GHTD RFP 01-027 Joint Procurement - Paratransit Vehicles.pdf

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 1 OF 49

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

GHTD RFP #01-027

JOINT PROCUREMENT

PARATRANSIT VEHICLES

October 21, 2026

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RFP KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request for Proposals: Joint Procurement – Paratransit Vehicles

Solicitation Number: RFP #01-027

RFP Issue Date: October 21, 2026

RFP Issuing Office: Greater Hartford Transit District

Procurement Officer: LaShaunda Drake

Contract and procurement Specialist

Greater Hartford Transit District

One Union Place

Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: (860) 380-2012

Email: ldrake@ghtd.org

Proposal to be sent to: Greater Hartford Transit District

One Union Place

Hartford, CT 06103

Attn: LaShaunda Drake

Pre-Proposal Conference (Non-Mandatory): Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM Local Time

Email ldrake@ghtd.org to register for the pre-proposal conference

Virtual Meeting via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89366215930?pwd=tBbQHuW8wYWIR0MU53PQlD8xotMTbs.1

Dial in by phone: (309) 205-3325

Meeting ID: 893 6621 5930

Passcode: 093744

Approved Equal Request Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM Local Time

Inquiries Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM Local Time

Proposal Due Date and Time: Tuesday, December 22, 2026 at 2:30 PM Local Time

Expected Award Date: On or about February 2027 mailto:ldrake@ghtd.org https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89366215930?pwd=tBbQHuW8wYWIR0MU53PQlD8xotMTbs.1

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NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

GHTD RFP #01-027

JOINT PROCUREMENT

PARATRANSIT VEHICLES

The Greater Hartford Transit District (the “District”), Hartford, Connecticut, is seeking responses from qualified firms for the Purchase and Delivery of Fully Accessible Standard Cutaway Chassis

Minibuses with Lifts, Ford Transit “Type” Buses with lifts (or approved equal), Low Floor

Wheelchair Accessible Buses, and ADA Lowered Floor Minivans with Side Entry Ramp for the

Greater Hartford Transit District and other specified Participating Agencies in accordance with requirements of the Scope of Work Documents. RFP documents may be obtained by emailing

LaShaunda Drake, Contract & Procurement Specialist, at ldrake@ghtd.org.

Documents will also be posted at the District’s website: www.hartfordtransit.org and on the State of Connecticut DAS Contracting Portal at: https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTSource.

A non-mandatory Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM via Zoom, to outline the solicitation requirements and to provide the opportunity for questions and explanations.

To join the web meeting via Zoom, visit:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89366215930?pwd=tBbQHuW8wYWIR0MU53PQlD8xotMTbs.1

Meeting ID: 893 6621 5930

Passcode: 093744

To call in by phone: (309) 205-3325

Attendance at the Virtual Pre-Proposal Conference is not mandatory, nor is it a condition of award. Email ldrake@ghtd.org to register for the pre-proposal conference.

Proposals shall be submitted to LaShaunda Drake, Greater Hartford Transit District, One Union

Place, Hartford, CT 06103, on or before 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2026. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered and will be returned to the Proposer unopened.

Any changes, or any requests for changes in the specifications, will not be recognized after sealed proposals are submitted to the District.

Any contract resulting from this request for proposals is subject to a financial assistance contract between the District and the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit

Administration. All Proposers will be required to certify that they are not on the Comptroller

General's list of ineligible contractors. Further, the contractor will be required to comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.

http://www.hartfordtransit.org/ https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTSource

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The District hereby notifies all Proposers that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this

Request for Proposals, advertisement or solicitation, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to the RFP, and will not be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex or national origin in consideration for an award.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals as submitted in response to this

Request for Proposals, and to waive informalities and irregularities, as it deems it is in its best interest.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I GENERAL INFORMATION

