FY27 LPS School Bus Transportation IFB.pdf

INVITATION FOR BID

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Bid No.: 01-27 Bid Opening: Monday, November 30, 2026 Bids Opened At: School Superintendency Union # 29

300A Greylock Street Lee, MA 01238

Contact Michael Richard - Superintendent Eric Jesner - Business Administrator mjrichard@leepublicschools.net edjesner@leepublicschools.net 413-243-0276 x1003 413-243-0276 x3002 mailto:mjrichard@leepublicschools.net

School Superintendency Union #29 School Bus Transportation Services IFB

November 2, 2026

Table of Contents

Legal Notice 3 Bus Transportation Bid Schedule 3 Contract Specifications 4

1. Proposal 4

2. General 4

3. Definition of Terms 6

4. Equipment 7

5. Operators 11

6. Operations 13

7. Indemnification and Insurance 14

8. Price Basis 15

9. Authority for Adjustments 15

10. Evidence of Ability to Perform 16

11. Assumption of Loss or Liability 17

12. Remedies of School Committee 17

13. Cost of Living Adjustment 18

14. Remedies of Contractor 18

15. Performance Bond 18

16. Breach of Contract 19

17. Transportation Manager 19

18. Wage Scales 19

19. Awards 19

20. Laws and Public Policy 20

21. Equal Opportunity Clauses 20

22. Payment 20

23. Time Schedule 21

24. Late and Mid-Day Buses 21

25. Field and Athletic Trips 21

26. Termination of Contract 22

Appendix A - Current Bus Routes 24 Appendix C - Current School Calendar 25 Form 1 - Bid Submittal Form 26 Form 2 - Year 1 Cost of Routes 27 Form 3 - Athletic, Event & Field Trips 28 Form 4 - Late Buses 30 Form 5 - Years 2 - 5 Rate Increases 31 Form 6 - Emergency Evacuation Plan 32 Form 7 - Bidder Registration Form 33

November 2, 2026 Form 8 - Assurance of Non-Discrimination Compliance 34 Form 9 - Contractor Information and References 35 Form 10 - Authorization for Reference Release of Information 37 Form 11 - School Transportation Bid Non-Default Certificate 38 Form 12 - Certificate of Non-Collusion 39 Form 13 - Tax Compliance Certificate 40 Form 14 - Deposit, Bond, & Letter of Credit 41 Form 15 - Statement of Understanding 42 Form 16 - Terminal Location and Fueling Plan 43 Form 17 - Description of Equipment 44 Form 18 - Roster of Drivers 45 Submission 19 - Accident Report 50 Submission 20 - Certificate of Insurance 51 Bid Submittal Form Checklist 52 Evaluation Criteria 53

November 2, 2026

Legal Notice

INVITATION FOR BID

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION

Lee Public Schools (LPS) invites sealed bids for the provision of SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION. The contract period runs for three (3) school years beginning July 1, 2027. Bid specifications may be picked up at the Lee Public Schools, 300A Greylock Street, Lee, MA 01238 on or after November 2, 2026 at 9:00 A.M. or by calling 413-243-0276 after said time. The conditions of employment and minimum state prevailing wage rates do not apply to the work under this contract. Completed bids are to be received by Lee Public Schools at its office, 300A Greylock Street, Lee, MA 01238 by 10:00 A.M. November 30, 2026 at which time all bids will be publicly opened and recorded. All bids must be marked on the outside lower left-hand corner of the bidder's envelope "BID:

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION: LEE/TYRINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS. No bid(s) will be accepted after the above-stated date and hour. Lee Public Schools reserves the right to waive any informalities in any or all bids, or to reject any or all bids, at its sole discretion. The decision of the Lee School Committee shall be final and binding on all bidders without recourse.

October 30, 2026 Michael J. Richard

Superintendent of Schools

Bus Transportation Bid Schedule

Item Date Time Location Notice November 02, 2026

November 02, 2026

November 02, 2026

Berkshire Eagle leepublicschools.net (under Departments - Business Office)

Goods and Services Bulletin

Release of Bid November 2, 2026 11:00 AM leepublicschools.net (under Departments - Business Office) Or COMMBUYS - https://www.commbuys.com/bso/ or District Office 300A Greylock Street Lee, MA 02138

Questions Due November 19, 2026 4:00 PM Email at edjesner@leepublicschools.net

Amendments November 23, 2026 4:00 PM leepublicschools.net (under Departments - Business Office)

Submittal Date November 30, 2026 10:00 AM District Office - 300A Greylock Street, Lee

Bid Opening November 30, 2026 10:01 AM District Office - 300A Greylock Street, Lee

Term July 1, 2027 - June 30, http://leepublicschools.net http://leepublicschools.net https://www.commbuys.com/bso/ mailto:edjesner@leepublicschools.net http://leepublicschools.net

November 2, 2026

Contract Specifications

1. Proposal

1.1. The bidder for the furnishing of scheduled transportation for all designated school children of the Lee and Tyringham Public Schools (hereafter referred to as the School District), shall include the furnishing of all services necessary and required, consisting of the following: transportation equipment, maintenance of equipment, operation, supervision, inspection, registration, licensing, insurance and conformance to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Public Utilities and the Lee/Tyringham School Committee(s), (hereafter referred to as the School Committee). The term "designated school children" shall include the transportation of school choice students in accordance with School Committee policy. This proposal may result in the award of separate contracts for regular, vocational and athletic/extracurricular transportation dependent upon the lowest qualified bidder for each section. Each successful bidder shall be subject to all the terms and conditions specified below and "contract" as referenced in these specifications shall mean one or more contracts based on the actual number awarded.

