SAP

Lexington County

School District Two

Fixed Price Bid

Solicitation # 26-009

Date Issued 6/4/2026

Procurement

Official

Stephen Taylor

Phone 803-739-4057

E-Mail Address sataylor@lex2.org

DESCRIPTION Districtwide Student Supplemental Transportation Services

SUBMIT YOUR OFFER ON-LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL:

https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/76232/bo/bo-detail/142806

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 06/22/2026 @ 11:00 AM (See "Deadline For Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 06/11/2026 @ 5:00 PM (See "Questions From Offerors" provision)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: One (1) Online Submission with Cover Pages 1 & 2 and required attachments and documents

Initial here if NO redacted copy is necessary___________

CONFERENCE TYPE: N/A

DATE & TIME: N/A

(As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions)

LOCATION: N/A

AWARD &

AMENDMENTS

The award, this solicitation, any amendments, and any related notices will be posted at the following web address: http://www.lex2.org

You must submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By signing, You agree to be bound by the terms of the

Solicitation. You agree to hold Your Offer open for a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days after the Opening Date. (See

"Signing Your Offer" provision.)

NAME OF OFFEROR

(full legal name of business submitting the offer)

Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror. The entity named as the offeror must be a single and distinct legal entity. Do not use the name of a branch office or a division of a larger entity if the branch or division is not a separate legal entity, i.e., a separate corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

(Person must be authorized to submit binding offer to contract on behalf of Offeror.)

DATE SIGNED

TITLE

(business title of person signing above)

TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

PRINTED NAME

(printed name of person signing above)

STATE OF INCORPORATION

(If you are a corporation, identify the state of incorporation.)

OFFEROR'S TYPE OF ENTITY: (Check one) (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

___ Sole Proprietorship ___ Partnership ___ Other_____________________________

___ Corporate entity (not tax-exempt) ___ Corporation (tax-exempt) ___ Government entity (federal, state, or local)

COVER PAGE - ON-LINE ONLY (MAR. 2015)

mailto:sataylor@lex2.org https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/76232/bo/bo-detail/142806 http://www.lex2.org/

PAGE TWO

(Return Page Two with Your Offer)

HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for offeror's home office / principal place of business)

NOTICE ADDRESS (Address to which all procurement and contract related notices should be sent.) (See "Notice" clause)

Area Code - Number - Extension Facsimile

E-mail Address

PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent.)

(See "Payment" clause)

____Payment Address same as Home Office Address ____Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ORDER ADDRESS (Address to which purchase orders will be sent)

(See "Purchase Orders and "Contract Documents" clauses)

____Order Address same as Home Office Address ____Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

Offerors acknowledges receipt of amendments by indicating amendment number and its date of issue. (See "Amendments to Solicitation" Provision)

Amendment No. Amendment Issue

Date Amendment No. Amendment Issue

Date Amendment No. Amendment Issue

Date Amendment No. Amendment Issue

Date

DISCOUNT FOR

PROMPT PAYMENT

(See "Discount for Prompt

Payment" clause)

10 Calendar Days (%) 20 Calendar Days (%) 30 Calendar Days (%) _____Calendar Days (%)

PAGE TWO (SEP 2009) End of PAGE TWO

Table of Contents

SECTION I SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

SECTION II A INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION II B INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION III SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION IV INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT

SECTION V QUALIFICATIONS

SECTION VI AWARD CRITERIA

SECTION VIIA TERMS AND CONDITIONS – GENERAL

SECTION VIIB TERMS AND CONDITIONS - SPECIAL

SECTION VIII BIDDING SCHEDULE

SECTION IX ATTACHMENTS TO SOLICITATION

I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

ACQUIRE SERVICES (MODIFIED)

The purpose of this solicitation is to competitively obtain bids to acquire supplies, services or equipment which complies with the enclosed description and/or specifications and conditions for Lexington School District Two for the following project: Districtwide Student Supplemental Transportation Services. Contractor shall be placed on a Qualified Provider List

(QPL) as pre-approved sources of supply, however there is no guarantee of any work following contract award.

Fixed Priced Bidding Information

Any pricing provided by Contractor shall include all costs for performing the work associated with that price. Except as otherwise provided in this solicitation, contractor's price shall be fixed for the duration of this contract, including option terms. This clause does not prohibit contractor from offering lower pricing after award.

