Fuel and Lubricants Delivery and Fuel Card Program

The Public Transportation Services of the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County
357 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340 (209) 723-3100 (209) 723-0322 fax mercedthebus.com
Release Date: May 8, 2026
Project No. IFB20260508TJPAMC
Invitation for Bids
for
Fuel and Lubricants Delivery and Fuel Card Program
Notice is hereby given that bids will be received at the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County
(TJPAMC), a California Joint Powers Authority, for performing all work necessary in accordance with the
Project Requirements specified herein. Please carefully read and follow the instructions provided. Bidders
are responsible for making certain that their bid is complete and is received by TJPAMC on or before the
closing deadline.
Bids shall be emailed to: Alexandra Arroyo, Procurement Specialist II, at procurements@mcagov.org. The
email subject line shall read as follows: IFB20260508TJPAMC - Fuel and Lubricants Delivery and Fuel Card
Program - Email Submission Deadline June 12, 2026, 2:30 p.m., PDT [insert contractor name here].
Bids received/email timestamped after the closing deadline will be rejected.
Bids will be publicly opened and read via a conference call on June 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., PDT. Bids must
remain effective for 90 days from Bid opening to allow for adequate review time and award of a contract.
The Merced County Association of Governments Purchasing Policy and all of its provisions are
incorporated by this reference. Bidders of this project are hereby bound by all applicable federal laws,
regulations, and certifications.
TJPAMC is not liable for any costs incurred by Bidders in responding to this Invitation for Bids (IFB). Bidders
are hereby notified that Bids become public record. Bidders are to clearly identify any information that is
confidential and/or proprietary and submit a redacted copy of their bid with the confidential and/or
proprietary information. In the event of a Public Records Act or Freedom of Information Act request,
TJPAMC will use the redacted copy submitted by the Bidder in response and the failure to provide a
redacted copy may result in the disclosure of a Bidder's entire response. TJPAMC is not responsible or
liable for the disclosure of any information that is not clearly labeled as confidential and/or proprietary
and provided in redacted form.
In compliance with Title 49 CFR Part 26, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise's (DBE) are encouraged to
submit bids and will be afforded full opportunity to submit and participate in this solicitation, both as
primes and subconsultants. Note that the resulting contract from this solicitation has a DBE goal of 0%,
and prospective bidders will not be required to submit good faith efforts.
Please direct inquiries to Alexandra Arroyo, Procurement Specialist II, via email at
procurements@mcagov.org.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page 1
Table of Contents 2
Bidder's Submittal Checklist 3
Definitions 4
Section I - General Information 5
Section II - Requirements - Scope of Work 8
Section III - Submittals 13
Section IV - Basis of Award, Selection Process, and Protests 15
Pricing Schedule 18
Certification 23
Nondebarment Certification 24
Lobbying Certification 26
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Bidders List Form 27
Reference List 29
Federal Contract Provisions 30
Sample Agreement 43
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BIDDER'S SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST
This checklist is provided to assist Bidders with submitting a complete Bid. Bidders are to submit Bid as
noted below and are to include this checklist with Bid.
1. _____ Cover Letter and Bidder Information
2. _____ Bidder's Submittal Checklist
3. _____ Table of Contents
4. _____ Section One - Certification, Nondebarment Certification, Lobbying Certification, DBE
Program Bidders List Form, and Reference List
5. _____ Section Two - Response to Requirements
6. _____ Section Three - Pricing Schedule
A simple cover page noting each Section before each Section begins in your bid is acceptable. For
example, a single page noting "Section One."
Non-submittal of any requested item may be considered non-responsive.
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DEFINITIONS
Agreement - The Agreement constitutes the entire contract between TJPAMC and the selected Bidder.
Term may be used interchangeably with Contract.
Authorized Representative - Person who has the legal authority to enter into and sign contracts on behalf
of the organization.
Bidder/Respondent - A person, partnership, firm, or corporation submitting a Bid with the intention of
obtaining an TJPAMC contract.
Closing Deadline - The last day and time the Bid must be received via email to
procurements@mcagov.org. Term may be used interchangeably with Submission Deadline.
Contract - The Contract constitutes the entire agreement between TJPAMC and the awarded Bidder.
Term may be used interchangeably with Agreement.
Contractor - The Bidder awarded the Contract derived from this IFB.
Days - Unless otherwise specified, all references to any "day" or number of "days" shall mean consecutive
calendar days (including all holidays and weekends).
MCAG - Merced County Association of Governments, a joint powers authority, established under
California Government Code Section 6500 et seq.
Subcontractor(s) - Any person, entity, or organization, to which Contractor, or TJPAMC, has delegated
any of its obligations hereunder.
TJPAMC - Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County, a California Joint Powers Authority,
established under California Government Code Section 6500 et seq., and an affiliate agency of the
Merced County Association of Governments.
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SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 PURPOSE
TJPAMC invites the submission of Bids from qualified vendors to provide bulk fuel delivery, lubricant
delivery, and a fuel card program.