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

3. INQUIRIES

4. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

5. COMMENCEMENT OF SERVICES

6. QUALIFICATION OF PROPOSERS

7. FEDERAL GRANT REQUIREMENTS

8. STATE GRANT REQUIREMENTS

9. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

10. DBE Requirements for Transit Vehicle Manufacturers

11. SPECIAL PROVISION

12. SUBCONTRACTING

13. PROCUREMENT AND APPEALS PROCESS

14. FUNDING

15. VALIDITY OF PROPOSALS

16. ADDENDA AND PROPOSAL REJECTION

17. PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL

18. EXCEPTIONS TO RFP

19. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

20. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

21. ATTACHED EXHIBITS

A. Federally Required Contract Clauses B. State of Connecticut Grant Requirements and Required Certifications C. Procurement Procedures and Appeals Process D. General Information Forms E. Submittal Checklist F. Required Certifications G. Cost Proposal Forms H. State of Connecticut Certifications I. Vehicle Specification………………………………………………………………………19 J. Warranty Schedule

SECTION II - TECHNICAL

1. DEFINITIONS

2. PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

3. PROCURING AGENCY

4. MAXIMUM QUANTITIES

5. ASSIGNABILITY

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

7. PRICING

A. Price Protection B. Price Validity for the Initial Contract Term C. Vehicle and Optional Feature Pricing D. Prohibitions E. Price Adjustments F. Tax Exempt Status G. Ordering Procedures

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8. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

9. CONFORMITY TO DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS/SUBSTITUTIONS

10. REQUEST FOR APPROVED EQUALS

A. Explanation to Contractors B. Approved Equal C. Correspondence D. Samples

11. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A. Agreement B. Confidentiality C. Pre-Award Buy America Audit D. Pre-Manufacturing Meeting E. Material and Workmanship F. Quality Assurance G. Onsite Inspectors H. Inspection System I. Delivery

1. Production Vehicles

2. Delivery Schedule for Consortium Members

3. Service

4. Damage by Contractor

5. Summary of items to be provided upon delivery

J. Acceptance of Vehicles

1. Repairs after Non-Acceptance

2. Repairs by Contractor after Non-Acceptance

3. Repairs by District after Non-Acceptance

K. Payment Schedule L. Delays M. Notification of Delay N. Request for Extension O. Warranty

1. Complete Vehicle

2. Propulsion Systems and Major Sub Systems

3. Body and Chassis Structure

4. Progressive Damage

5. Vehicles Removed From Service Due To Warranty Failure

6. Exceptions to Warranty

7. Detection and Correction of Defects

8. Fleet Defects

9. Modifications

10. Single Representative

11. Repair Performance

12. Repair by Contractor

13. Repair by the District

14. Reimbursements

15. Warranty after Replacement/Repair

16. Effect of Delay

17. Disclaimer

12. TRAINING

13. TERMINATION

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SECTION III PROPOSAL CONTENT

1. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

2. PROPOSAL CONTENT

A. Cover Letter B. Table of Contents C. Proposers Contact Information D. Business Description E. Proposer’s Qualifications F. Technical Approach and Production Schedules G. Technical Understanding H. Cost Proposal I. Cost Proposal - Optional Equipment J. Miscellaneous Information K. Financial Capacity L. General Forms and Required Certifications

SECTION IV-PROPOSAL EVALUATION

1. EVALUATION PROCEDURES

2. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

A. Proposer’s Qualifications and Experience 30 points B. Technical Approach and Production Schedues 20 points…………………………………48 C. Technical Understanding for Proposed Vehicles 30 points

3. COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION

A. Cost Proposal Criteria 20 points

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SECTION I GENERAL INFORMATION

1. INTRODUCTION

The Greater Hartford Transit District (the “District”) is a quasi-municipal corporation operating under the authority of Chapter 103a of the Connecticut General Statutes. There are currently sixteen member towns represented by appointees who collectively form the Board of Directors, the policy making body of the District. The District has broad powers to acquire, operate, finance, plan, develop, maintain and otherwise provide all forms of land transportation and related services including the development or renewal of transportation centers and parking facilities.