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (MODIFIED)

Start date: 07/01/2026 End date: 06/30/2031

The initial term of this contract is one (1) year and there are four (4) one (1) year renewal options. The maximum contract life is five (5) years.

Dates provided are estimates only. Any resulting contract will begin on the date specified in the notice of award. See clause entitled "Term of Contract - Effective Date/Initial Contract Period".

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS

CLAUSE HEADINGS USED IN THIS SOLICITATION ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND SHALL NOT

BE USED TO CONSTRUE MEANING OR INTENT. EVEN IF NOT CAPITALIZED, THE FOLLOWING

DEFINITIONS ARE APPLICABLE TO ALL PARTS OF THE SOLICITATION, UNLESS EXPRESSLY

PROVIDED OTHERWISE.

AMENDMENT means a document issued to supplement the original solicitation document.

BOARD means Lexington County School District Two Board of Trustees.

BUSINESS means any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture, or any other legal entity.

BUYER means the Procurement Officer

CHANGE ORDER means any written alteration in specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery, period of performance, price, quantity, or other provisions of any contract accomplished by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract.

CONTRACT See clause entitled Contract Documents & Order of Precedence.

CONTRACT MODIFICATION means a written order signed by the Procurement Officer, directing the contractor to make changes which the clause of the contract titled “Changes,” if included herein, authorizes the Procurement Officer to order without the consent of the contractor.

CONTRACTOR means the Offeror receiving an award as a result of this solicitation.

COVER PAGE means the top page of the original solicitation on which the solicitation is identified by number. Offerors are cautioned that Amendments may modify information provided on the Cover Page.

DISTRICT means Lexington County School District Two.

OFFER means the bid or proposal submitted in response to this solicitation. The terms Bid and Proposal are used interchangeably with the term Offer.

OFFEROR means the single legal entity submitting the offer. The term Bidder is used interchangeably with the term

Offeror. See bidding provisions entitled Signing Your Offer and Bid/Proposal as Offer to Contract.

PAGE TWO means the second page of the original solicitation, which is labeled Page Two.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER means the person, or his successor, identified as such on either the Cover Page, an amendment, or an award notice.

PROCUREMENT OR PURCHASING OFFICE means the Lexington County School District Two Purchasing Department.

YOU and YOUR means Offeror.

SOLICITATION means this document, including all its parts, attachments, and any Amendments.

SUBCONTRACTOR means any person having a contract to perform work or render service to Contractor as a part of the

Contractor’s agreement arising from this solicitation.

WORK means all labor, materials, equipment and services provided or to be provided by the Contractor to fulfill the

Contractor’s obligations under the Contract.

AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION

(a) The Solicitation may be amended at any time prior to opening. All actual and prospective Offerors should monitor the following web site for the issuance of Amendments: http://www.lex2.org (b) Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation (1) by signing and returning the amendment, (2) by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on Page Two, (3) by letter, or (4) by submitting a bid that indicates in some way that the bidder received the amendment. (c) If this solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged.

AUTHORIZED AGENT

All authority regarding this procurement is vested solely with the responsible Procurement Officer. Unless specifically delegated in writing, the Procurement Officer is the only government official authorized to bind the government with regard to this procurement or the resulting contract.

http://www.lex2.org/

AWARD NOTIFICATION

Notice regarding any award, cancellation of award, or extension of award will be posted at the location and on the date specified on the Cover Page or, if applicable, the most recent notice of extension of award. Should the contract resulting from this Solicitation have a total or potential value more than one hundred thousand dollars, such notice will be sent electronically to all Offerors responding to the Solicitation. Unless a written notice of intent to protest is timely filed pursuant to Section 11-35-4210(1)(b) or the award is otherwise suspended or canceled, the award will be effective on the calendar day (including weekends and holidays) immediately following the seventh business day after such notice is given.

BID/PROPOSAL AS OFFER TO CONTRACT

By submitting Your Bid or Proposal, You are offering to enter into a contract with Lexington County School District Two.

Without further action by either party, a binding contract shall result upon final award. Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror on the Cover Page. An Offer may be submitted by only one legal entity; "joint bids" are not allowed.

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

In order to withdraw Your Offer after the minimum period specified on the Cover Page, You must notify the Procurement

Officer in writing.

BID IN ENGLISH and DOLLARS

Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language and in US dollars, unless otherwise permitted by the Solicitation.

