Ontario-Montclair School District

Transportation Services – Field Trips & Additional Services Secondary Bid C-267-360

Bid Submittal and Opening Date:

September 22, 2026

10:00 a.m.

ONTARIO-MONTCLAIR SCHOOL DISTRICT

950 W. D Street

Ontario, CA 91762 Invitation to Submit Bids

Notice is hereby given that Ontario Montclair School District, acting by and through its Board of Education, and hereinafter referred to as DISTRICT, is requesting bids for:

Transportation Services – Field Trips & Additional Services Secondary Bid C-267-360

Each bid must contain a completed Bid Form (cost proposal), a completed Bid Proposal Questionnaire, Reference Form. Companies interested in submitting a proposal can obtain the documents through OMSD’s Bonfire Procurement Portal, https://omsd.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities.

Bids for “Transportation Services – Field Trips & Additional Services” must be submitted through Bonfire, up to, but no later than 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. All proposals must be submitted on forms furnished by the District.

The Board of Education of the Ontario-Montclair School District reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids or parts thereof, to be the sole judge as to the merits and qualifications of all bids, to waive any informality in a bid, not necessarily accept the lowest bid of any offered if it is in the best interest of the District. Design, specifications, service, delivery, and quality may be considered in making selections.

For questions, call Angie Redelsperger, Director of Purchasing (909) 418-6476. Any bid response not received by the published bid time will not be accepted. The District will not accept bids submitted by fax.

By: Angie Redelsperger, Director of Purchasing Published: September 2 and 9, 2026 https://omsd.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Request for Proposals RFP No. C-267-360

Student Transportation Services

INTRODUCTION

Purpose - The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to solicit proposals from highly-qualified Student Transportation companies to provide Student Transportation Services throughout the District, and outside the District, as needed in accordance with all legal guidelines, including but not limited to, California Education Code, sections 39802 and 39803. It is understood that the student transportation services under this RFP may also require, and therefor include, the transportation of District authorized adults, including but not limited to, teachers, aides, and/or chaperones.

1.0 Notice Inviting Proposals - All interested vendors are invited to submit electronic proposals through the

District’s Bonfire/Euna e-Procurement web portal in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in this Request for Proposal (RFP). The District is seeking proposals demonstrating “Best Value” proposals meeting or exceeding RFP specifications. To be eligible for consideration, proposals shall be presented in accordance with the instructions of this solicitation within the timeframe specified herein. It shall be the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure proposals are submitted through the District’s Euna/Bonfire e- Procurement web portal on the date and time specified in the RFP document. Ontario-Montclair School District reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine the criteria and process whereby proposals are evaluated and awarded. No damage shall be recoverable by any challenger as a result of this determination or decision by the District.

A copy of the RFP can be viewed and downloaded by accessing the District’s web site at https://omsd.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities. If a proposer discovers any ambiguity or error such as a conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other errors in the RFP documents, bidder shall immediately notify the District via the “Euna/Bonfire” Question/Answer tab not later than the Request for Clarifications due date stated in the Notice Inviting Proposals.

3.0 Questions, Addenda, and Requests for Clarification - All questions or requests for clarification regarding this proposal are to be submitted via the “Open Gov” Question/Answer tab up to but no later than September 15, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. Responses and/or clarifications will be posted as addenda via the “Bonfire/Euna” Addenda/Notices tab. All Followers of the project will receive email notifications when questions/answers are posted or when addenda/notifications are uploaded. Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of each bidder to periodically check the web site for any addenda postings. Contact with any District employee, trustee, agent or District Officer, other than a member of the District’s Purchasing Department may be grounds for rejection.

Acknowledgement of all addenda must be acknowledged via the “Bonfire/Euna” Addenda/Notice tab.

Failure to acknowledge receipt of any addendum included in the RFP documentation or elsewhere in the proposal may be cause for rejection of the proposal.

Any proposal may be withdrawn by the bidder by selecting the “Unsubmitted Proposal” button at any time prior to the scheduled closing time for receipt of proposals.

4.0 RFP Timeline

Note: Dates and times are subject to change.

Closing Date for RFP/Questions September 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

Proposal Due Date September 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Anticipated Board Approval/Contract Award October 15, 2026 Contract Start Date October 16, 2026

5.0 Proposal Evaluation – All proposals will be evaluated for completeness and the proposer’s ability to meet or exceed RFP specifications. A contract, if awarded, will be pursuant to California Public Contract Code 20118.2, which permits the District to consider more than simply price in awarding the contract. In this case, price will be the most heavily weighted factors; though the District will also consider the prospective Vendor’s ability to meet the service delivery requirements described in the RFP, as well as other relevant factors, including but not limited to CHP Rating for contracts in the State in the last five (5) years, Driver turnover ratio, and Strong Safety and Maintenance Program and conditions stated in this Request for Proposal (RFP). The District is seeking proposals demonstrating “Best Value” and/or exceeding RFP specifications.