The District is eligible and authorized under state and local law to request, receive, and manage grant funds and to execute and administer grant-funded projects. The District provides a variety of services in support of public transportation in the Capitol Region of Connecticut.

The District on behalf of itself and the named agencies is soliciting proposals through this Request for Proposals ("RFP") from a firm or firms interested and capable of manufacturing and delivering accessible transit/paratransit vehicles under a joint procurement in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in RFP #01-027. The type of contract for each order placed using this procurement shall be a firm-fixed unit price Contract. There will be no minimum quantity under this contract. A stated maximum quantity will be included for all vehicles types across all participating agencies. Options will be also stated. The District reserves the right to award contracts to more than one contractor.

Specifically, the District is requesting proposals and pricing for the following types of buses:

Type A: Body on Chassis 138-139” WB, Type B: Body on Chassis 158-159” WB, Type C: Body on Chassis 176-190” WB, Type D: Ford Transit: Type” Van, Type E: Ford Transit “Type” Body on Chassis, Type F: Low Floor Wheelchair Accessible Bus, and

Type G: ADA Lowered Floor Minivan w/ Side Entry Ramp.

The technical specifications and other documents relevant to this RFP are set forth in the technical specifications and in the Exhibits attached hereto and made a part hereof. Proposers can bid on any number of vehicle types.

2. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Proposers shall submit their proposal prior to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 22, 2026 to:

LaShaunda Drake

Contract and Procurement Specialist

Greater Hartford Transit District

Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Proposals shall be prepared as described in Section III of this RFP.

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Late submissions will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to ensure that its

Proposal is delivered to the District by the date and time referred to hereinabove. Delivery by facsimile or any other electronic means will not be accepted (with the exception of the (1) electronic copy requested. Refer to Section III for details).

All costs associated with the preparation and delivery of a Proposal are the sole responsibility of the applicable Proposer. Proposers shall not include any such expenses as part of the price proposed in response to the RFP.

A submission of a proposal will be considered by the District as constituting a legal offer by the

Proposer to meet the technical specifications and the terms included in this RFP.

3. INQUIRIES

Communication by any Proposer with any agent or employee of the District on the subject of this

RFP, or the pending process other than to LaShaunda Drake may result in the Proposer being deemed ineligible with regard to this RFP. All questions and requests for clarification regarding this RFP or this process must be submitted in writing to LaShaunda Drake on or before 12:00 PM local time, on Friday, November 20, 2026. Any correction or changes to this RFP will be made by written addendum only and will be distributed to all known recipients of the RFP document.

4. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

A Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held by the District on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM local time via Zoom. The purpose of the meeting is to outline solicitation requirements as well as to provide the opportunity for questions and explanations. The

Proposer may submit any written requests for clarification as well as any questions regarding this solicitation package prior to the pre-proposal conference. Any correction or changes to this RFP or responses to any questions raised during the Pre-Proposal Conference will be made by written addendum only and will be distributed to all known recipients of the RFP document.

Attendance at the Pre-Proposal Conference is not mandatory, nor is it a condition of award.

Email ldrake@ghtd.org to register for the pre-proposal conference.

To join the web meeting via Zoom, visit:

Meeting ID: 893 6621 5930

Passcode: 093744

To call in by phone: (309) 205-3325

5. COMMENCEMENT OF SERVICES

It is the intent of the District to execute an agreement with the successful Proposer, to commence on or about February 1, 2027. The agreement between the District and the successful proposer shall be for a two (2) year period. Three one-year options may be exercised, singularly, or in multiple years, at the sole discretion of the District.

6. QUALIFICATION OF PROPOSERS

All Proposers to this RFP shall have demonstrated relevant experience in sales and/or manufacturing and delivering paratransit vehicles. Such services shall meet all criteria and requirements identified in the RFP. All Proposers must have sufficient financial capacity to

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complete the project. The District is the sole judge in determining compliance with qualifications standards.