1.2. Bidders submitting bids for School Bus Transportation (01-27) must provide a complete bid package.

1.3. The School District consists of the following schools:

School Name Address Grades Lee Elementary School 310 Greylock Street, Lee, MA 01238 PreK - 6 Lee Middle & High School 300 Greylock Street., Lee, MA 01238 7 - 12

St. Mary’s School 115 Orchard Street, Lee, MA 01238 K- 4 St. Mary’s School 115 Orchard Street, Lee, MA 01238 5 - 8

1.4. The current contract utilizes a fleet of four buses and two minibuses, one of which is equipped with a wheelchair lift. This count excludes late buses. The same number and type of vehicles are anticipated to be required throughout the term of the new contract.

2. General

2.1. The contract shall be for a period of three (3) years commencing on July 1, 2027 and ending June 30, 2030. The bid price shall be acknowledged as the transportation cost for the first year of the contract.

Thereafter, for years two and three of the contract, Cost of Living increases shall be calculated annually based on the increases to the prior year provided on Form 5 and the contract adjusted annually, for the following school year. Contract and performance obligations by the School Committee in contract years beyond June 30, 2030 will be subject to annual appropriation and availability of funds. Any amendment or agreement beyond the contract's original terms shall be in writing, signed by the parties and shall be in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30B.

The contract periods contained within these specifications are as follows:

Year # 1 July 1,2027 - June 30, 2028 Year # 2 July 1,2028 - June 30, 2029 Year # 3 July 1,2029 - June 30, 2030

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2.2. The School Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, in part or in whole, at the

School Committee's sole discretion, without any advance notification or discussion with any prospective bidder(s). The decision of the Lee/Tyringham School Committee(s) shall be final and binding on all bidders, without recourse.

2.3. Routes and schedules are to be compatible with class schedules which shall be determined solely by the School District.

2.4. Only the School Committee reserves the right to rearrange, reassign, or adjust routes and schedules when it is in the interest of the School District to do so, at no additional cost to the District. All changes in routes are to be made by the designated School District administrator.

2.5. The successful bidder must have a telephone connection through which the School District may make quick contact with the owner or his/her agent from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on days when schools are in operation. In addition, any emergency telephone number must be provided for emergency communication on other days or at other times. The owner or his/her agent must be willing to appear for conferences with the School Committee, Superintendent, or his designee, as necessary and when requested.

2.6. The bidder shall provide written reports of bus counts showing the number of riders on each bus and each round trip and these are to be supplied when requested, with an initial vehicle count by September 1st each year during the term of this contract. These reports are to be compiled by the bidder and turned into the Superintendent or designee in charge of transportation within two days of the request.

2.7. The bidder shall designate a particular staff member, i.e Manager, who shall be assigned to coordinate transportation arrangements under the contract and to carry out instructions submitted by the School District from time to time. The Manager, if not known at the time of the bid, may be left as "to be designated" but must be provided prior to the signing of the contract. This person must have at least five

(5) years experience managing a school bus operation similar in size and be located at this site on each and every school day from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He/she shall be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of such transportation.

2.8. Should any bidder to whom an award is made fail to enter into a contract within ten (10) days after notice of the award is mailed to them, the amount so received from such bidder through their certified bid deposit check shall become the property of the School District as liquidated damages for such failures.

2.9. The contractor may elect to house the vehicles utilized in the performance of this contract outside of the School District if such facility is within ten (10) miles of the District boundary limits and the contractor agrees to make a voluntary payment to the town where the route originates (defined as the first stop of the route for that vehicle) in the amount equal to the vehicle excise taxes of those vehicles which would have been due the town if the vehicles were housed within the Lee Public Schools limits.

3. Definition of Terms

3.1. School Committee or School District - refers to the Lee and Tyringham School Committee(s) as awarding authority or the administration to which responsibility has been delegated.

3.2. Awarding Authority - refers to the Lee and Tyringham School Committee(s).

November 2, 2026

3.3. Contractor/Vendor/Conveyor - refers to the successful bidder(s) and collectively to the legal entity, its officer(s) and/or representative(s), which are legally bound to the bid and resulting contracts.