The District reserves the right to award to one or more service providers whose proposal(s) provide the greatest value to the District.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

7.0 Submitting Proposals – Proposals must be submitted electronically at https://omsd.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities. It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure that its proposal response is submitted on-line. No Vendor may withdraw its RFP for a period of 120 days after the date set for the opening of proposals. The cost of preparing and submitting a proposal is the sole responsibility of the proposer and shall not be chargeable in any manner to the District. The contents of any proposal shall not be made available during the evaluation process.

8.0 Proposal Due Date – Proposals must be electronically submitted through the District’s on-line bid portal no later than TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026, AT 10:00 A.M., at https://omsd.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities. It is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure the proposal is submitted on-line. Failure to meet the proposal due date timeline is cause for proposal rejection.

System will not allow proposals to be uploaded after the closing date and time.

Faxed or emailed responses to the RFP will not be accepted. All costs incurred in the preparation, submission and/or presentation of respondents responding to the RFP including, but not limited to, the respondent’s travel expenses to attend any bidders’ conferences, oral presentations, long distance charges, and negotiation sessions, shall be the sole responsibility of the respondent and will not be reimbursed by District.

The proposal must be signed by a person duly authorized to bind the respondent to the RFP. By signing, the authorized person is agreeing to all terms, conditions, instructions, specifications and requirements of this RFP document, including all amendments and attachments unless stated otherwise in the vendor's proposal.

8.1 Proposals must be submitted in the format provided by the District. Read the RFP carefully and respond accordingly. No alterations to the District forms will be permitted, including substitutions or deletions without the prior written consent of the District, which may be given or withheld at the District’s sole discretion. Reproduction of District documents is permitted so long as reproduced copies are identical in size, format and content to the forms prepared by the District. Any proposal submitted in altered form may result in rejection of such proposal at the option of the District.

8.2 Responsibility for errors or omissions on the part of respondents will not be assumed by the District. Vendor will be bound by the terms and conditions of the RFP notwithstanding the fact that errors may be or are contained therein. However, if material errors are actually discovered in a proposal, the District will notify the Bidder that the proposal, as submitted, appears to contain errors. The District may waive minor irregularities or errors in accordance with public contract code.

8.3 A bid will be rejected if, in the opinion of the District, there was a material misstatement or misrepresentation contained in the proposal response. If an agreement has already been executed at the time of discovery of the material, misstatement or misrepresentation, the District reserves the right to terminate the contract and pursue any available legal remedies.

8.4 The failure or neglect of any Bidder to receive or examine any RFP documents, addendum, or other documents shall in no way relieve any Bidder from obligations with respect to his or her proposal. The submission of a proposal shall be taken as prima facie evidence of compliance with this section.

8.5 The Bid Proposal Form(s) – Fee Schedule(s) “signature page” must be signed (electronic signatures are acceptable) by a person duly authorized to bind the Vendor, and included with the proposal. By signing, the authorized person is agreeing to all the RFP terms, conditions, instructions, specifications and requirements of this RFP document, including all amendments and attachments unless otherwise negotiated during contract award. The Proposal Forms – Fee Schedules must be uploaded separately to the Bonfire/Euna website bid portal.

8.6 Proposal response to any specific item of this RFP, with the terms such as, but not limited to, “negotiable”, “will negotiate”, or similar, may be considered non-responsive to that specific item and may cause your entire proposal to be rejected. Qualifying the bid in any manner may also lead to the proposal response being declared non-responsive.

8.7 Bid Protest – Vendors may protest a contract award if he/she believes that the award was inconsistent with Board policy or the bid/RFP specifications or was not in compliance with law. The protest must be filed in writing with the Superintendent or designee within five working days after receipt of notification of the contract award. The bidder shall submit all documents supporting or justifying the protest. A bidder's failure to timely file a protest shall constitute a waiver of his/her right to protest the award of the contract.

The bidder may appeal the Superintendent or designee's decision to the Board. The Superintendent or designee shall provide reasonable notice to the bidder of the time for Board consideration of the contract award. The Board's decision shall be final.