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION

GIVING FALSE, MISLEADING, OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION ON THIS CERTIFICATION MAY

RENDER YOU SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION UNDER SECTION 16-9-10 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE

OF LAWS AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS.

(a) By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that-

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to—

(i) Those prices;

(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or

(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory-

(1) Is the person in the offeror’s organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; or

(2)(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the offeror’s principals in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification [As used in this subdivision (b)(2)(i), the term “principals” means the person(s) in the offeror’s organization responsible for determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal];

(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals referenced in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this certification have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; and

(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification.

(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies paragraph (a)(2) of this certification, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure.

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

(a) (1) By submitting an Offer, Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that-

(i) Offeror and/or any of its Principals-

(A) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any state or federal agency;

(B) Have not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, state, or local) contract or subcontract; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, or receiving stolen property; and

(C) Are not presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this provision.

(ii) Offeror has not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any public (Federal, state, or local) entity.

(2) "Principals," for the purposes of this certification, means officers; directors; owners; partners; and, persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions).

(b) Offeror shall provide immediate written notice to the Procurement Officer if, at any time prior to contract award, Offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

(c) If Offeror is unable to certify the representations stated in paragraphs (a)(1), Offer must submit a written explanation regarding its inability to make the certification. The certification will be considered in connection with a review of the

Offeror's responsibility. Failure of the Offeror to furnish additional information as requested by the Procurement Officer may render the Offeror nonresponsible.

(d) Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (a) of this provision. The knowledge and information of an Offeror is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

(e) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly or in bad faith rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the District, the Procurement Officer may terminate the contract resulting from this solicitation for default.

CODE OF LAWS AVAILABLE

The South Carolina Code of Laws, including the Consolidated Procurement Code, is available at:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php

The South Carolina Regulations are available at:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/statmast.php

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

(“OCI FAQ for Contractors” is available at www.procurement.sc.gov ) (a) You certify that, after reasonable inquiry, to the best of your knowledge and belief: (1) your offer identifies any services that relate to either this solicitation or the work and that have already been performed by you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business or consultant of either; and (2) there are no relevant facts or circumstances that may give rise to an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest, as defined in S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2127, or that your offer identifies and explains any unfair competitive advantage you may have in competing for the proposed contract and any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise from your participation in this competition or your receipt of an award. (b) If you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business or consultant of either, have an unfair competitive advantage or an actual or potential conflict of interest, the

District may withhold award. Before withholding award on these grounds, the District will notify you of the concerns and provide a reasonable opportunity for you to respond. The District may consider efforts to avoid or mitigate such concerns, including restrictions on future activities. (c) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which the District will rely when considering your offer for award.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFER

Any offer received after the Procurement Officer of the governmental body or his designee has declared that the time set for opening has arrived, shall be rejected unless the offer has been delivered to the designated purchasing office or the governmental body's mail room which services that purchasing office prior to the opening.

DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSINGS

If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal District processes so that offers cannot be received at the District office designated for receipt of bids by the exact time specified in the solicitation, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal

District processes resume. In lieu of an automatic extension, an Amendment may be issued to reschedule bid opening. If

District offices are closed at the time a pre-bid or pre-proposal conference is scheduled, an Amendment will be issued to reschedule the conference. Useful information may be available at: http://www.lex2org.

DRUG FREE WORK PLACE CERTIFICATION

By submitting an Offer, Contractor certifies that, if awarded a contract, Contractor will comply with all applicable provisions of The Drug-free Workplace Act, Title 44, Chapter 107 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended.

DUTY TO INQUIRE

Offeror, by submitting an Offer, represents that it has read and understands the Solicitation and that its Offer is made in compliance with the Solicitation. Offerors are expected to examine the Solicitation thoroughly and should request an explanation of any ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation. Failure to do so will be at the Offeror's risk. All ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation shall be interpreted to require the better quality or greater quantity of work and/or materials, unless otherwise directed by amendment. Offeror assumes responsibility for any patent ambiguity in the Solicitation that Offeror does not bring to the

District's attention. See clause entitled "Questions from Offerors."