3.4. Mileage - the term mileage for the purpose of the bid and contract(s) shall mean the total miles traveled daily by the Contractor's vehicles in providing transportation for those students so authorized by the District, to and from the public schools located in the School District, or in the case of Vocational, Athletic or Field Trips to other locations as designated. However, mileage shall not include any mileage incurred in traveling without student passengers from the end of one route to the beginning of another route, or in traveling from the Contractor's garage to the beginning of a route, or, from the end of a route to the Contractor's garage. Said miles shall be referred to as "Live Miles". The term "miles" used anywhere within the bid packet, forms and any addendum shall mean "live miles" as defined in this section.

3.5. Travel Time - for the purpose of the bid and contract(s) travel time shall mean the total hours or fraction thereof, for student travel encompassing the period between student pickup and drop off.

3.6. Bus Driver - shall refer to the properly licensed operator of any vehicle used by the Contractor under the contract, including spare drivers.

3.7. Bidder - Each proposal shall contain the name of every person, firm, or corporation interested in the bid, and in the case of a corporation, shall state the name and title of the official or officials of the corporation by whom the Contract can legally be signed. If an agent submits the bid, his/her authority to contract must be clarified by attaching a copy of the existing Power of Attorney.

3.8. Bid Price Figures - Care should be exercised to ensure that all dollar figures are as intended by the bidder.

3.9. Receipt of Bids - Bids submitted prior to the date and time set for the opening may, upon written request signed by the bidder, be withdrawn, and if resubmitted they shall fully comply with all other conditions and requirements.

Bids received prior to the time established for the receipt of bids will be securely kept, unopened. The Superintendent or his/her designee, whose duty it is to receive all bids, will decide when the specific time has arrived for the opening of bids, which shall be at 10:00 a.m. at the date and place so specified.

No bid received by the Superintendent or his/her designee after the time and date established herein for the opening of bids will be considered, regardless of the cause for delay in the receipt of any such bids.

Bids received after the time and date for receipt of bids will be returned unopened.

3.10. Bid Period - After public opening no bidder may withdraw their bid prior to the execution and delivery of the contract unless no award has been made at the expiration of thirty (30) business days after the opening of bids.

3.11. Incomplete Documents - The School Committee does not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or misinterpretations, which may have resulted in whole or in part from the use of incomplete bid documents, to include addenda.

3.12. Document Interpretation/Correction - Questions arising from the Bid Specifications should be directed to Eric Jesner, Business Administrator, Lee/Tyringham Public Schools who has the option of providing written answers to all prospective bidders. Oral answers are provided only for the purposes of clarification

November 2, 2026 and should be viewed as clarification rather than superseding the bid specifications. Corrections and/or additions to the bid document will be made by written addendum. All other corrections, interpretations, or changes made to the bid document in any manner will not be binding.

3.13. Addenda - Addenda will be issued by email, fax, certified mail or delivered in person to all known bid recipients. No addenda will be issued within the immediate three (3) business day period prior to the date of receipt set for such bids, except an addendum which withdraws or otherwise postpones the date of the bid opening. The official notice of withdrawal or postponement shall be the reading of record at the time and date set for receipt of such bids.

3.14. Bid Envelopes - Bid documents submitted by bidders to Lee Public Schools shall be by sealed envelope clearly marked with "BID DOCUMENTS: SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION· Lee/Tyringham Public Schools". The School Committee, its officials, or employees shall not be liable for premature opening of a bid not properly addressed and identified.

3.15. For the purpose of this bid, the term "van" shall also include SUV's so long as they are 7D approved.

4. Equipment

4.1. Every vehicle used in the performance of this contract shall meet all of the Federal and Commonwealth of Massachusetts standards for the transportation of public-school students. All vehicles must be approved as a 7D vehicle or as a school bus according to those governing laws and regulations. Nonconforming vehicles are not allowed in the performance of this contract.

4.2. Failure to properly maintain buses in a manner satisfactory to the School District as directed below may result in termination of the contract. The bidder agrees to use only buses which have been carefully maintained and are in satisfactory operating condition, and to keep the buses in good working condition at all times, and to furnish all necessary fuel, oil, grease, tires, maintenance, and repairs throughout the entire period of this contract.

4.3. All buses shall be constructed, maintained, operated, and inspected in conformance with all applicable laws, regulations, and rules of the Department of Motor Vehicles and/or Department of Public Utilities.

Inspection reports must be forwarded to the Superintendent or designee in charge of transportation.

4.4. The attention of all concerned is particularly directed to the following sections of Chapter 90 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

Section 1: Definitions Section 1A: School Bus Registration Section 7A: Inspection of School Buses Section 7B: Requirements as to operation of School Buses Section 7C: Registrar may establish minimum standards for Construction, etc. of school buses Section 14: Precautions for safety Section 17: Speed limit in operation of School Buses

4.5. No bus shall be used which does not have a sign bearing the words "School Bus" attached to the front and rear of the vehicle, as required by Section 7B, Chapter 90.