9.0 Contents of the Proposal Response – Each proposal should address the following items in the order listed below. Be sure to include information on all items that were requested throughout the RFP documents. The proposal response is to demonstrate the qualifications, competence, and capacity of the firm as well as specify the approach in conformity with all federal, state, District, and local requirements:

A. Cover Letter - Include a cover letter with a brief description of the firm and statement of interest.

B. Description of Bidder’s Company - Include a description of qualifications for your company providing the requested services. Include information regarding the size of the company, location, nature of work performed, and years in this particular business.

C. Bidders Personnel and Staffing Resources – Submit resume(s) or profiles of the individuals who will be assigned to provide the requested services, including their qualifications and recent and related experience providing similar services. Bidder must submit an operations organizational chart and highlight the key personnel who will assigned to the District. The Bidder should state the size of staff, the location from which these services would be performed, and the number/nature of the staff to be employed in this engagement on a full-time and on a part-time basis. An affirmative statement should be included that the firm and all assigned key professional staff are currently and properly certified or licensed to perform the services and hold all proper business or other required licenses.

Each Bidder, as part of their bid submission shall outline the structure of the management organization to be assigned to the District contact. The outline shall also include resumes, duties, shift times, hour per week, education, work experience for the last five (5) years, licensing, special courses required for the position and areas of control. All listed positions are to be identified on an organizational chart and submitted to the District.

Provide a detailed description of the dispatch system you intend to use with your proposal. Provide a startup action plan.

D. Capacity and Methodology – Describe the approach to provide services and fulfill the requirements and expectations of the District and this RFP. Use this section to address the ability of your company to undertake and accomplish the required scope of service while meeting all deadlines. Provide a detailed description of the dispatch system you intend to use with your proposal.

Provide a startup action plan.

E. Experience and References – Provide descriptions of past performances of similar service and related experience. The Bidder is required to submit a list of school districts or county offices of education for which services have been performed in the last five (5) years. Please identify districts that are of the approximate size of the District. The list shall include the number of buses, routes and number of students, date services were performed, number of hours of service for the project, client name, client contact name, phone number and email address.

F. Customer Service Commitment – Describe your ongoing commitment to providing outstanding customer service. Include letters of reference and testimonials.

G. Vehicles – Include a list of vehicles that Bidder intends to use to carry out the requirements of the contract. Use the “List of Vehicles” attached to the RFP document as Attachment 4. Attach additional pages as required. List the manufacturer, year, vehicle identification number and seating capacity. Include specifications and information on the GPS system. (Ref. Attachment 4)

I. Bidder’s Questionnaire – Each Bidder must completely answer the questions of this document.

Questions may be answered in other sections of the proposal if clearly and conspicuously identified on the questionnaire. (Ref Attachment 1)

J. Certificate Regarding Workers’ Compensation – Complete and return the form with proposal

(Ref Attachment 2)

K. Equal Opportunity Form – Complete and return with proposal (Ref Attachment 3)

L. Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification – W-9 Form complete and return with proposal (Ref Attachment 5)

M. Fingerprint and Criminal Background Form – To be completed by successful bidder(s) at time of contract award. (Ref Attachment 6)

N. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion Form

– Complete and return with proposal (Ref Attachment 7)

O. Federal Funding Contract Compliance Form – Complete and return with proposal (Ref

Attachment 8)

P. Contractor Certification of Compliance Form – To be completed by successful bidder(s) at time of contract award. (Ref Attachment 9)

Q. Vendor Application – Complete and return with proposal (Ref Attachment 10)

R. Noncollusion Affidavit – Complete and return with proposal (Ref Attachment 11)

S. Proposal Forms – Under separate Tab provide costs to provide services (Proposal Forms) and

Rate Sheet. Carefully read and sign the Proposal Form. Proposal forms must be signed in the name of the Bidder and must bear the signature in longhand or electronic signature of the person(s) duly authorized to the Vendor to the terms of all contractual documents. The Proposal Form – Fee Schedule for Category A and Category B must be provided under separate tab and uploaded to Bonfire/Euna in the area indicated. Note: The Base Miles, Base Hours, Estimated Rate per Route.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It is extremely important that all bidders READ and ADHERE to the terms and conditions, instructions, requirements, specifications, and all RFP documents included herein. Failure to do so may disqualify your bid.

10.0 Insurance – Vendor shall provide and maintain during the term of the Contract a program of insurance satisfactory to the District covering its operations hereunder. Certificates of Insurance, along with endorsements, shall be delivered to the District on or before the effective date of this contract, and shall stipulate that the District is to be given written notice by certified mail at least thirty (30) days in advance of any modification or cancellation of any policy of insurance.