By submitting a Proposal, Proposers certify that they are not on any State, federal, or Local

Agency Lists of Ineligible Contractors, and are not debarred or suspended from conducting business with federal, state, or local government agencies.

All Proposers must be currently licensed to do business in the State of Connecticut and maintain such license throughout the duration of the Contract.

7. FEDERAL GRANT REQUIREMENTS

Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof sets forth federal requirements placed upon vendors who are participating in a project funded in whole or in part with Federal grants. Its provisions are hereby included herein as an integral part of this RFP.

8. STATE GRANT REQUIREMENTS

Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof sets forth state requirements placed upon vendors who are participating in a project funded in whole or in part with state grants. Its provisions are hereby included herein as an integral part of this RFP.

9. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

It is the policy of the District that disadvantaged business enterprises ("DBE's") be afforded the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of all contracts let by the District. This participation may be in the form of prime contracts, and/or sub-contracts, and/or direct or general overhead items procured from DBEs allocated to the Services. The term "disadvantaged business enterprise" means a business enterprise that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially disadvantaged persons. Such disadvantage may arise from cultural, racial, chronic economic circumstances or background, or other similar cause. Such persons would include but not be limited to citizens of the United States who are: African Americans (not of Hispanic origin); Hispanic

Americans; Native Americans; Asian-Pacific Americans; and, women regardless of race and ethnicity. Proposers will submit a statement indicating its own DBE status and what subcontracts and/or overhead purchases with amounts thereof under this project it will get to comply with the

District's DBE goal of 0%. DBEs must be certified with the CTDOT. There is no DBE goal for this project.

If the Contractor is unable to achieve the specified contract goals, the Contractor must submit written documentation to the District indicating his/her good faith efforts to satisfy goal requirements. The bidder must present information on DBEs proposed to meet the goal as part of bid responsiveness

(provided at the time of bid) or no later than five (5) calendar days after bid opening as a matter of responsibility. An example of a good faith effort includes whether the contractor provided written notice to a reasonable number of DBEs with potential interest in the contract and with sufficient time to allow participation. It is important to note that DBEs are certified to perform certain types of work.

To receive credit for good faith efforts and to count towards goal attainment, named DBEs must be certified to do the scopes of work that they are contacted/contracted to perform.

The District is a part of the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation Unified Certification

Program (“UCP”) and any contractor and/or sub-contractor and/or vendor utilized to meet the DBE

Participation requirements must be certified through that UCP. A list of CTDOT Certified DBE vendors can be found at: http://www.biznet.ct.gov/dot_dbe/dbesearch.aspx. Upon request, the http://www.biznet.ct.gov/dot_dbe/dbesearch.aspx

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District will provide information related to the state certification process. Proposers are subject to the TVM requirements detailed in Section 10. of this RFP.

10. DBE Requirements for Transit Vehicle Manufacturers

Pursuant to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26.49, the Vehicle Dealer and/or

Manufacturer, as a condition of being authorized to respond to this solicitation, must certify by completing the form in Exhibit F DBE Approval Certification that it has on file with the Federal

Transportation Administration (FTA) an approved or not disapproved annual disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) subcontracting participation goal.

The District requires each transit vehicle manufacturer (TVM), as a condition of being authorized to bid or propose on FTA-assisted transit vehicle procurements, to certify that it has complied with the requirements of Section 26.49.

Only those transit vehicle manufacturers listed on FTA's eligible TVMs list, or that have submitted a goal methodology to FTA that has been approved or has not been disapproved, at the time of solicitation are eligible to bid.

11. SPECIAL PROVISION

It is the policy of the District that Small Contractor and Small Contractor Minority Business

Enterprises ("SBE and MBE") be afforded the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of all contracts let by the District in accordance with Section 4a-60g of the Connecticut

General Statutes as revised. This participation may be in the form of prime contracts, and/or sub-contracts, and/or direct or general overhead items procured from SBE and/or MBEs allocated to the

Services.