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4.6. All vehicles used in the execution of a contract for school transportation shall be equipped with safety mud and snow tires on the rear of driving wheels from November 1 through March 31 of each year. This paragraph excludes rear engine type buses.

4.7. There shall be no substitution of buses without permission of the Superintendent or designee in charge of transportation for the duration of the contract period, except in the case of emergency breakdown, and then only for a period not to exceed one week. All substitute buses shall be subject to all contract requirements.

4.8. All buses will be equipped with stop arms and front crossing gates.

4.9. All vehicles will be equipped with two-way radios on a dedicated frequency to this contract, and a copy of the radio license will be provided prior to the execution of a contract. All radios will be regularly inspected and repaired as necessary. A base unit will be provided at the Main Office of the School District. In the event of multiple contractor awards, the successful contractors shall coordinate their communication devices to the same frequency.

4.10. All buses shall be “black box" ready and capable of being equipped with video cameras. Recordings will be maintained by the contractor for a minimum of fourteen (14) days and will be available to school personnel during that period. Copies of recordings will be provided to school personnel upon request.

4.11. The bidder shall furnish buses which must meet the following requirements:

4.11.1. All vehicles available for use at time of the bid, or which are to be available for use and added to the fleet after submission and anytime during the length of the contract, must have minimum seating capacity conforming to the standard specifications. Chassis and body must conform to all Federal Standards and fully meet or exceed all requirements of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts both currently and throughout the life of this contract.

4.11.2. Vehicles furnished must comply with the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the rules and regulations of the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Public Utilities relating to the transportation of public-school children both currently and throughout the life of this contract.

4.11.3. No vehicle shall be used in the execution of the contract, which will be more than seven (7) years old at the start of the contract or more than 10 years old with an accumulated mileage in excess of 150,000 miles during the life of the contract. All buses used in the performance of this contract, exclusive of coach buses for athletic and field trips, will be type B, C, or D as defined by 540 CMR 7.03, unless specifically specified otherwise by the District. Any exception to this requirement will be with direct approval of the Superintendent or Designee in charge of transportation.

4.11.4. No van (7D) shall be used in the execution of this contract which will be more than 8 years old or have an accumulated mileage in excess of 130,000 miles during the life of the contract.

4.11.5. The bidder shall see that all buses are kept at all times in a condition of cleanliness, interior and exterior, satisfactory to the Superintendent or Designee in charge of transportation.

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4.11.6. Each bid shall contain a detailed description of each bus to be used, including the year of manufacture, model number, present mileage, make of body, make of bus, seating capacity, and present condition. The School District reserves the right to reject any unacceptable vehicle at any time during the term of this contract.

4.11.7. If coach buses are not available, the bidder may so signify by "no bid" on the appropriate bid form(s).

4.11.8. In the event that the successful bidder does not have a fleet currently available to meet requirements, documentation satisfactory to the School District, as specified in the requirements, must be delivered to the Superintendent of Schools within ten (10) business days after notice of acceptance of the proposal is given to the bidder.

4.11.9. The bidder must submit with bid data documentation identifying the composition of the bus fleet to be used during each of the years of the contract and must give clear evidence of a commitment to replacing or updating the fleet to be used during the contract. The fleet used must have annual approval of the School District.

4.11.10. Written reports of conditions of buses, as determined at the time of inspection, shall be presented to the Superintendent or Designee in charge of transportation no later than ten (10) days following the date of inspection.

4.11.11. The School District reserves the right to require a certificate at any time from a garage of its choosing that the buses under contract are in good order with respect to brakes, lights, horn, mufflers, steering gear, windshield cleaners, doors, tires, windows, bodies, and any other safety related items.

4.11.12. The successful bidder will maintain a staff of at least one mechanic who will work in the local terminal garage facility and fueling station.

4.11.13. In carrying out the performance of the contract, the bidder shall guarantee a 10 percent reserve fleet (spare vehicles), including vans, housed at the terminal, at no cost to the School District.

Such fleet shall comply with all provisions of the specifications.

4.11.14. The total number of buses and vans required under this contract requires adequate spare buses and vans plus two (2) buses required for athletics and field trips.

4.11.15. In the event of multiple awards under this contract, the successful bidders will coordinate their vehicle numbering system to avoid any duplication of vehicle numbers.

4.12. Change in Vehicle Capacity - Should the School District, in its sole discretion, determine that its routes cannot be served adequately and in a timely manner by the combination of one (1) 77-passenger bus, four

(4) 71-passenger buses and one (1) 48-passenger bus, but that it can be served by an equal number or fewer buses of different capacities, the Contractor agrees, upon reasonable notice, to substitute different capacity buses for its existing buses at no additional charge.

4.13. Addition or Reduction in the Number of Vehicles shall be per the following:

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4.13.1. Addition of Vehicles - In the event the School District, in its sole discretion, determines that a change in population, in route or any other situation requires the addition of another school bus or van, the same shall be provided by the Contractor and the School District shall pay for the same at not more than the per diem price specified in the Bid Sheet multiplied by the number of days that the additional bus or van is so utilized. The vehicle and driver shall be subject to all of the terms hereof. If the Contractor fails to provide the necessary equipment, the School District reserves the right to hire services and subtract the cost from its payment to the Contractor.

