DOE27003-BUSES_pba.pdf

This is a pre-bid meeting attendance record for the Delaware Department of Education's school bus procurement solicitation (ITB 27003-BUSES). The Delaware Department of Education is requesting bids for 81 school bus units to be distributed across nine school districts (Appoquinimink, Brandywine, Caesar Rodney, Cape Henlopen, Capital, Christina, Colonial, Indian River, Red Clay, and Seaford) with additional units for DOE procurement. Bus specifications vary by passenger capacity (14-84 passengers), fuel type (diesel, propane, or gasoline), and intended use (regular education, special education, early childhood education), with configuration options including air conditioning, wheelchair lifts, and integrated seating. The voluntary pre-bid meeting was held on October 8, 2026, from 12:49 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. EST with nine participants representing bidders and the procuring agency. Bids are due October 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST. Written questions must be submitted by October 15, 2026, with responses posted by October 22. The contract term is one year from November 2026 through November 2027 with no optional extension years, and award is expected within 30 days of bid opening.

All prices must be firm for the contract term, 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, with the bid bond requirement waived. Bid submission requires 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. Bidders must specify both chassis and body manufacturers along with wheelbase and length selections. Optional enhancement packages (A through L) covering safety features and customization are available for proposal. The State reserves the right to award to multiple vendors, make partial awards, or reject any or all bids. Mandatory monthly usage reporting in Excel format, including diversity supplier participation data, is required by the 15th of each month. Contractors must accept payment via procurement cards and electronic means without additional fees.