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/statmast.php http://www.procurement.sc.gov/ http://www.lex2org/

ETHICS CERTIFICATE

By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that the offeror has and will comply with, and has not, and will not, induce a person to violate Title 8, Chapter 13 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended (ethics act). The following statutes require special attention: Section 8-13-700, regarding use of official position for financial gain; Section 8-13-705, regarding gifts to influence action of public official; Section 8-13-720, regarding offering money for advice or assistance of public official; Sections 8-13-755 and 8-13-760, regarding restrictions on employment by former public official; Section 8-13-775, prohibiting public official with economic interests from acting on contracts; Section 8-13-790, regarding recovery of kickbacks; Section 8-13-1150, regarding statements to be filed by consultants; and Section 8-13-1342, regarding restrictions on contributions by contractor to candidate who participated in awarding of contract. The District may rescind any contract and recover all amounts expended as a result of any action taken in violation of this provision. If contractor participates, directly or indirectly, in the evaluation or award of public contracts, including without limitation, change orders or task orders regarding a public contract, contractor shall, if required by law to file such a statement, provide the statement required by Section 8-13-1150 to the procurement officer at the same time the law requires the statement to be filed. [02-2A075-2]

MULTIPLE OFFERS

Offerors may submit more than one Offer, provided that each Offer has significant differences other than price. Each separate Offer must satisfy all Solicitation requirements. If this solicitation is an Invitation for Bids, each separate offer must be submitted or uploaded as a separate document and must clearly indicate that it is a separate offer. If this solicitation is a Request for Proposals, multiple offers may be submitted or uploaded as one document, provided that you clearly differentiate between each offer and you submit a separate cost proposal for each offer, if applicable.

OMIT TAXES FROM PRICE

Do not include any sales or use taxes in Your price that the District may be required to pay.

PRICING

(a) Fixed Price. If a fixed price is required, award will not be made on an Offer if the total possible price to the District cannot be determined. (b) Price Reasonableness: Any offer may be rejected if the Procurement Officer determines in writing that it is unreasonable as to price. (c) Unbalanced Pricing. The District will analyze all offers with separately priced line items or subline items to determine if the prices are unbalanced. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more line items is significantly over or understated. The responsible procurement officer may reject an offer as unreasonably priced if she determines that unbalanced pricing increases performance risk

(e.g., it is so unbalanced as to be tantamount to allowing an advance payment) or could result in payment of unreasonably high prices. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2122C.

OPEN TRADE REPRESENTATION

By submitting an Offer, Offeror represents that Offeror is not currently engaged in the boycott of a person or an entity based in or doing business with a jurisdiction with whom South Carolina can enjoy open trade, as defined in SC Code

Section 11-35-5300.

PROTESTS

(a) If you are aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of the contract, you may be entitled to protest, but only as provided in Section 11-35-4210. To protest the solicitation or an amendment, your written protest must be received within fifteen Days of the date the applicable solicitation document is issued. To protest an award, (i) written notice of your intent to protest must be received within seven Business Days of the date the award notice is posted, and (ii) your actual written protest must be received within fifteen Days of the date the award notice is posted. Time periods are computed in accordance with Section 11-35-310(13) and the definitions for Day and Business Day. Both protests and notices of intent to protest must be received by the appropriate Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). See clause entitled "Protest-CPO." (b)

Pursuant to Section 11-35-410, documents directly connected to a procurement activity may be available within five days after request. All document requests should be directed to sataylor@lex2.org. If a protest is pending, the protestant’s lawyer mailto:sataylor@lex2.org may access otherwise unavailable information by applying to the CPO for the issuance of a protective order. Additional information is available at www.procurement.sc.gov/legal

If you are aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of the contract, you may be entitled to protest, but only as provided in Section 11-35-4210. To protest a solicitation, you must submit a protest within fifteen days of the date the applicable solicitation document is issued. To protest an award, you must (i) submit notice of your intent to protest within seven business days of the date the award notice is posted, and (ii) submit your actual protest within fifteen days of the date the award notice is posted. Days are calculated as provided in Section 11-35-310(13). Both protests and notices of intent to protest must be in writing and must be received by the appropriate Chief Procurement Officer within the time provided. See clause entitled "Protest-CPO". The grounds of the protest and the relief requested must be set forth with enough particularity to give notice of the issues to be decided.

PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS AND DONATIONS

Violation of these restrictions may result in disqualification of your offer, suspension or debarment, and may constitute a violation of law.