4.13.2. Reduction in number of Vehicles - In the event the School District, in its sole discretion, determines that a change in population, in route or any other situation allows the reduction in the number of vehicles used hereunder, it may so notify the Contractor in writing. If such notice occurs prior to the opening of school in a given year, such reduction will operate to reduce the amount paid for that vehicle to zero for that year. IF the reduction occurs during the school year, the Contractor will be paid on a per diem basis for all days on which the vehicle was used plus fifteen (15) additional days from the date of notice.

4.14. Private and Parochial Schools - In the event that a private or parochial school located within the geographic borders of the School District should make demand upon the School District for transportation of its students within those geographic borders, the Contractor shall adjust the routes as required at no cost to the School District.

4.15. The School Committee reserves the right, during the term of this agreement, to adopt a policy regarding advertising outside or inside of the school buses utilized in the performance of this contract. The successful contractor shall cooperate with the School District in the implementation of such policy. Any revenue generated as a result of such policy will accrue to and benefit the School District. The contractor shall be reimbursed for any reasonable costs associated with the implementation of such policy, provided that such reimbursement shall be negotiated up to thirty (30) percent of the total revenue generated as a result of this policy.

4.16. The successful Contractor shall agree to comply with the School District's Emergency Evacuation Plan.

This plan may require the evacuation of all District students from all of its schools. Total enrollment within the schools is 680 students. In addition, a staff member will be assigned to each bus. In the event that the Contractor does not have sufficient vehicles to provide immediate transportation to all students simultaneously, Contractor will provide a plan, acceptable to the School District, to obtain such vehicles required in an emergency situation. The cost, should the School District elect to evacuate all students under this plan, either for an actual emergency or for an emergency evacuation drill shall be included as the cost per hour per vehicle.

5. Operators

5.1. The contractor(s) shall furnish fully and properly licensed drivers to operate any vehicles used in carrying out the transportation services under the terms of this contract, including spare drivers.

5.2. All persons assigned as regular or substitute drivers must be submitted, and be acceptable, to the Superintendent or Designee ten (10) days prior to the start of school each year. The list of drivers, including a copy of their license, and driving record shall be provided, in a sealed envelope, to the Superintendent or Designee ten (10) days prior to the start of school of each year of this contract. All such

November 2, 2026 information for any person hired as a regular or substitute driver after the start of the school year shall be submitted to the Superintendent or Designee immediately upon hiring. The bidder shall supply the same documentation for all personnel, including management staff, mechanics, and any replacement drivers prior to their start of employment under this contract.

5.3. The School Committee reserves the right to accept or reject any and all drivers, if it is deemed in the best interest of the School District to do so. Further, the School Committee reserves the right to require any operator to submit to a physical examination at any time, at the sole cost to the contractor, by a doctor of medicine selected by the School Committee.

5.4. The bidder agrees to comply with rules, regulations, and requirements of Chapter 90, Section 8A, General Laws of Massachusetts, and amendments thereto, with respect to the licensing of school bus operators, which statutes indicate in part the ''Applications for a license to be a school bus operator may be made by any person who shall have attained the age of eighteen (18) years and who shall have been a duly licensed motor vehicle operator for a period of three (3) continuous years prior to his application; but before such a person shall be so licensed, the Registrar shall be satisfied that he is of good moral character and has successfully completed a driving performance test, a visual test, and a physical examination by a licensed physician within a three (3) month period of the date of his application in conformity with such minimum physical qualification as shall be determined by the Registrar."

5.5. The School District reserves the right to request a change or removal of a driver at any time with or without cause. The contractor shall be obligated to comply within 24 hours of notice being provided by the Superintendent or his designee. The temporary or permanent removal of drivers from the Contractor's roster of drivers shall not relieve the contractor of its responsibility to fulfill all the terms of the contract.

5.6. The bidder shall see that all drivers have on file with the bidder a report, made by a registered physician, that he/she is in sound physical condition and capable of performing the duties of a school bus driver. The physical examination certificate must be submitted once a year, as required by law.

5.7. As it is the intent of the School Committee to have the contractor provide professional drivers, evidence of the safety program used to meet the RMV requirements of eight hours of "in-service" training per driver per year must be provided annually. This program shall be in compliance with all state and local transportation requirements. Such training sessions are to be scheduled throughout the year, as it is not in the best interest of the schools or their students to have all the training hours provided in one or two lengthy sessions. Any other safety/training programs, which the bidder uses, (not necessarily limited to drivers) should also be included with the bid package.

5.8. Bidders must provide evidence that they have in place and are in compliance with all requirements for drug and alcohol testing, in accordance with the Federal Highway Administration regulations regarding Commercial Driver's License. The description of this program should list company policies regarding substance abuse and company procedures on drug testing.

