warranty for at least a period of One (1) year
or one hundred thousand (100,000) miles of operation from date of delivery, whichever occurs first.
The diesel engine warranty shall be included with the bid for a period of two (2) years or two hundred
and fifty thousand (250,000) miles of operation from the date of delivery, whichever occurs first. The
transmission and axles shall be included with a warranty coverage for a period two (2) years and
unlimited miles from the date of delivery.
12. Questions. Should any bidder have any questions about the specifications, or any provision or
other information contained in the bidder's package, they may contact Bob Wilson, Superintendent,
Cascade County Public Works, 279 Vaughn S. Frontage Road, Great Falls, MT 59404; phone 406-
454-6920. Any clarification information, or any changes made to any information in the bidder's
package shall be provided to all potential bidders who have obtained a copy of the specifications from
Cascade County.
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BIDDER'S SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Sealed bids shall be submitted by each bidder. Sealed bids must be received by Cascade
County no later than 1:00 p.m., April 2nd, 2026, which is the time of commencement of the meeting to
open bids. Bidders are expected to abide by the following requirements.
Each bid and accompanying documents shall be submitted in a standard 8 1/2 x 12, or
larger manila envelope. The manila envelope shall be sealed, and the following information shall
be written or typed on the outside of the envelope: (1) the name, address, and telephone number of the
bidder: (2) the words "Bid to Cascade County for HD Truck".
The following documents shall be included in the manila envelope, in the following order:
1. Bid Forms. The Bid Form shall be completely filled out and signed by an
authorized agent of the bidding company.
2. Bid Bond. A bid bond must be enclosed and must be in the form as specified
in this package. The bid bond must be in the amount bid for the truck,
3. Warranty Information. All warranty information for the equipment must be
included.
4. Non-Collusion Form. The Affidavit of Non-Collusion shall be completed and
signed by an authorized agent of the bidding company before a Notary Public.
5. Delivery Date. Bidder must specify delivery date. Delivery shall be F.O.B.
Cascade County Shop at Great Falls, Montana. Time is of the Essence
6. Other Information. Bidders are encouraged, but not required, to include other
information about their business and about the equipment in the bid.
7. Nondiscrimination Firearm Entities/Trade Associations Form. The Contractor Verification of
Nondiscrimination Firearm Entities/Trade Associations Form shall be completed and signed by
an authorized agent of the bidding company.
8. Specifications Checklist. Completed Specifications Checklist shall be completely filled out by
an authorized agent of the bidding company.
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BID FORM
The undersigned Bidder hereby covenants and agrees to provide one (1) 2025, or newer, diesel
powered 6 x 4 tandem axle truck as specified in this package in the Specifications section, for the
price stated. The bidder understands that this bid is effective for sixty (60) days from the date of
opening. All lines on the Bid Form must be completed.
Truck Manufacturer___________________ Model & Year_______________________
Net purchase price (without trade) including warranty costs,
F.O.B. Cascade County Shop at Great Falls, Montana (each)
2025, or newer, 6X4 water truck with 4000gallon tank $__________________
2025, or newer, 6x4 cab and chassis truck $__________________
2Yr / 200,000 mile total truck warranty $__________________
3Yr / 300,000 mile total truck warranty $__________________
5Yr / 200,000 mile Cummins engine warranty - with after treatment warranty
$_________________
Proposed delivery date:__________________________________
Current Governmental Fixed Interest Rate:________%.
NOTE: CASCADE COUNTY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO KEEP ANY OR ALL OF THE PIECES OF EQUIPMENT FOR
PROPOSED TRADE-IN, AND IN SUCH EVENT, THE BALANCE AMOUNT WILL BE INCRESED IN A LIKE AMOUNT,
OR AMOUNTS. THE BID BOND SUBMITTED WITH THIS FORM SHALL BE BASED ON THE FULL
AMOUNT BID FOR THE SEMI-TRAILER TRACTOR TRUCKS, AND MAY NOT BE REBUCED FOR THE VALUE OF ANY
OF THE PROPOSED EQUIPMENT FOR TRADE-IN.
Bidder's Name ________________________________
Bidder's Address ________________________________
________________________________
Bidder's Phone No. ___________________________________
Bidder's Signature: ___________________________________
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AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made this_________ day of ______________________,2026, by and between
Cascade County, and _______________________________________________________________,
hereinafter referred to as the seller, and is meant to describe the terms and conditions for the sale by seller
and the purchase over time by Cascade County of __________________________________, diesel
powered, 6 x 4 tandem axle truck as described in the specifications.
THE PARTIES COVENANT AND AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Item Purchased. The seller agrees to sell and provide, and Cascade County agrees to purchase the
________ certain truck with associated equipment, for the sale price of $________________________.
The specific equipment to be purchased is more specifically described as follows:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2. Payment Terms. Cascade County shall provide a PO number to the vendor at the time of order, and the
vendor will be paid in full, once Cascade County has received the item purchased and once an invoice is
made available to Cascade County.
3. Delivery Date. Time is of the essence in this agreement. The seller shall deliver the truck and associated
equipment to Cascade County no later than____________________________. If full delivery is not made
by such date, the parties hereby agree that Cascade County shall be entitled to liquidated damages in the
amount of $250.00 for each day past such deliver date until full delivery takes place. Cascade County may
choose to waive its receipt of liquidated damages.
4. Contract Documents. The parties understand and agree that there are various documents which are an
integral part of this contract, and by this reference are fully incorporated herein: to include all of the
documents which are part of the Bidder's Package.
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5. Insurance. Delivery shall be F.O.B. Cascade County Shop at Great Falls, Montana. The seller shall be
responsible for insuring the truck and attachments until delivered and off- loaded to Cascade County.
Cascade County shall not be responsible for loss until such time, and then upon the completion of unloading
the equipment the obligation for insurance shall be the responsibility of Cascade County.
6. Venue for Disputes. Should any dispute arise regarding this contract, proper venue shall be in the District
Court of the Eighth Judicial District, in and for Cascade County, Montana.
7. Binding Effect. This contract shall bind and inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, and assigns of
the parties.
Dated this_________day of ___________________,2026.
CASCADE COUNTY:
_____________________________________________
Successful Bidder
______________________________________________
Chair
ATTEST:
____________________________________________
Sandra Merchant, Clerk and Recorder
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