(a) During the period between publication of the solicitation and final award, you must not communicate, directly or indirectly, with the Using Governmental Unit or its employees, agents or officials regarding any aspect of this procurement activity, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Procurement Officer. All communications must be solely with the Procurement Officer. [R. 19-445.2010]

(b) You are advised to familiarize yourself with Regulation 19-445.2165, which restricts donations to a governmental entity with whom you have or seek to have a contract. You represent that your offer discloses any gifts made, directly or through an intermediary, by you or your named subcontractors to or for the benefit of the Using Governmental Unit during the period beginning eighteen months prior to the Opening Date. [R. 19-445.2165]

PUBLIC OPENING

Offers will be publicly opened at the date/time and at the location identified on the Cover Page, or last Amendment, whichever is applicable.

QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS

(a) Any prospective Offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation of the Solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing. Questions must be received by the Procurement Officer no later than five (5) days prior to opening unless otherwise stated on the Cover Page. Label any communication regarding your questions with the name of the

Procurement Officer, and the solicitation's title and number. Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding. [See R.

19-445.2042(B)] Any information given a prospective offeror concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other prospective offerors as an Amendment to the solicitation, if that information is necessary for submitting offers or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective offerors. See clause entitled “Duty to Inquire.” We will not identify you in our answer to your question. (b) The District seeks to permit maximum practicable competition. Offerors are urged to advise the Procurement Officer – as soon as possible – regarding any aspect of this procurement, including any aspect of the Solicitation that unnecessarily or inappropriately limits full and open competition.

Email is the preferred method for submitting with “Questions: Solicitation # as the subject of the email.” Questions must be submitted in an easily copied format such as Word.

Email: sataylor@lex2.org

REJECTION/CANCELLATION

The District may cancel this solicitation in whole or in part. The District may reject any or all proposals in whole or in part.

[SC Code Section 11-35-1710 & R.19-445.2065] http://www.procurement.sc.gov/legal

RESPONSIVENESS

(a) Award will not be made on a nonresponsive offer. An offer is nonresponsive (i) if it does not constitute an unambiguous offer to enter into a contract with the District, or (ii) if it imposes conditions inconsistent with, or does not unambiguously agree to, the solicitation’s material requirements. (b) Bid as Specified. Offers for supplies or services other than those specified will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation.

SIGNING YOUR OFFER)

Every Offer must be signed by an individual with actual authority to bind the Offeror. (a) If the Offeror is an individual, the

Offer must be signed by that individual. If the Offeror is an individual doing business as a firm, the Offer must be submitted in the firm name, signed by the individual, and state that the individual is doing business as a firm. (b) If the Offeror is a partnership, the Offer must be submitted in the partnership name, followed by the words by its Partner, and signed by a general partner. (c) If the Offeror is a corporation, the Offer must be submitted in the corporate name, followed by the signature and title of the person authorized to sign. (d) An Offer may be submitted by a joint venturer involving any combination of individuals, partnerships, or corporations. If the Offeror is a joint venture, the Offer must be submitted in the name of the Joint Venture and signed by every participant in the joint venture in the manner prescribed in paragraphs (a) through (c) above for each type of participant. (e) If an Offer is signed by an agent, other than as stated in subparagraphs (a) through (d) above, the Offer must state that is has been signed by an Agent. Upon request, Offeror must provide proof of the agent's authorization to bind the principal.

DISCLOSURE OF YOUR BID / PROPOSAL and SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL DATA

(a) According to Section 11-35-410, any person submitting a document in response or with regard to any solicitation or other request must "comply with instructions provided in the solicitation for marking information exempt from public disclosure. Information not marked as required by the applicable instructions may be disclosed to the public." IF YOU

IDENTIFY YOUR ENTIRE RESPONSE AS EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE, OR IF YOU DO NOT

SUBMIT A REDACTED COPY AS REQUIRED, THE DISTRICT MAY, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION,

DETERMINE YOUR BID OR PROPOSAL NONRESPONSIVE AND INELIGIBLE FOR AWARD. (b) By submitting a response to this solicitation or request, Offeror (1) agrees to the public disclosure of every page, or portion thereof, of every document regarding this solicitation or request that was submitted at any time prior to entering into a contract (including, but not limited to, documents contained in a response, documents submitted to clarify a response, and documents submitted during negotiations), unless the page, or portion thereof, was redacted and conspicuously marked