District shall be named as additional insured in all said insurance policies. Certificates and insurance policies shall include the following clause: “This policy shall not be canceled or reduced in required limits of liability of amount of insurance until notice has been mailed to the District stating date of cancellation or reduction. Date of cancellation or reduction may not be less than thirty (30) days after date of mailing notice”. Coverage shall include the following:

10.1 Comprehensive General Liability: $5,000,000.00 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal and advertising injury and property damage.

10.2 Automobile Liability: $5,000,000.00 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

10.3 Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability: Statutory as required by the Labor Code of the State of

California and Employer’s Liability limits of no less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence.

10.4 Employer’s Liability $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

10.5 Sexual Abuse or Molestation $3,000,000 per occurrence.

10.6 Umbrella Liability: 10,000,000.00 per occurrence.

The District is aware the above listed insurance requirements may increase the cost of the vendor’s proposal.

Proof of Insurance - The Vendor shall not commence services under this contract until all required insurance certificates have been delivered in duplicate to and approved by the District subject to the following requirements:

1. Certificates and Certificates and insurance policies shall include the following clause:

a. This policy shall not be non-renewed, canceled, or reduced in required limits of liability or amounts of insurance, until notice has been mailed to the District. Date of cancellation or reduction may not be less than thirty (30) days after the date of mailing notice”.

2. Certificates of insurance shall state in particular those insured, the extent of insurance, location and operation to which the insurance applies, the expiration date, and cancellation and reduction notices.

3. Certificates of insurance shall clearly state that the District, its officers, employees, agents and independent contractors are named as additional insured under the policy described and that such insurance policy shall be primary to any insurance or self-e

Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the District. At the option of the District, either: (1) the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the District, its officials, employees and agents; or (2) the Bidder shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigation, claim administration and defense expenses. Policies shall contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:

A. The District, its trustees, officers, employees and agents are to be named additional insured;

B. The Vendor’s insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects to the District, its trustees, officers, employees and agents. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the District, its trustees, officers, employees and agents shall be excess of Vendor’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

11.0 Compliance – In the event of the failure of any Vendor to furnish and maintain any insurance required by this RFP, the Vendor shall be in default under the contract. Compliance by the Vendor with the requirement to carry insurance and furnish certificates or policies evidencing the same shall not relieve the Vendor from liability assumed under any provisions of this agreement, including, without limitation, the obligation to defend and indemnify the District.

12.0 Self-Insured – In any instance in which the insured shall choose to self-insure the amount of the retained limit or the underlying policy limits, the assured, as self-insured, has the same duties and obligations as above.

The self-insured entity that it currently holds coverage in the amounts as required herein. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the District. Vendor shall guarantee that, at the option of the District, either: (1) the insurer shall eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects to the District and its directors, employees, agents, and volunteers; or (2) the Vendor shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigation costs, claims and administrative and defense expenses.

13.0 Bonds – General Information – The District does not require a Performance Bond for this proposal.

13.1 Permits and Licenses – Bidders are required to hold valid business and professional licenses that may be required by the State of California, County of San Bernardino, but not limited to a City of Ontario or Montclair business license as required by the City Clerk’s office, for the performing of the work and pay all fees relating thereto, and all costs and expenses incurred on account thereof, and deliver certificates of same to the District. It is the Bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure such permits or licenses shall remain in full force throughout the duration of the contract with the District.

14.0 Fingerprinting – This RFP and any resultant contract award are subject to the provisions of Education Code

Section 45125.1. Upon contract award, the successful Bidder will be required to comply with these fingerprint requirements. Bidder’s employees are required to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice where an employee may come into contact with students at any school site. The successful Bidder will be required to return the Fingerprint and Criminal Background Check Certification form included in this RFP document to the District certifying all its employees have been cleared by the Department of Justice prior to commencing any contract work.

The Department of Justice will ascertain whether the employee has a pending criminal proceeding for a violent or serious felony or has been convicted of a violent or serious felony as they are defined in Penal Code Sections 667.5 and 1192.7, respectively. Bidder shall not permit an employee to come in contact with students until the Department of Justice has ascertained that the employee has not been convicted of a felony as defined in Education Code Section 45122.1.

Prior to commencement of services by a vendor’s employee, awarded vendor shall provide the District with a list of names of employees who may come in contact with students and must certify in writing to the District that none of its employees who may come in contact with students have been convicted of a felony as defined in Education Code Section 45122.1. District may request the removal of any employee from any District site at any time. Failure to comply with this provision may result in contract termination.