TJPAMC intends to use the results of this IFB to award one or multiple contract(s) to the responsive,
responsible, and lowest price Bidder(s).
1.2 AGENCY INFORMATION
TJPAMC is a California Joint Powers Authority formed in 1996 from the consolidation of four former local
public transit service providers. Today, TJPAMC, also known as "THE BUS," is the single public
transportation provider for Merced County. TJPAMC is comprised of seven member agencies: City of
Atwater, City of Dos Palos, City of Gustine, City of Livingston, City of Los Banos and City of Merced and the
County of Merced. TJPAMC is governed by the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County
Governing Board. With a fleet of approximately 62 buses, fixed route and paratransit services are provided
throughout Merced County, including the six incorporated cities and most unincorporated communities,
with connections into neighboring Stanislaus County. For more information, visit TJPAMC's website at
http://www.mercedthebus.com.
1.3 CONTRACT DURATION
The contract term is anticipated to commence August 1, 2026, and end July 31, 2029, and is contingent
upon agreed services, available funding, and successful performance. The contract term may be extended
by TJPAMC at its sole discretion, for up to 4 additional one-year terms and shall be based on available
funding and successful performance. The contract will be a fixed price contract for the full term including
the additional extension options, and will include agreed upon economic price adjustments related to the
Oil Price Information Service or equivalent daily average rack price for Stockton, California.
1.4 IFB SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES
To the extent achievable, the following schedule shall be used for the procurement process. TJPAMC
reserves the right to modify the dates below as necessary.
a. IFB Distributed May 8, 2026
b. Questions/Clarifications due via email by May 22, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
c. Addendum(s) and Responses Posted by June 1, 2026
d. Deadline for Bid Submittal via Email June 12, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
e. Bid Opening Call June 12, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
f. Notice of Intent to Award June 18, 2026
g. Governing Board Approval of Contract July 16, 2026
h. Notice of Award July 17, 2026
i. Contract Execution/Notice to Proceed August 1, 2026
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1.5 QUESTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS AND/OR REVISIONS
Bidders are expected to raise any questions, noted errors, discrepancies, ambiguities, exceptions,
additions, or deficiencies they have concerning this IFB via email to procurements@mcagov.org no later
than 12:00 p.m. May 22, 2026.
If a Bidder fails to notify TJPAMC of any condition stated above that reasonably should have been known
to the Bidder, and if a contract is awarded to that Bidder, the Bidder shall not be entitled to additional
compensation or time by reason of the error or its correction.
Revisions to this IFB will only be made by official addendum issued by TJPAMC. Addenda will be posted
by June 1, 2026. Bidders are responsible for checking the website for addenda prior to submitting their
bid. Failure to acknowledge addenda may disqualify a Bidder. As such, Bidders are advised to review the
website prior to the close of this IFB at http://www.mercedthebus.com/bids.aspx. Bidders are encouraged
to sign up for "Notify Me" on the website to receive emails, or a text, when items are posted relevant to
IFB's.
1.6 BID OPENING
Bids will be read via a conference call on June 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Anyone interested in joining the bid
opening may do so by using the following Zoom meeting link or dialing the following number, and entering
the meeting ID. Zoom meeting link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89191810605
Meeting ID: 891 9181 0605, Dial in Number: 1 (669) 444-9171.
1.7 WITHDRAWAL OF BIDS
Bid shall be irrevocable unless withdrawn prior to the closing deadline. Bidders may withdraw a Bid, in
writing, at any time up to the closing deadline. A written withdrawal notice must be received by email to
Alexandra Arroyo at procurements@mcagov.org. The notice must be signed by an authorized
representative. If a previously submitted bid is withdrawn prior to the closing deadline, the Bidder may
submit another Bid at any time up to the closing deadline.
1.8 PROTEST PROCEDURES
Notice of intent to protest must be made in writing and conform to the requirements of TJPAMC Protest
Procedures, included herein on pages 15 - 17.
1.9 FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS
Bids which contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references which do not support an
attribute or condition claimed by the Bidder, shall be rejected.
1.10 RIGHT TO REJECT OR ACCEPT BIDS AND RIGHT TO CANCEL
TJPAMC reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof, or to waive any informalities or
minor irregularities in the Proposals. TJPAMC also reserves the right to cancel this IFB in part or in its
entirety.
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1.11 DISPUTE RESOLUTION, ATTORNEY FEES, JURISDICTION, AND VENUE
In any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or in any way connected with the performance of the
Agreement contemplated herein, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's
fees and costs. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement contemplated herein, any disputes
concerning any question of fact or law relating to the Agreement contemplated herein, or any litigation
or arbitration arising out of the Agreement contemplated herein, shall be interpreted pursuant to
California law, subject to the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of California, and venued in the County of
Merced. CONTRACTOR expressly waives federal jurisdiction.
1.12 BID RESULTS
Bid results will be available at https://www.mercedthebus.com/bids.aspx five (5) business days after Bid
opening.