"Trade Secret" or "Confidential" or "Protected", (2) agrees that any information not redacted and marked, as required by these bidding instructions, as a "Trade Secret" is not a trade secret as defined by the Trade Secrets Act, and (3) agrees that, notwithstanding any claims or markings otherwise, any prices, commissions, discounts, or other financial figures used to determine the award, as well as the final contract amount, are subject to public disclosure. (c) If your offer includes any information that you claim is exempt from public disclosure, you must submit one complete copy of your offer from which you have removed or concealed such information (the redacted copy). Except for the information removed or concealed, the redacted copy must be identical to your original offer. (d) Do not mark your entire response (bid, proposal, quote, etc.) as confidential, trade secret, or protected. If only portions of a page are subject to some protection, do not redact the entire page. The redacted copy must reflect the same pagination as the original and show the empty space from which information was redacted. The Procurement Officer must be able to view, search, copy and print the redacted copy without a password.

If your response, or any part thereof, is improperly marked as confidential or trade secret or protected, the District may, in its sole discretion, determine it nonresponsive. (e) On the redacted copy, you must identify the basis of your claim by marking each redaction as follows: You must separately mark with the word "CONFIDENTIAL" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure because it is either (1) a trade secret as defined in

Section 30-4-40(a)(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, or (2) privileged and confidential, as that phrase is used in

Section 11-35-410. You must separately mark with the words "TRADE SECRET" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure as a trade secret pursuant to Section 39-8-20 of the Trade Secrets Act.

You must separately mark with the word "PROTECTED" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Section 11-35- 1810. All markings must be conspicuous; use color, bold, underlining, or some other method in order to conspicuously distinguish the mark from the other text. (f) In determining whether to release documents, the District will detrimentally rely on your redaction and marking of documents, as required by these bidding instructions, as being either "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "Protected". By submitting a response, you agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State of South Carolina, its agencies, officers and employees, from every claim, demand, loss, expense, cost, damage or injury, including attorney's fees, arising out of or resulting from withholding information by the State of South Carolina or any of its agencies, that you have redacted or marked as

"Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "Protected". (All references to S.C. Code of Laws.)

SUBMITTING A PAPER OFFER OR MODIFICATION

Unless specifically instructed otherwise in the solicitation, you should submit your offer or modification in accordance with the clause titled "ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS." Paper offers are discouraged. If you must submit a paper offer or modification the following instructions apply. (a) All prices and notations should be printed in ink or typewritten. Errors should be crossed out, corrections entered and initialed by the person signing the bid. Do not modify the solicitation document itself (including bid schedule). (b) (1) All copies of the offer or modification, and any other documents required to be submitted with the offer shall be enclosed in a sealed, opaque envelope or package. (2) Submit your offer or modification to the address on the Cover Page. (3) The envelope or package must show the time and date specified for opening, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the bidder. If the offer or modification is sent by mail or special delivery service (UPS, Federal Express, etc.), the outermost envelope or wrapper must be labeled "OFFER

ENCLOSED" on the face thereof. (c) If you are responding to more than one solicitation, submit each offer in a separate envelope or package. (d) Submit the number of copies indicated on the Cover Page. (e) Facsimile or e-mail offers, modifications, or withdrawals, will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation.

TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

(a) If Offeror is owned or controlled by a common parent as defined in paragraph (b) of this provision, Offeror must submit with its Offer the name and TIN of common parent. (b) Definitions: "Common parent," as used in this provision, means that corporate entity that owns or controls an affiliated group of corporations that files its Federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis, and of which the Offeror is a member. "Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)," as used in this provision, means the number required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be used by the Offeror in reporting income tax and other returns. The TIN may be either a Social Security Number or an Employer Identification Number. (c) If

Offeror does not have a TIN, Offeror must indicate if either a TIN has been applied for or a TIN is not required. If a TIN is not required, indicate whether (i) Offeror is a nonresident alien, foreign corporation, or foreign partnership that does not have income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States and does not have an office or place of business or a fiscal paying agent in the United States; (ii) Offeror is an agency or instrumentality of a state or local government; (iii) Offeror is an agency or instrumentality of a foreign government; or (iv) Offeror is an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government.

VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY

The District has implemented an online electronic sourcing system, Lex2 eBid, to receive quotations, bids and proposals from prospective offerors. In order to submit offers to posted solicitations, prospective vendors must be registered through this electronic system. Registration is free and can be completed at https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/76232/portal-home/ After registering, suppliers must keep their information current.