14.1 Mandated Reporter - Beginning July 1, 2026, per SB 848, any employee, volunteer or board member of a public or private contractor to a school district whose duties require contact or supervision of pupils at that school district shall be required to take the Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Educators Training Module within 6 weeks of hire and annually thereafter.

15.0 Equal Opportunity Employer – The Bidder shall certify that it is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has made a good faith effort to improve minority employment and agrees to meet federal and state guidelines.

16.0 Bidder Tax Information – The successful Bidder will be required to complete the W-9 tax form and return it to the District with the proposal response.

17.0 Non-Availability of Funds – Purchase of services is contingent upon availability of funds. The District is not responsible, nor will it be penalized for canceling the contract or portion of a contract due to lack of appropriate funds.

18.0 Examination and Audit – The contracting parties shall be subject to the examination and audit of the

District’s auditor for a period of three (3) years after final payment under the contract in accordance with Government Code Section 8546.7. The examination and audit shall be confined to those matters connected to the performance of the contract, including, but not limited to, the costs of administering the contract.

19.0 State Audit – The contracting parties shall be subject to examination and audit by the Auditor General of the State of California for a period of three (3) years after final payment under the contract, as provided in Government Code Section 8546.7.

20.0 Audit Access – For the purposes of such audits, the Vendor shall provide the District (and its designees) access to the part of the facility at which the Vendor is providing the services, to Vendor personnel and to data and records relating to the services. The Vendor shall provide reasonable assistance during the audit and will cooperate reasonably with the District in connection with audit functions and with regard to examination by regulatory authorities. The District’s auditors shall comply with the Vendor’s reasonable security measures.

21.0 Cooperation/Conduct – Vendor shall not perform services in a manner in which unreasonably impedes

District’s conduct of its business, including, but not limited to, its schedule of classes and activities.

22.0 Joint Ventures – Joint ventures WILL NOT be acceptable for the performance of any contract that may result from this RFP.

23.0 Governing Law – This contract is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of

California.

24.0 Laws and Regulation – The Vendor shall confirm to all applicable Federal, State, County, and City laws, rules, ordinances, codes and regulations covering this work including obtaining an Ontario and Montclair business license if required City Clerk’s office. It is the Vendor’s total responsibility to determine specific details of such requirements and warrant that all services performed as part of this contract totally conforms to such requirements. Failure to conform to any requirements or violations of any such requirements, including, but not limited to California Highway Patrol requirements for buses and drivers will result in a default under the contract.

25.0 Provision of Law Insertion – Each and every provision of law and clause required by law to be inserted in the contract shall be deemed to be inserted herein and the contract shall be read and enforced as though it were included herein and if through mistake or otherwise any such provision is not inserted, or is not correctly inserted, then upon application of either party, the contract shall forthwith be physically amended to make such insertion or correction.

26.0 Conflict with Existing Law – The Bidder and the District agree that if any provision of the contract is found to be illegal or unenforceable, such term or provision shall be deemed stricken and the remainder of the contract shall remain in full force and effect. Either party having knowledge of such term or provision shall promptly inform the other of the presumed non-applicability of such provision. Should the offending provision go to the heart of the contract, the contract shall be terminated in a manner commensurate with the interests of both parties, to the maximum extent reasonable.

27.0 Non-Smoking Policy – Effective July 1, 1995, smoking and the use of tobacco products by employees and visitors is prohibited on all District property and in all District vehicles. Appropriate notices shall be posted.

(Health and Safety Code Section 24167). The “No Smoking Policy on District Property” is strictly enforced, and Vendor and its employees shall comply with this prohibition.

28.0 Covenant Against Gratuities – The Bidder warrants by signing hereon that no gratuities (in the form of entertainment, gifts, or otherwise) were offered or given by the Bidder or any agent or representative of the Bidder, to any officer or employee of the District with a view toward securing the contract or securing favorable treatment with respect to any determinations concerning the performance of the contract. For breach or violation of this warranty, the District shall have the right to terminate the contract, either in whole or in part, and any loss or damage sustained by the District in procuring on the open market any items which Bidder agreed to supply shall be borne and paid for by the Bidder. The rights and remedies of the District provided in this clause shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under the contract.

29.0 Drug Free Work Place – The selected Bidder will, by signing any future contract agreement, swears under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the Bidder is in compliance with the District in matters relating to providing a drug-free workplace. Bidder shall do the following:

A. Publish a statement notifying employees that unlawful manufacturing, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited and specifying actions to be taken against employees for violations, as required by the District.

B. Establish a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about all of the following:

1. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

2. The person’s or organization’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

3. The availability of drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs;

4. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.

