Multiple Vehicle Purchases

System will hereinafter be referred to as the "University." Respondents to the document shall be referred to as "Respondent(s)” or “Respondent”. The Respondent to whom the Agreement is awarded shall be referred to as the "Contractor." The University of Maine System and other components of the University shall be referred to as “Multi-Institution”. 1.1.2 Background Overview Established in 1968, the University of Maine System (UMS) unites six distinctive public universities, comprising 10 campuses and numerous centers, in the common purpose of providing quality higher education while delivering on its traditional tripartite mission of teaching, research, and public service. A comprehensive public institution of higher education, UMS serves more than 30,000 students annually and is supported by the efforts of more than 2,000 full- time and part-time faculty, more than 3,000 regular full-time and part-time staff, and a complement of part-time temporary (adjunct) faculty. Reaching more

than 500,000 people annually through educational and cultural offerings, the University of Maine System also benefits from more than two-thirds of its alumni population residing within the state; more than 123,000 individuals. The System consists of six universities: The University of Maine (UMaine), including its regional campus the University of Maine at Machias (UMM); the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA); the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF); the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK), the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI); and the University of Southern Maine (USM). The System also includes the University of Maine School of Law and the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center. Campus thumbnails University of Southern Maine Known for its academic excellence and student focus, the University of Southern Maine (USM) is a community-engaged university taking advantage of its three- campus location in the economic and cultural heart of Maine to provide unmatched, authentic, hands-on learning experiences. This gives our graduates a leg up in launching their careers while at the same time meeting the workplace needs of our region and state. Our significant financial and academic support provides our students access to a high quality education, helps ensure their success once they are here and enables them to pursue and realize their dreams upon graduation. Request for Bid – Multiple Truck Purchases Dated: March 22, 2024 University of Maine System RFP Page 4 of 36 Rev. 08/16/2023 Reflecting the community it serves, USM has become known as “the University of Everyone,” welcoming a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds and income levels to our 8,000 plus student body. Ranging from traditional high school graduates to adults completing their degree, from high achievers to those who may not have seen a college education in their future, from new Mainers to veterans who have served our nation, the University of Southern Maine supports their academic pursuits and encourages their advancement. University of Maine School of Law The University of Maine School of Law is the state’s public and only law school, a vital resource serving our local, regional, national, and global community. Maine Law is an institutional public servant committed to providing an accessible and affordable student-focused program of legal education and achieving the highest standards of ethical behavior. Our rigorous doctrinal and experiential curriculum, influential scholarship, and signature programming prepare students to practice law, promote respect for the rule of law, and advance justice for all members of society. University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center Located in Portland but serving students and employers statewide, the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center (the Maine Center) brings together academic programs in law, business, and public policy to train the workforce of the future and grow Maine’s economy. The Maine Center is an academic consortium composed of the University of Maine School of Law, the University of Maine Graduate School of Business, the graduate programs of the Muskie School of Public Service, and the Cutler Institute of Health and Social Policy. This consortium develops cross-disciplinary, experiential, and market-driven programming for graduate students in the Maine Center’s three focus areas. The Maine Center also delivers programming for members of Maine’s civic, business, and legal communities, including executive education, certificates, workshops, externship placements, and a startup incubator/accelerator. The Maine Center is supported by a challenge grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation. 1.1.3 Purpose The University of Maine System is seeking to purchase multiple trucks for different departments and campuses. This document provides instructions for submit