Suppliers are strongly encouraged to monitor this solicitation through the closing date/time to check for amendments/addendums or other changes.

Offerors who have not provided products/services to the District in the past or within the last three years should complete a new vendor application and W-9 form. Submit both forms with your offer.

WITHDRAWAL OR CORRECTION OF OFFER

Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for opening. If the Solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for opening. A bid may be withdrawn in person by a bidder or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for opening, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the bid. The withdrawal and correction of Offers is governed by S.C. Code Section 11-35-1520 and Regulation 19-445.2085.

https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/76232/portal-home/ https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/76232/portal-home/

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS

The vendor and all representatives of the vendor must have an acceptable background check to enter school property. At a minimum, the Bidder shall obtain a complete South Carolina statewide criminal background investigation for all individuals and employees performing work or services for Bidder or any other entities such as subcontractors, sub-sub-

Contractors, and consultants who will perform work or a service on this project. In the event that the individual being investigated is from out of state, the criminal background investigation shall be broadened to include their home state, as well as the state of South Carolina as outlined above. The company providing such information must be recognized by local law enforcement agency as qualified to do so. In addition, the Bidder shall check employees against the National Database of Registered Sex Offenders. Any individual that is registered as a sex offender will not be permitted on school property.

All costs associated with these criminal background checks are the responsibility of the bidder. The District reserves the right to request a copy of SLED checks on any representatives of the Vendor who will be on District property. The District reserves the right to deny access to any employee, Contractor of person caused to be present on District property by the vendor/Contractor. Removal of employees on this basis shall not disrupt the project schedule or cost.

MAIL PICKUP

The District Procurement Office picks up all mail from The US Postal Service once daily around 8:30 a.m. (excluding weekends and holidays). See provision entitled Deadline for Submission of Offer.

ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MODIFIED)

(a) Mandatory Registration. You must register before you can submit an offer on line! See clause entitled "VENDOR

REGISTRATION MANDATORY."

(b) Steps for On-Line Bidding 1 The link provided on the solicitation's Cover Page will take you to our web based on-line bidding system, where you will enter and/or upload your offer.

2 Follow the general user instructions posted at https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/76232/portal-home under the heading "Bid Opportunities."

3 Confirm your offer has a status of "submitted" by refreshing screen.

Only offers with a status of "submitted" have been received by the District.

Offers with a status of "saved" have not been received and cannot be considered.

4 Save or print a copy of your offer using the "Print Preview" button after your offer has been submitted.

OPENING PROPOSALS -- INFORMATION NOT DIVULGED

In competitive sealed proposals, neither the number or identity of offerors nor prices will be divulged at opening. [Section

11-35-1530 & R. 19-445.2095(C)(1)]

PROTEST - CPO - ADDRESS

Any protest must be addressed to the Procurement Office, Lexington County School District Two and submitted in writing,

(a) by email to sataylor@lex2.org ,

(b) by post or delivery to 3205 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC 29170. SAP

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED

Unit price to be shown for each item.

https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/76232/portal-home

III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

Introduction

Lexington School District Two is seeking bids for providing supplemental transportation services for special needs, homeless, foster care, disabled, medically fragile, and students of other needs as identified to and from Lexington School

District Two schools.

The initial term of this contract will begin in July 2026, and end June 30, 2027. There shall be an option to automatically renew for four (4) additional one-year periods unless either party provides, in writing, one hundred twenty days (120) days prior to the renewal date their intent not to renew. The total contract term shall not exceed June 30, 2031. Contractor(s) may request, in writing, a rate increase within 90 days of the contract end date each year. The rate increase shall not exceed

2% each year.

All bidders who are awarded contracts from the solicitation will be placed on a Qualified Provider List (QPL) to be used by the District. Placement on the provider list does not guarantee contractors will be used by the District and the failure of a specific contractor to receive business shall not be grounds for a contract controversy under Section 11-35-4320 of the

Lexington School District Two Procurement Code.

Purpose

Lexington School District Two has estimated 350 students who are currently in need of transportation services. The need to transport students is a growing requirement; therefore, the District reserves the right to increase the number of students needing service as the need(s) arise throughout the term of this contract.

In providing these services, it is agreed that the Contractor is operating as an independent contractor, subject only to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. All supplemental student transportation services provided by the Contractor hereunder shall comply with and be in accordance with all requirements of any applicable municipal, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations and the terms and conditions of this Agreement. It is the intent of the District to obtain supplemental student transportation services; therefore, this request is not a replacement of the district’s current student transportation services.