C. Require that every employee who works under the RFP terms:

1. Will receive a copy of the Bidder’s drug-free policy statement;

2. Agree to abide by the terms of the Bidder’s statement as a condition of employment on the agreement.

30.0 Waiver of Breach of Contract – No term or provision of this contract shall be deemed waived and no breach excused, unless such waiver or consent shall be in writing and signed by an individual authorized to so waive or consent. Any consent by either party to, or waiver of, a breach by the other, whether expressed or implied, shall not constitute a consent to, waiver of, or excuse for, any other breach or subsequent breach, except as may be expressly provided in the waiver or consent.

31.0 Default

A. In addition to any other rights of termination or any other remedies available at law or in equity, including but not limited to, liquidated damages, if District determines that a default or violation under the contract has occurred, it shall provide written notice to the Vendor and the surety describing the default or violation and it shall require the default or violation to be cured within five (5) business days. If the default or violation is not cured within the five (5) day period, the District may exercise its right to terminate the contract. In the event of a termination, District shall send a notice of termination in any manner acceptable as described in Notices, to the Vendor and the surety, declaring the contract to be terminated as of the date provided in the notice.

B. At the time of termination, payment of invoices for products and services already received and approved in accordance with RFP documents shall be the responsibility of the District. The District shall not be responsible for any loss of profits resulting from the cancellation. There shall be no early termination fee charged to the District.

C. In addition, the Vendor will be responsible for the cost difference for the District to purchase the services from the next Bidder awarded in accordance with the RFP documents. If the District is unable to make another award using the existing RFP, the Vendor shall be responsible to pay the cost difference for the District to purchase the services from another source in accordance with legal guidelines.

D. District’s right to terminate the contract as stated herein and in “Termination of Contract” is in addition to any remedies District may have, including but not limited to, assessing liquidated damages.

32.0 Contractual Agreement - The District wishes to enter into a one (1) year contract with the option to extend the agreement in one-year increments, not to exceed a total of five (5) years. This RFP does not permit the successful Bidder to perform services until a contract has been approved by the Board of Education, all appropriate documentation has been received and approved by the District, and a contract has been signed by both parties. If awarded the District requires services to begin effective October 16, 2026 or sooner as negotiated by between both parties.

32.1 Contract Extension – The District reserves the right to extend the contract on an annual basis in its best interest.

32.2 Price Escalation – The adjustment to the contract price rate(s), if any, shall be effective on July 1 of each additional year that contract is extended. A maximum price increase of no more than 5% per contract year, or in accordance with the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index –All Urban Consumers Los Angeles, All Items, for Los Angeles/Riverside/Orange County, twelve (12) month percentage change. whichever is lesser, may be negotiated subject to the existing market conditions and approval by the District. The Bidder must substantiate the need for price increases by providing documentation that is acceptable and to the complete satisfaction of the District. All requests for rate adjustment must be requested by the Bidder in writing no less than 90 days prior to the end of each annual contract period.

A review of costs will be made to determine the feasibility of any such adjustments. If the District denies the request, the Bidder may appeal to the District and provide additional evidence as to why the increase is warranted. The final decision to grant a price increase rests solely with the District and denial of such is not a basis for termination of services by the Bidder.

32.3 Price Decreases – During the term of the contract, the District reserves the right to purchase any services covered under this RFP form the successful Bidder at the decreased price. Price reductions are to be immediately passed on to the District as U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index – All Urban Consumers Los Angeles, All Items, for Los Angeles/Riverside/Orange County, conditions drop for these services.

32.4 Payment - Invoices shall be submitted in duplicate under the same Bidder’s firm name as shown on the agreement. Invoices shall include the purchase order number, if any, detailed itemization of services and location of services. The Bidder shall present an invoice monthly in arrears to the District for services rendered.

Invoices are to be submitted directly to the District’s Transportation Department on or before the 15th day of every month, with billing pertaining to the 30 days (or calendar month) prior. Each invoice shall include only services which have been performed. The District shall not owe any fees for services contemplated hereunder but not performed.

Bidders will be paid for services performed at the agreed upon rates indicated in the Bid Proposal Form/Fee

Schedule that shall become a part of the agreement.

There shall be no additional payments, fees or reimbursements made to the Bidder for any expenses incurred to prepare or carry out the reequipments of this bid, other than what is stated in these Bid documents.

32.5 Sample Agreement – The successful proposer(s) will be required to enter into the sample agreement at the end of these documents.