5.9. A thorough background check is required for all drivers, including driving record and Criminal History Records (Expanded CORI) and Sex Offender Registry (SORI). Prior to the start of the school year, annually, the contractor will provide a signed statement that the Contractor has conducted its own CORI and SORI checks, along with the driver roster to the Superintendent of Schools in a sealed envelope, In addition the Contractor agrees to provide driver signed authorizations to allow the School District to

November 2, 2026 conduct an independent CORI and SORI investigation. All drivers subsequently hired under this contract will also provide such reports and authorizations prior to their start date. The School District will strive to submit and process the CORI and SORI requests in a timely manner.

5.10. Drivers shall not be permitted to carry any person, including driver's children, other than a school employee, while carrying pupils, unless, such person is authorized by the Superintendent or Designee, or unless such child is a student at the school District.

5.11. There will be no smoking by drivers on vehicles while transporting children to and from school, during waiting time periods, or during any other school-sponsored trips or on school property.

5.12. Drivers must comply with all policies set forth by the School District covering the conduct of pupils on the bus.

5.13. Contractor shall agree, if required by the District, that all drivers and substitute drivers will be trained, at District expense, in First Aid, CPR and the administration of "Epi-Pens". This shall apply to other training the School District may require during the life of the contract, such as positive student behavior management.

5.14. Drivers will not leave a bus unattended when children are on the bus. In an emergency, the driver's first concern must be for the safety of the children.

5.15. The contractor will be responsible for conducting School Bus Safety Drills and School-Based Demonstrations as required by Massachusetts Law at no cost to the School District. Scheduled times will be coordinated with the Superintendent or Designee.

5.16. The contractor must certify that bus safety instruction has been provided for all bus drivers at least twice per year.

5.17. The bidder shall not alter any bus stop or change the direction of any route without prior written approval of the Superintendent or Designee.

5.18. ACCIDENTS: Each and every accident will be reported immediately by the driver to the appropriate party(ies).

5.18.1. In the case of a motor vehicle accident, the driver shall immediately notify the police and the contractor, and the contractor will immediately notify the proper school authorities, including the Superintendent of Schools or Designee.

5.18.2. In the case of student accidents, the driver will notify the contractor within 24 hours after its occurrence thereafter, and the contractor will immediately notify the proper school authorities. In all such cases, this report is to be rendered orally to the school authorities as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after the accident. In cases of bodily injury, the contractor must file a written report with the appropriate school official within 24 hours.

5.19. UNAVOIDABLE DELAYS: In the event of unavoidable delays or other circumstances, which interfere with the proper performance of a scheduled trip, the contractor must report to school authorities as soon as possible.

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5.20. In the interest of continuity, all bidders must agree to offer employment to the current drivers who meet those qualifications as outlined in Section 4 of these specifications and the current dispatcher.

5.21. SUBSTITUTE DRIVERS: The contractor shall provide an adequate number of substitute bus drivers who shall be familiar with the routes to the maximum extent possible.

5.22. Contractor shall, at the School District's request, include their drivers in Contractor's driver training and will so certify satisfactory completion for School District driver relicensing.

6. Operations

6.1. All buses shall be cleaned by sweeping or vacuum cleaning daily and will be maintained free of noxious odors and poisonous gasses at all times.

6.2. During school vacation periods, all buses will be thoroughly cleaned inside and outside, including all windows, weather conditions permitting. Under no conditions shall buses be operated when the operator's vision is impaired by conditions of the glass surface and the safety of school children would be in jeopardy.

6.3. The schedule of route operation shall be maintained in such a manner that students shall be picked up no earlier than 45 minutes before school starts and reach the school no earlier than 15 minutes before classes begin. Buses shall be scheduled to arrive no later than 5 minutes before the scheduled dismissal times. No bus shall leave the school until all students are boarded and seated.

6.4. The contractor should be given notice of school cancellation due to inclement weather by 6:00 a.m. In the event of a change in opening or closing of school due to unusual circumstances, the contractor will be given reasonable notice and will respond to the need as soon as possible.

6.5. The operator shall maintain order on the school bus. School children who disobey instructions of the operator will be reported to the school principal for disciplinary action, according to School Committee policy. In the case of vandalism to school buses, all attempts will be made to identify the perpetrator. In no case shall the School District assume responsibility for such acts.

6.6. SUBCONTRACTING: It is understood, agreed upon, and made a part hereof and shall be part of the contract entered into between the School Committee and the successful bidder(s) shall not be assigned nor assignable, by way of subcontract or otherwise, without prior written approval of the School Committee.

6.7. It shall be the responsibility of the operator to assure that the safety of school children is not jeopardized during boarding and disembarking. The vehicle shall remain stationary until all children have safely crossed the street.

6.8. Operators shall report complaints by school children or parents of school children to the school principal promptly. Nothing herein shall prevent a driver from taking necessary precautions for any action by a child, which could cause bodily harm or damage to property.