For the purpose of this “Special Provision”, the SBE/MBE named to satisfy this requirement must be certified by the Department of Administrative Services of the State of Connecticut

(www.das.state.ct.us) as an SBE/MBE as defined by Section 4a-60g of the Connecticut General

Statutes as revised or with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Proposer will submit a statement indicating its own SBE/MBE status and what subcontracts and/or overhead purchases with amounts thereof under this project it will let. There is NO goal set for

SBE/MBE utilization on this project, however the District does have an annual SBE goal of

25%. See attached Certification for SBEs. The use of SBE/MBE and/or DBE subcontractors is encouraged if feasible.

If the Contractor is unable to achieve the specified contract goals for the Special Provision, the

Contractor must submit written documentation to the District indicating his/her good faith efforts to satisfy goal requirements.

12. SUBCONTRACTING

If subcontractors are necessary to complete any functions of this requirement, the Proposer must list the names and business locations of any proposed subcontractors, with their submitted

Proposal Form. The District reserves the right to review and approve any subcontractors proposed by the Respondent. Any approval of the subcontractor shall not be construed as making the District party of such contract, giving the subcontractor privities of contract with the District, or subjecting the District to liability of any kind to any subcontractor.

http://www.das.state.ct.us/

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13. PROCUREMENT AND APPEALS PROCESS

The District’s procurement procedures and appeals process are contained in Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part hereof.

14. FUNDING

Any contract resulting from this request for proposals is subject in part to a financial assistance contract between the District and other participants and the State of Connecticut Department of

Transportation (CTDOT) and between the District and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

All firms will be required to certify that they are not on the Comptroller General's and U.S.

Department of Transportation’s list of ineligible contractors.

No proposal will be accepted from, or a Contract awarded to any person, firm, or corporation that is in arrears or is in default to the State of Connecticut upon any debt or contract or that is in default as a surety or in any other manner is in default of any obligation to the State.

Additionally, no Contract shall be awarded to any person, firm, or corporation that has failed to perform on any prior or previous contract, agreement, or license with the State. Nor will any

Contract be awarded to any firm that is not registered with the Secretary of State’s Office to conduct business in the State of Connecticut.

15. VALIDITY OF PROPOSALS

Proposers agree that their proposals remain valid for a period of one hundred and twenty (120) days after the above cited due date for submission of proposals and may be extended beyond that time by mutual agreement.

Proposers agree that the technical portion of their proposals (not including proprietary or pricing information) may be released to other Proposers upon announcement of award, if requested by such other Proposers

By responding to this RFP, the Proposer implicitly states that the proposal is not made in connection with any competing firm submitting a separate response to this RFP and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. It is further implied that the Proposer did not participate in the District’s RFP development process, had no knowledge of the specific contents of this RFP prior to its issuance, and that no employee of the District participated directly or indirectly in the firm’s proposal preparation.

16. ADDENDA AND PROPOSAL REJECTION

The District reserves the right to issue addenda to this RFP as a result of inquiries received, or to adjust its project schedule if it is deemed in the District’s best interest to do so. It is the

Proposer’s responsibility to assure receipt of all addenda. The Proposer should verify with the designated contact person prior to entering a proposal that all addenda have been received.

Proposers are required to acknowledge the number of addenda received as part of their proposal.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals resulting from this RFP if the

District deems that it is in the best interest of the District to do so. The District may elect to make an award of the subject contract as a direct result of Proposals received or elect to negotiate with

Proposers.

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17. PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL

The Proposer’s authorized representative may, prior to the date and time set as the deadline for receipt of proposals, modify or withdraw a proposal in person, or by written notice to the official listed in this document. If a proposal is modified or withdrawn in person, the authorized representative shall make his or her identity known and shall sign a receipt for the proposal.

Written notices shall be received at the District’s offices, One Union Place, Hartford, CT 06103 no later than the date scheduled as the proposal receipt deadline. After the proposal receipt deadline, proposal may not be withdrawn for one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days.