33.0 Additional Contractual Terms

a) If, at any time during the performance of the contract District determines that Bidder’s services are unsatisfactory, the District shall provide written notice to the Bidder describing the unsatisfactory performance and a reasonable cure period. If the performance remains unsatisfactory at the end of the cure period, the District shall provide notice to the surety and the Bidder and the District shall have the right to terminate the contract as may be stated in the notice. In the event of a termination, the District is obligated to make payments only for services rendered up to the notice of termination.

b) District may terminate the contract pursuant to subsection A under Default.

c) District reserves the right to terminate the contract for any reason on 120 days’ written notice.

d) District reserves the right to terminate the contract as of the end of each District fiscal year on 60 days’ written notice.

e) District’s right to terminate the contract as stated herein is in addition to any remedies District may have, including but not limited to assessing liquidated damages.

34.0 Liquidated Damages – Bidder agrees that if the services are not completed in strict accordance with the Specifications and other Contract Documents it is understood, acknowledged and agreed that the District will suffer damage. Since it is impractical and infeasible to determine the amount of actual damage, it is agreed that the Bidder shall pay to the District as fixed and liquidated damages, and not as a penalty, the sums stated in the Liquidated Damages Schedule, set forth in the Scope of Work, for each and every school day the Bidder is in violation of the Specifications or other Contract Documents.

35.0 Hold Harmless Agreement - The Bidder agrees to and does hereby indemnify and hold harmless the District, its officers, agents and employees from every claim or demand made and every liability, loss, damage, or expense of any nature whatsoever, which may be incurred by reason of:

A. Liability for damages for (1) death or bodily injury to persons, (2) injury to property, or (3) any other loss, damage or expense arising out of the contract sustained by the Bidder and any person, firm or corporation employed by the Bidder upon or in connection with the work called for in this agreement except for liability for damages referred to above which results from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the District, its officers, employees, or agents.

B. Any injury to or death of persons or damage to property, sustained by any person, firm or corporation, including the District, arising out of, or in any way connected with the services covered by the contract, whether said injury or damage occurs either on or off District property, except for liability for damages which result from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the District, its officers, employees, or agents.

C. The Bidder, at this own expense, cost and risk shall defend any and all actions, suits, or other proceeding that may be brought or instituted against the District, its officers, agents, or employees on any such claim, demand, or liability and shall pay or satisfy any settlement or judgment that may be rendered against the District, its officers, agents, or employees in any action, suit, or other proceeding as a result thereof.

36.0 Assignment - This contract shall not be assignable in whole or in part without written consent of the District.

The District does not normally object to the granting of assignments for financial purposes, provided that the original Bidder retains all of its responsibilities and obligations under the contract. In the event of any assignment hereunder to which the District has consented, each such assignment shall contain a provision that further assignments shall not be made to any third or subsequent party without any additional written consent of the District.

37.0 Bidder’s Power and Authority - The Bidder warrants that it has full power and authority to grant the rights under the contract and will hold the District hereunder harmless from and against any loss, cost, liability, and expense (including reasonable attorney fees) arising out of any breach of that warranty. Further, Bidder avers that it will not enter into any arrangement with any third party, which might adversely affect any rights of the District under this contract.

38.0 Disputes and Remedies

A. Negotiation: Any claim that Bidder may have regarding the performance of the contract, including, but not limited to, claims for additional compensation, shall be submitted to the District within 30 days of its occurrence. The District and Bidder shall attempt to negotiate a resolution of such claim and process an amendment to the contract.

B. Mediation/Arbitration: If a dispute arises out of or relates to the contract, or the breach thereof, and if said dispute cannot be settled through direct discussions, the parties agree to first endeavor to settle the dispute in an amicable manner by mediation under a mutually agreed upon process before resorting to arbitration.

Thereafter, any unresolved controversy or claim arising out of or relating to the Agreement, or breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with a mutually agreed upon process.

C. Services Pending Outcome: Bidder agrees to proceed with all services ordered by the District pursuant to the contract pending the outcome of any claim, dispute, mediation, or arbitration. In accordance with the terms of the contract, the District agrees to pay for services ordered by it and properly rendered by the Bidder pending the outcome of any claim, dispute, mediation, or arbitration.

D. Additional Remedies: The rights and remedies of the parties provided under the contract are in addition to other rights and remedies provided by law.

39.0 Non-Exclusive Agreement - Any resultant agreement is non-exclusive. In the event Bidder is unable to perform, or perform in an unsatisfactory manner, or in the event an unanticipated event or circumstance arises, the District retains the right to perform its own work or contract with other firms engaged in the same or similar type of work as defined in these documents at any time during the life of the contract.