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SECTION II - REQUIREMENTS - SCOPE OF WORK
2.1 GENERAL
TJPAMC is seeking qualified vendors to provide bulk fuel delivery, lubricant delivery, and a fuel card
program. This solicitation may result in the award of one or multiple contracts. Vendors may submit bids
for one service, two services, or all three services requested in this IFB.
TJPAMC requires the purchase and delivery of bulk fuels. Orders will be placed on both as needed and
pre-determined basis throughout the year. TJPAMC maintains two fuel storage tanks used to supply fuel
for buses and other vehicles.
TJPAMC also requires the purchase and delivery of lubricants. Orders will be placed on as needed and pre-
determined basis throughout the year. TJPAMC maintains two engine oil tanks for each type of oil, which
connect to the agency's air and lube system. All other lubricants are stored and connected using 55-gallon
drums.
Additionally, TJPAMC is requesting fuel card program services for a limited number of transit vehicles. The
fuel card program will also serve as a backup fueling option for buses and other vehicles, as further defined
in this section.
2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) REQUIREMENTS
All fuels shall meet EPA requirements for sulfur, cetane index and aromatic content, and shall meet all
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District requirements.
2.3 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Bulk Fuels
Product Description Specifications Shipping
Diesel Fuel No. 2 Clear Must meet current engine/vehicle Truck/Trailer
manufacture's specifications
Unleaded Gasoline 87 Octane Must meet current engine/vehicle Truck/Trailer/
manufacture's specifications Bobtail
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Diesel exhaust fluid Aqueous urea solution of 32.5% Truck/Trailer/
high purity urea and 67.5% Bobtail
deionized water
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Lubricants
Product Description Specifications Shipping
Engine Oil 15w40 ashless CJ-4 Bulk pumped
into tanks
Engine Oil 5w30 synthetic blend GF-5/SN Bulk pumped
into tanks
Synthetic Transynd, BP Autran, Allison TES295 and TES468 Drum
Transmission Fluid Emgard 2805 or equivalent approved fluid
ATF Performance 500 Valvoline Must meet both Dexron VI and Drum
maxlife Mercon V specifications
Red Grease NLGI2 Drum
Coolant Ethylene glycol/water 50/50 Heavy duty Universal coolant Drum
mix mix
2.4 ESTIMATED ANNUAL USAGE
Bulk Fuel
Product Estimated Annual Usage
Diesel Fuel 390,000 Gallons
Unleaded Gasoline 70,000 Gallons
Diesel Exhaust Fluid 16,000 Gallons
Lubricants
Product Estimated Annual Usage
Engine Oil - 15w40 6,500 Gallons
Engine Oil - 5w30 1,000 Gallons
Synthetic Transmission Fluid 3,000 Gallons
ATF 800 Gallons
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Red Grease 500 Gallons
Coolant 2,500 Gallons
2.5 TANK SIZE AND DELIVERY ADDRESS
Delivery Address and Tank Size
Site Address Fuel/Lubricants Tank Size (Gallons)
Diesel, No. 2 Clear, Ultra Low Sulfur Above ground (1) 10K Tank
Operation and Gasoline, Unleaded, 87 Minimum Octane Above ground (1) 8K Tank
Maintenance Facility 275 - Gallon Container
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
1950 Wardrove Ave, Provided by CONTRACTOR
Merced CA Engine Oil 15w40 Ashless 240 - Gallon Container
Engine Oil 5w30 synthetic blend 240 - Gallon Container
2.6 DELIVERY SCHEDULE
The CONTRACTOR(S) shall deliver fuels and lubricants to TJPAMC, F.O.B. Merced, California, in accordance
with the delivery schedules specified below.
Pre-scheduled deliveries shall be made Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 A.M. and 3:00
P.M., excluding all major holidays. For emergency situations, the CONTRACTOR(S) must be able to supply
fuel twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
Department Delivery Schedule
Operation and Maintenance Facility, Merced CA As Needed (within 24 hours of a faxed order)
2.7 FUEL TRANSPORT
The CONTRACTOR(S) shall comply with all rules and regulations established by the United States
Department of Transportation (DOT) for the transportation and delivery of fuels and lubricants.
2.8 FUEL CARD PROGRAM (OFF-SITE AND BACKUP FUELING)
The CONTRACTOR shall provide fuel through a fuel card program for TJPAMC's fleet of nine (9) transit
vehicles that are stored off-site in Los Banos. The CONTRACTOR shall supply approximately 3,000 gallons
of 87-octane unleaded gasoline on a monthly basis (approximately 36,000 gallons per year).
In addition, the CONTRACTOR shall provide fuel through the fuel card program as a backup fueling method
in the event of an on-site fuel tanks malfunction. Fuel provided under this backup arrangement may
include 87-octane unleaded gasoline and/or Ultra Low Sulfur clear diesel for the TJPAMC transit fleet
located in Merced.
During the term of this price agreement, no guarantee is made that the estimated quantities will be
reached or that they will not be exceeded. The CONTRACTOR shall furnish quantities that may be more or
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