6.9. Flashing red signal lights clearly visible shall be used and be in operation whenever students are boarding or disembarking the stopped vehicle.

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6.10. The School District shall have the sole authority to make such changes deemed necessary in adjusting the number of vehicles, assignment of pupils, groups or routes, time and dates, or any matter affecting the specific individual needs of children.

7. Indemnification and Insurance

7.1. The contractor shall hold harmless and indemnify the School District, its officers, employees, and agents from and against all liability, damage, loss, claims, demands, and actions of any nature whatsoever, including the cost of defending any action, which arise out of or are connected with, or are claimed to arise out of or be connected with any of the transportation services provided to the school district under any said contract or contracts. The foregoing provision shall not be deemed to be released, waived, or modified by reason of any insurance provided by the contractor there under.

7.2. The contractor shall maintain in effect insurance coverage with companies licensed in Massachusetts and approved by the State Insurance Commissioner. Self-insurance is not allowed or acceptable.

7.3. The successful bidder must furnish certificates of insurance with a ninety (90) day cancellation clause to the School District within thirty (30) business days after the notice of acceptance of its bid is given or mailed by the School District. The contract will not be signed on behalf of the School Committee, nor shall it be valid unless the certificate of insurance has been delivered to and approved by the Superintendent or his Designee. The types and minimum amounts of insurance shall be:

● Workers’ Compensation

● Auto Liability $5,000,000 CSL with $5,000,000 excess coverage (Umbrella)

● Uninsured Motorist $500,000 each person $1,000,000 each accident

● Under Insured $500,000 each person $1,000,000 each accident

● Commercial General Liability $5,000,000 each occurrence $5,000,000 each aggregate

7.3.1. All bidders shall submit a Certificate of Insurance, as outlined, for the first year of the contract as part of this bid. This Certificate shall be returned to unsuccessful bidders after the bid award.

7.3.2. By September 1st of each year of this contract the contractor will furnish a copy of its insurance for the payment of compensation and the furnishing of other benefits under Chapter 152 of the General Laws (Workmen's Compensation Law) or equal insurance to all persons to be employed under this contract and shall continue such insurance during the term of this contract. Failure to provide and continue such insurance as aforesaid shall be deemed a material breach of this contract and shall be cause for immediate termination.

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7.3.3. The bidder's accident record for the previous three (3) years must be prepared by the bidder's insurance carrier and submitted with the bid.

7.3.4. The certificate of insurance submitted by the bidder shall contain the following language: "No cancellation of or change of or revision in the insurance by the Insurer or the Insured, the existence of which insurance is evidenced by this certificate, shall be valid unless written notice thereof is delivered to the Lee Public Schools at least fifteen (15) days prior to the intended date of cancellation, change or revision, by mail, postage prepaid, and evidenced by a return receipt, or the insurance is canceled, the contract is null and void."

7.3.5. Within 30 business days after notice of acceptance of proposal is given or mailed by the School District to the successful bidder, the contractor shall deposit with the School District, certificates from the insurer to the effect that the insurance policies required in the above section have been issued to the contractor. The certificates must be satisfactory to the School District.

7.3.6. The Contractor must file with the Superintendent or Designee a copy of these insurance policies ten (10) days prior to the start of school of each school year during the contract period.

8. Price Basis

8.1. The contract prices shall include the cost of fuel, garaging, oil, grease, repairs, wages and benefits of drivers, taxes, fees, licenses, permits, certificates, insurance costs, and such other charges as are needed in connection with the contract work and to keep the vehicles properly equipped and in good operating condition.

8.2. Price bids will be accepted by the School Committee as firm prices.

9. Authority for Adjustments

9.1. A scheduled trip may be canceled by the Superintendent or Designee by notifying the contractor orally or in writing as soon as possible on or before the day on which the particular trip is scheduled. There shall be no charge for trips canceled.

9.2. If a scheduled trip is canceled with less than one hour notice, the contractor shall be paid one hour of driver time at his/her actual driver rate plus prorated actual fringe benefit cost.

9.3. The Superintendent or Designee shall have the authority to make such changes as he/she deems necessary in the number of buses, assignment of pupils, groups, or routes, times and dates, or any matters affecting the specific individual needs of children.

10. Evidence of Ability to Perform

10.1. It is the intent of the School Committee not to award a contract to any bidder who does not furnish satisfactory evidence that it:

● Has ability and experience in school bus transportation

● Has sufficient capital to perform this contract

● Has available buses meeting the requirements listed herein, and

● Employs duly licensed and trained drivers to enable it to perform the work to the satisfaction

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10.2. It is stipulated by the School District that the current contractor has demonstrated its ability and experience in school bus transportation to meet this requirement.

