Front End Loader for the Heating Plant

Longwood University solicited competitive sealed bids to purchase (or lease) a new front‑end wheel loader for its heating plant, replacing an aging Volvo L25B. The solicitation required the loader to meet specific horsepower, tipping load, and service‑area criteria, and to be supported with maintenance within a 75‑mile radius of Farmville, VA. After a pre‑bid conference, multiple vendors submitted offers; the university awarded the contract to Carter Machinery Company, Inc. The award appears to be a firm‑fixed‑price purchase, with a 48‑month/3,000‑hour warranty and a 15‑day delivery requirement. No award date or contract term was disclosed. • Requirement: One front‑end wheel loader meeting detailed technical specs (70‑90 hp, ≥ 7,000 lb tipping load, hydrostatic drive, enclosed cab, etc.). • Procurement method: Invitation for Bids (IFB) – full and open competition, sealed‑bid, lowest responsive and responsible bidder. • Awarded to: Carter Machinery Company, Inc., Mechanicsville, VA (price not disclosed; bid‑tab sheet shows a comparable offer around $75‑$89 k).