18. EXCEPTIONS TO RFP

All exceptions taken by Proposer must be specific. Proposer must clearly indicate what alternative is being offered to allow the District a meaningful opportunity to evaluate the

Proposal. Submitting an alternative proposal does not relieve the Proposer from meeting all criteria and requirements identified in the RFP. The District is under no obligation to accept any proposed exceptions or alternatives. See Key Information Summary page for important dates.

19. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

Any exceptions to be taken by a Proposer must be clearly listed in the Proposal, on a separate page clearly marked “Proposer Contract Exceptions”. Terms and conditions proposed by a

Proposer that do not comply in substance with all material requirements of the RFP, are contrary to the best interests of the District, or that are inconsistent with District policy, will not be accepted. The District may disqualify any Proposal that, in the District’s sole and absolute discretion, contains exceptions to material provisions of the form of Contract. If the selected

Proposer attempts to negotiate the Contract (except for the proposed Contract exceptions set forth in the selected Proposer’s list accompanying the Proposal), then the District in its sole and absolute discretion may disqualify the selected Proposer and/or reject the selected Proposer’s proposal and/or deem the selected Proposer’s proposal to be withdrawn by the selected Proposer and award the Contract to the next most responsive and responsible Proposer, notwithstanding any contrary or inconsistent notice of award, notice to proceed or any other written or oral representation, warranty, promise, or agreement made or issued by the District

20. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The insurance requirements specified in this section shall apply to CONTRACTOR and any subcontractors, suppliers, temporary workers, independent contractors, leased employees, or any other persons, firms or corporations that CONTRACTOR authorizes to work under this

Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Agents”). CONTRACTOR is required to procure and maintain at its sole cost and expense the insurance coverages subject to all the requirements set forth below. CONTRACTOR is also required to assess the risks associated with the work to be performed by Agents under subcontract and to include in every subcontract the requirement that the Agent maintain adequate insurance coverage with appropriate limits and endorsements to cover risks; the limit for the commercial general liability insurance in each subcontract shall not be less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence and Two

Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate. Such insurance shall remain in full force and effect throughout the term of this Agreement. To the extent that any Agent does not procure and maintain such insurance coverage, CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for said coverage and assume any and all costs and expenses that may be incurred in securing said coverage or in fulfilling CONTRACTOR’s indemnity obligation as to itself or any of its Agents in the absence of coverage. In the event CONTRACTOR or its Agents procure excess or umbrella coverage to maintain certain requirements outlined below, these policies shall also satisfy all specified

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endorsements and stipulations, including provisions that the CONTRACTOR’s insurance be primary without any right of contribution from the DISTRICT. Prior to beginning work under this

Agreement, CONTRACTOR shall provide the DISTRICT with satisfactory evidence of compliance with the insurance requirements of this section.

A. Types of Insurance

1. Commercial General Liability, including Products Liability

The Contractor shall carry Commercial General Liability Insurance, including premises/operations; contractual liability; personal injury; products liability and completed operations; property damage, providing for a per occurrence limit of Five Million Dollars

($5,000,000) for all damages arising out of bodily injuries to or death of all persons in anyone accident or occurrence, and for all damages arising out of injury to or destruction of property in anyone accident or occurrence, and, subject to that limit per accident, a total (or aggregate) limit of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) for all damages arising out of bodily injuries or death of all persons in all accidents or occurrences and out of injury to or destruction of property for a period of five (5) years after acceptance of the last bus delivered under this Agreement for a period of

Product liability.

2. Workers' Compensation Insurance

With respect to any services performed during the Term hereof at premises owned or controlled by the District, either by the Contractor or by its subcontractors, the Contractor and its subcontractor(s) shall carry Workers' Compensation Insurance and, as applicable, insurance required in accordance with the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the State of Connecticut, and of the laws of the

United States, respectively. In addition, the Contractor and its subcontractor(s) shall carry

Employers Liability Coverage with minimum amounts of $500k/$500k/$500k.