10.3. Bidders will be required to further submit the following pertinent information:

10.3.1. Each bidder shall include with the bid documents a reference list, recording all contracts held in Massachusetts and the name and address of the contact person. In order to be considered responsive and responsible, each bidder must provide evidence of holding at least one (1) school transportation contract in Massachusetts for a minimum of five (5) years. No bid submittal shall be accepted from any bidder who has defaulted on or had a Massachusetts contract terminated for cause in the past five (5) years.

10.3.2. Letters of reference must be provided with this bid from a minimum of two (2) previous contracts and from a minimum of one (1) current public-school contract.

10.3.3. Accident records for the previous three (3) years shall be prepared by the insurance carrier for the bidder and submitted with the bid.

10.3.4. The School District reserves the right to investigate the performance of any and all bidders.

Furthermore, the bidder specifically agrees to hold harmless both the School District and/or their designee for the solicitation or acquisition of any and all information gained through this investigation process. The bidder further waives any right to privacy, or disclosure by any party, relative to disclosure of any information provided as part of this investigatory process. The bidder shall be provided with copies of any and all information received.

10.3.5. A statement outlining the proposed fuel supply method to be used in the performance of the contract, including bulk fuel storage facility and permit, if applicable, shall be provided with this bid.

10.3.6. The housing of vehicles within ten miles of the School District shall also apply to fuel storage facilities.

10.3.7. The total number of contractor and/or public prosecutor-initiated complaints of drug and/or alcohol abuse against bidder operators during the previous three years and disposition of same.

10.3.8. The School District reserves the right to investigate the financial responsibility of any and all bidders to determine what assurance the School District may have of bidder performance and subsequent service. It further reserves the right to withhold the awarding of any contract under its jurisdiction when the bidder is unable to furnish satisfactory evidence of adequate ability, experience, and/or capital to execute the completion of a project in accordance with the prescribed requirements, specifications, and conditions of these bid documents.

10.3.9. Certification of Tax Compliance pursuant to MGL c 62, Section 49A.

10.3.10. Security Deposits - Security deposits in the amount of $5,000 will be required in the form of a bid bond, certified check or cashier's check issued by a responsible bank, or trust company, payable to the School Superintendency Union #29. Security Deposits will be returned to the unsuccessful bidders upon award of the contract(s) to the successful bidder(s). The security deposit of the successful bidder(s) shall be returned upon receipt of both a signed contract and performance bond, if required.

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11. Assumption of Loss or Liability

11.1. The bidder agrees that it shall pay for or cause to be paid for all labor performed or furnished and all materials used or employed in the performance of the work under this contract.

11.2. Any school property damaged by the contractor in carrying out the provisions of this contract shall be restored to its original condition by the Contractor, at its expense, and the materials and workmanship used must be first-class in every respect. In the event of the failure of the contractor to make such repairs promptly to the satisfaction of the School District, it may, at its discretion, direct that such repairs be made, that the cost of such repairs be charged against the contractor, and that any sum of money due the contractor be applied to meet the cost of such repairs.

11.3. The Contractor is retained solely for the purpose and to the extent set forth in this agreement. During the term of this contract, the contractor's relationship to the School District shall be that of an independent Contractor. The Contractor shall have no capacity to involve the School District in any contract or to incur any liability on the part of the School District. Assignment of any interest to this contract is expressly prohibited.

11.4. Should the Contractor engage in conduct found in violation of the conflict-of-interest laws (MGL Ch.

268A) with regard to this contract, the contract shall be subject to termination on that basis.

12. Remedies of School Committee

12.1. If the Contractor fails to perform services or performs services in a manner which is not pursuant to the terms and conditions of this contract, the School District may make any reasonable purchase or contract to purchase services in substitution of services due from the Contractor, and may deduct the cost of any substitute contract, or the damages sustained by the School District due to non-performance or non-conformance of service, together with incidental and consequential damages from the contract price, and shall withhold such damages from sums due or to become due.

12.2. If the damages sustained by the School District as determined by the Superintendent or Designee exceed sums due or to become due, the Contractor shall pay the difference to the School District upon demand.

12.3. The contractor agrees that if it is determined at any time by the School District that the Contractor has violated any of the provisions of this contract, the School District may terminate this contract any time.

Determination may be based on default in performance, non-conformity of performance, deficiency excused by failure of presupposed conditions, breach of the terms and conditions of this contract, failure in any respect to perform the service with promptness and diligence, bankruptcy, receivership, or a general assignment for the benefit of contractor's creditors impairs the value of service under this contract.

13. Cost of Living Adjustment

13.1. The annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) shall be submitted on Form 5 as part of the bid submission packet. The percentage specified for each year will be applied to the previous year’s rates.

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14. Remedies of Contractor

14.1. If damages, other than loss of non-performed or non-conforming services, are actually sustained by the Contractor due to any act or omission for which the School District is legally responsible, the Contractor shall have delivered to the Superintendent or Designee a detailed written statement of such damages and cause, within five (5) days of the act or omission by the School District.

15. Performance Bond

15.1. The contractor, if required by the School District, shall furnish a performance bond issued by a…