Government procurement case of Dongfeng D6 blue license plate sewage treatment vehicle in Changchun: Analysis of winter performance and total cost of ownership (TCO). In Northeast China—particularly in cold cities like Changchun—municipal sanitation departments face a core challenge in procurement decisions: ensuring efficient vehicle operation under low-temperature conditions. In winter 2024, a municipal sanitation department in Changchun publicly tendered for a batch of blue license plate sewage treatment vehicles for emergency response and routine maintenance of urban sewer networks. After multiple rounds of technical evaluation and cost analysis, the department selected the Dongfeng D6 chassis-based sewage treatment vehicle modified by Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd. This article analyzes this real-world case from the perspectives of service-life-based total cost of ownership (TCO), low-temperature adaptability, maintenance strategy, and procurement process—providing reference guidance for similar procurement activities. I. Procurement Background and Requirements Analysis The department is responsible for maintaining drainage systems across multiple old urban districts in Changchun. Its existing equipment has severely aged; particularly during winter, when temperatures drop to –20°C to –30°C, frequent issues arise—including difficult engine starts and hydraulic system jamming. Key procurement requirements were clearly defined: vehicles must be blue license plate (drivable with C1 driver’s license), meet China VI emission standards, and possess sewage suction, solid-liquid separation, and preliminary treatment capabilities. The budget was capped at approximately RMB 282,000 (per publicly available tender information), with delivery required within 30 days to address the upcoming spring thaw peak. Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle’s solution leveraged the Dongfeng D6 chassis, integrated with the CLW5070GSSD6-certified sewage treatment system (approx. 5 m³ capacity), and featured freeze-resistant hydraulic oil and an engine preheating system—directly addressing the core operational challenges posed by Changchun’s harsh winter conditions. II. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis: 5-Year / 8-Year / 10-Year Lifecycle Costs Government procurement must consider not only initial purchase price but also the total cost of ownership (TCO) over projected service lifespans—e.g., 5, 8, or 10 years. Below is a TCO estimation based on actual operating conditions in Changchun (referencing Chengli’s internal knowledge base and industry benchmarks): Dongfeng D6 Blue License Plate Sewage Treatment Vehicle: Total Cost of Ownership Comparison (Unit: RMB 10,000; based on publicly available tender data) | Item | 5 Years (60 Months) | 8 Years (96 Months) | 10 Years (120 Months) | |------|---------------------|---------------------|------------------------| | Initial Purchase Price (incl. tax & delivery) | ~22–24 | ~22–24 | ~22–24 | | Annual Fuel/Electricity Cost | ~1.2–1.5 | ~1.5–1.8 | ~1.8–2.0 | | Annual Insurance & Road Fees | ~0.6–0.8 | ~0.6–0.8 | ~0.6–0.8 | | Annual Maintenance & Repairs | ~0.3–0.5 | ~0.5–0.8 | ~0.8–1.2 | | Major Overhaul Costs (Years 4 / 7 / 9) | ~0.5–1.0 | ~1.0–1.5 | ~1.5–2.0 | | Residual Value (after depreciation) | ~8–10 | ~4–6 | ~2–3 | | Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) | ~15–18 | ~20–25 | ~25–30 | Key Insights: • Acquisition Phase: Direct factory sales by Chengli eliminate intermediary markups—saving approximately RMB 8,000–15,000 versus 4S dealership channels for identical configurations. The Changchun procuring entity secured a final unit price of ~RMB 230,000 (per publicly available tender data), below the budget ceiling. • Operational & Maintenance Costs: Dongfeng chassis