Contractor(s) shall, during the period hereinafter set forth, provide and maintain the necessary staff and vehicles to conveniently and safely transport any and all students designated by the District to be served under the provisions of the solicitation in an on-time, reliable and consistent manner. This service will also include transporting Lexington School

District Two students living in other neighboring counties to locations within our district.

Contractor shall be required to have a fleet of at least fifteen (15) vehicles.

There are two LOTS for these services.

1. LOT 1 is Standard Passenger Vehicles and Full Size Vans.

2. LOT 2- American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliant Vehicles.

Contractor(s) may request, in writing, a rate increase within 90 days of the contract end date each year. The rate increase shall not exceed the CPI or 2%, whichever is less.

NOTE: A fuel surcharge of 5% per mile increase may be assessed if fuel prices exceed $5.00 per gallon.

Compliance

Furnishing of Equipment and Personnel. The Contractor shall furnish all equipment and personnel sufficient to fulfill the student transportation service requirements stipulated in this Contract and its Specification.

Dispatching Operations. In order to service the needs of our students efficiently, the Contractor shall maintain an office and/or terminal within the Columbia Metropolitan area (Fairfield, Lexington, and Richland Counties, Calhoun, Kershaw, and Saluda Counties).

To ensure safe and efficient operations, a dispatcher shall be maintained by the Contractor to answer telephone inquiries during normal operating hours of 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, or until the last vehicle has returned to the terminal. Telephone equipment shall be operable at all times and provide for reliable communication with the District.

Cell phone numbers of the contractor’s management team shall be made available to identified district personnel to facilitate 24-hour emergency communications.

Permits, Licenses, and Fees. If applicable, Contractor(s) shall, at its own expense, procure, manage, and maintain all necessary state and federal permits and licenses related to operation of motor vehicles, driver licensing, vehicle maintenance and inspection, fuel storage, and other incidentals that may be required to provide the transportation services in this Contract and Specification, and keep all records thereof for a period of at least five (5) years, and promptly make such records available to the District for review upon request.

Designated Students. Only pupils designated by the District may be permitted to ride in vehicles operated by the

Contractor under this Contract. Under no circumstances may a driver refuse to transport a student without express written consent from district personnel.

Breakdowns and Standby Vehicles. If a vehicle breaks down or cannot be safely or legally operated during normal school hours, a standby vehicle and driver shall be available and positioned to arrive onsite within fifteen (15) minutes. In any such occurrence, the appropriate district personnel shall be immediately notified.

Service Interruption. In the event Contractor is unable to provide the transportation services as specified in the Contract because of any act of God, civil disturbance, fire, riot, war, terrorism, picketing, strike, labor dispute, labor shortages, governmental action, pandemic, epidemic, quarantine, or any other condition or cause beyond Contractor's control, District shall excuse Contractor from performance under the Contract and no payments, except for services performed before the cessation of services, shall be due from the District until Contractor’s services resume.

In the event that service is interrupted for more than twenty-four (24) hours, the District shall maintain the right to secure and substitute other transportation services. Service interruptions, for reasons other than weather or natural disasters beyond the Contractor’s control, shall be grounds for termination of the Contractor’s services.

Legal Compliance. The Contractor shall at all times observe and comply with all laws, ordinances, regulations and codes of the federal, state, county and other local government agencies, which may in any manner affect the preparation of proposals or the performance of this Contract, including but not limited to:

a. Contractor(s) must assure that all persons employed by the Contractor, and all applicants for such employment, will not be discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, gender, handicap or national origin.

b. Contractor(s) shall certify that they are not barred from contracting with any unit of federal, state or local government for any reason.

c. The Contractor shall take all reasonable steps to insure that no Confidential Student Records are disclosed to any person or entity except those who:

(i) are Authorized Representatives of the Contractor performing functions for the District under the Agreement and have agreed to be bound by the terms of this Agreement;

(ii) are authorized representatives of the School District, or

(iii) are entitled to such Confidential Student Records from the Contractor pursuant to federal and/or South Carolina law.

The Contractor shall use Confidential Student Records, and shall take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure that its

Authorized Representatives shall use such records, solely for purposes related to and in fulfillment of the performance by the Contractor of its obligations pursuant to the…