40.0 Waive Informalities or Irregularities - The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, or portions of bids, and to accept or reject any item, to withdraw a line item or entire bid, or to waive any minor irregularities or informalities in the bid or in the process.

41.0 Waiver and Severability Clause - One or more waivers of any term, condition or covenant by either party shall not be construed as a waiver of any other term, condition or covenant. If any provision of this bid or contract is held, in whole or in part, to be unenforceable for any reason, that portion shall be severable and the remainder of that provision and of the entire bid or contract shall remain in effect.

42.0 Prohibition on Marketing and use of the District Name - No advertising, sales, promotional or other publicity materials containing information obtained from this bid are to be mentioned, or imply the name of the District, without prior express written permission from the authorized District contract person.

43.0 New Equipment or Products - District requires Bidder to provide a list of the vehicles, including vehicle numbers of the equipment to be used in providing the services requested. Acceptance by the District of the list is not intended to preclude the use of new equipment or products during the course of the contract if to use said new equipment or products would benefit the District. In the event the Bidder desires to use new equipment or products that would benefit the District, it may request approval from the District for the use of the new equipment or products. It is in the District’s sole discretion as to whether or not to grant approval.

44.0 District Not Responsible for Preparation Costs - All costs incurred in the preparation, submission and/or presentation of Bidder responding to the bid, including, but not limited to, the Bidder’s travel expenses to attend any pre-conferences, oral presentations, long distance charges, and negotiation sessions, shall be the sole responsibility of the Bidder and will not be reimbursed by District.

District shall not pay for any costs incurred for bid or contract preparation as a result of termination of this bid or termination of the contract resulting from this bid.

45.0 Right to Use Ideas - All proposals and other materials submitted become the property of the District and are public information, (except for financial information). District reserves the right to use any ideas or documents presented in any response to the bid. Selection or rejection of the bid shall not affect this right.

46.0 No Additional Costs

The District shall not pay any additional costs to the successful Bidder for any items not specifically called out for pricing in this Bid. The Bidder shall provide any and all personnel, materials, equipment, machinery, fuel, tools, labor, parts, supplies, set up, designs, management, engineering, time, travel, and any other expense needed to provide the products or services in accordance with these Bid documents.

SCOPE OF WORK

The below scope of work summarizes District expectations for delivery of Student Transportation Services to be performed in accordance with the terms of this RFP document. Proposals shall provide a means for the District to effectively evaluate the vendor’s capabilities to meet or exceed District requirements. The emphasis of your proposal should be on completeness and clarity of proposal content.

Requirement for Student Transportation

The vendor shall provide transportation services before, during, and after school from Monday through Friday, between July 1 through June 30 of each year. In addition, the vendor must provide services as needed by the District for summer school, extended school year (ESY), evening or weekend events, and field trips, including overnight trips. There are approximately 180 school days per year that require service, not including summer service (Subject to change yearly based on District service needs).

The District Reserves The Right To Change The School Calendar Year Schedule As Needed

District schools are on a Traditional calendar from August to May. Various limited Summer School programs run from June through July. Budgeting for Transportation Services is based on the District fiscal year from July 1st through June 30th. In addition, District students also attend non-public schools outside of the city and throughout various counties. Calendars vary according to non-public sites accordingly.

Service Hours

● Approximately 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM for morning service

● Approximately 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for mid-day kinder service

● Approximately 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM for PM service

● Exceptions consist of afterschool programs and late evening routes that go through approximately

6:00 PM (Subject to change based on service needs). Mid-day service is provided for kinder routes and other site-specific services. Mid-day hours vary according to route length and service type.

Routing and Scheduling A route is defined as a run, or a series of runs, that commence from a Base Point and return to the same Base Point (See Base Point Section).

The District shall provide the successful Bidder(s) the routes and the number of students to be transported, at least two (2) working days prior to the first day students are to be transported. The Bidder shall follow the requirements of the route sheets as specified by the District. The route sheets shall include:

a) The order of pickup and delivery

b) Pickup and delivery location

c) Directions to and from each location

d) Number of students

e) The School to which the student is assigned

f) The arrival and departure times of buses assigned

g) The size and type of equipment

h) An indication of whether or not the student requires special handling and/or equipment.

i) If special needs, a picture of the student is provided when possible

On each assigned bus, the Bidder’s drivers must maintain a current route description, student roster, seating plan and/or any other relevant information provided by the District to ensure the success of the route.

The District maintains the right to request that Bidder assign a particular driver and or attendant to a specific route on a temporary or permanent basis.

Base Point - Start Point of all Bus Routes Base point billing will commence from in-service pull out to out-of-service pull in at the Base Point.