Solicitation Questions_NAF PAX Bus.pdf
PDF 44 KB Posted
- Attached to
- NAF PAX Buses
- Solicitation number
- ELMEF60232
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document for Solicitation FA500026Q0048, a Request for Quote (RFQ) for NAF PAX Buses issued on September 16, 2026, under NSNs ELMEF60232 and ELMEF60233.
The solicitation requires vendors to submit quotes for both Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs): CLIN 0001 for 14-passenger buses and CLIN 0002 for 44-passenger buses. Partial submissions for a single CLIN are not acceptable; vendors must address both line items in their proposals. Delivery dates are firm: 14-passenger buses must be delivered by December 18, 2026, and 44-passenger buses by June 2027. An amendment to delivery timelines has been published. The original submission deadline was September 18, 2026, but a one-week extension to September 25, 2026, was accommodated. The solicitation will not be split into separate competitions for individual CLINs.
Regarding salient characteristics and specifications, substitutions are not permitted. Buses must be equipped with gasoline engines (specifically 7.3L Gasoline V8 or equivalent), air brake systems, and air suspension. Diesel engine options are explicitly rejected as non-equivalent. The F-650 chassis option does not meet specifications due to the lack of air brakes on its gasoline model variant. All other specifications must be met as stated in Attachment 1, regardless of delivery timeline constraints or vendor manufacturing limitations.
View the file
Other files
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
NAF PAX Buses 16 Sept 2026 ELMEF60232, ELMEF60233
Questions & Answers
Solicitation FA500026Q0048
Contracting Questions
Question: For the above referenced RFQ, if we do not have an offering for CLIN 0002[44- PAX Bus] can we submit a response for only CLIN 0001[14-PAX Buses]?
Answer: Unfortunately, we would not be able to accept a quote submission for only CLIN 0001. The current requirement requests a submission to fulfill both CLINs on any submitted quotes. If we discover that the RFQ requires adjustment and it reopens for competition, I will reach out directly for your awareness.
Q: The Required Delivery Date of December 18th, 2026, is a tight schedule. Is this a hard date? To meet this date, we would need to find Chassis already built. I see the Big Bus Chassis schedule builds is around mid-next year and the small bus chassis are looking at the 2028 M/Y.
A: Need the 14 pax by December 2026. 44 pax is needed by June 2027.
Q: If I am able to only meet the requirements for one of the line items due to time or specifications would that be acceptable?
A: No. An amendment to the delivery timelines has been published.
Q: While we are unable to offer a solution for CLIN 0002 (the 44-passenger bus), we can fulfill CLIN 0001 with quick vehicle delivery due to our relationship with the manufacturer and our proximity to the Port of Seattle. In contrast, larger buses typically have significantly longer delivery timelines, often exceeding one year - 18 months.
A: Need the 14 pax by December 2026. 44 pax is needed by June 2027.
Q: Would your team be open to splitting this requirement into two separate solicitations to allow smaller vehicle dealers the opportunity to submit proposals for CLIN 0001?
A: No.
Q: We are preparing our quote in response to Solicitation No. FA5000-26-Q-0048 (NAF PAX Buses) and respectfully request a one-week extension to the submission deadline, moving it from 18 September 2026 to 25 September 2026. The additional time will allow us to finalize compliant technical specifications and competitive pricing in accordance with the Salient Characteristics. Please let us know if this extension can be accommodated.
A: The extension will be accommodated at this time.
Salient Characteristics Questions
Q: If the delivery date of December 18th, 2026 is a mandatory date, can we substitute specifications, like chassis brand or total vehicle weight?
A: No.
Q: First, the Freightliner chassis would be 6.7 L Cummins Diesel engine and your Attachment 1 states it must be 7.3 L Gasoline V8 Engine or equivalent. I am not sure if you consider that equivalent. This option will also have the ability to have air brakes and air suspension. Next, the F-650 option would have a gas or diesel engine option but only if ordered in September. The Diesel option is going away in 3 weeks and this would also be your gasoline chassis option. However, this one would not have the option to have air brakes with the gasoline engine. It would still have air suspension. I can meet all of the other specs with either of these chassis as long as it doesn't need to be a true school bus.
In Summary:
Freightliner Chassis
6.7L Cummins Deisel Engine
Air Brake system
Air Suspension available
Ford Chassis
7.3L V-8 Gas Engine
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel Engine (if ordered by Sept 31st)
Air Suspension available
Air Brake system (only available on Diesel model)
Please let me know if either of these chassis options are acceptable?
A: No, the Diesel engine option is not considered equivalent. Gas engines are needed. The F-650 option would not meet specs due to lack of air brakes.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .