Addendum #1 to Request for Proposals - School Buses

This addendum is issued by the Delaware Department of Education regarding ITB 27003-BUSES for the procurement of school buses. The solicitation encompasses 81 bus units distributed across nine Delaware school districts (Appoquinimink, Brandywine, Caesar Rodney, Cape Henlopen, Capital, Christina, Colonial, Indian River, Red Clay, and Seaford) with additional units for Department of Education procurement. Bus specifications vary by passenger capacity (14-84 passengers), fuel type (diesel, propane, or gasoline), and intended use including regular education, special education, and early childhood education. A voluntary virtual pre-bid meeting was held on October 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM local time with a static PowerPoint presentation and full recording available. Bids are due October 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. The contract is valid for one year from November 2026 through November 2027 with no optional extension years.

Bidders must submit written questions by October 15, 2026, with responses posted by October 22, 2026. Questions must be submitted through the designated link at https://bids.doe.k12.de.us/#viewproposal?propID=510; direct contact with DDOE staff is prohibited. All bid submissions require two paper copies (one marked "Master Copy" with original signatures) plus one USB containing all attachments and appendices, delivered to the Delaware Department of Education Finance and Operations office in Dover. All prices must be firm and quoted in U.S. dollars with F.O.B. destination and freight prepaid. Contractors must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence/$3 million aggregate and automotive liability insurance of $1 million combined single limit. The bid bond requirement is waived. Mandatory monthly usage reporting in Excel format is required by the 15th of each month, including diversity supplier participation data. The State reserves the right to award to multiple vendors, make partial awards, or reject any or all bids, with contract award expected within 30 days of bid opening.