3. Business Automobile Insurance

To the extent that the provision of services hereunder requires the use of Contractor’s (or any

Agent’s) business automobiles, the Contractor shall carry Business Automobile Liability

Insurance, to cover the use of all owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles, providing for the following minimum liability limits: Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) for all damages arising out of bodily injuries to or death of all persons in any one accident or occurrence, and for all damages arising out of injury to or destruction of property in any one accident or occurrence.

B. Certificate of Insurance

All insurance provided for above shall be obtained under valid and enforceable policies, and issued by financially sound and responsible insurance companies authorized to do business in the

State of Connecticut and having a general policy rating of A- or better and a financial class of

VIII or better, each as determined by AM Best Company, Inc. Prior to commencing any work under this Agreement and at least ten (10) days prior to the expiration dates of any insurance required hereunder, Contractor shall deliver to the District certificates of insurance evidencing such coverage and any renewal or successor policies. If the Contractor engages any subcontractor to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement, the Contractor shall also deliver to the District certificates of insurance from such subcontractor evidencing such coverage and any renewal or successor policies. All policies of insurance required hereunder shall name the District (and such other persons or entities designated by the District) as an additional insured

(except the workers’ compensation). All insurance policies provided for above shall contain clauses or endorsements to the effect that: (i) no act or negligence of the Contractor, or anyone acting for the Contractor, or failure to comply with the provisions of any policy, which might otherwise result in a forfeiture of the insurance or any part thereof, shall in any way affect the

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validity or enforceability of the insurance insofar as the District is concerned; (ii) no such policies shall be canceled without at least thirty (30) days’ notice to the District (10 days for non-payment of premium); (iii) shall contain a waiver of subrogation in favor of the District, and (iv) shall provide that such coverage is primary and non-contributory.

C. General Provisions

1. Notice of Cancellation

The policies shall provide that the CONTRACTORS’ policies will not be cancelled or have limits reduced or coverage altered without thirty (30) days prior written notice to the DISTRICT’s

Operations Administrator.

2. Self-insurance

Upon evidence of financial capacity satisfactory to the DISTRICT and CONTRACTOR’s agreement to waive subrogation against the DISTRICT respecting any and all claims that may arise, CONTRACTOR's obligation hereunder may be satisfied in whole or in part by adequately funded self-insurance.

3. Failure to Maintain Insurance

All insurance specified above shall remain in force until all work to be performed is satisfactorily completed, all of CONTRACTOR's personnel and equipment have been removed from the

DISTRICT property, and the work has been formally accepted. The failure to procure or maintain required insurance and/or an adequately funded self-insurance program will constitute a material breach of this Agreement.

D. Claims Made Coverage

If any insurance specified above shall be provided on a claim-made basis, then in addition to coverage requirements above, such policy shall provide that:

1. Policy retroactive date coincides with or precedes the CONTRACTOR's start of work

(including subsequent policies purchased as renewals or replacements).

2. CONTRACTOR shall make every effort to maintain similar insurance for at least three years following project completion, including the requirement of adding all named insureds.

3. If insurance is terminated for any reason, CONTRACTOR agrees to purchase an extended reporting provision of at least three years to report claims arising from work performed in connection with this Agreement.

4. Policy allows for reporting of circumstances or incidents that might give rise to future claims.

Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Contractor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the District and its officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively “Indemnified Parties”) from and against all claims, damages, demands, losses, expenses, fines, penalties, causes of action, suits or other liabilities (including all costs of reasonable attorneys’ fees, consequential damages, and punitive damages), arising out of, related to, in connection with or resulting from, or alleged to arise out of or arise from, Contractor’s negligence, performance, breach or failure to perform under the Contract or the violation of any applicable law or regulation, and whether done directly, or by or through Contractor’s subcontractors or anyone directly or indirectly employed

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 18 OF 49

by Contractor or by Contractor’s subcontractors or anyone for whose acts any of them may be responsible or liable and whether or not such claim, damage, demand, loss, expense, fine, penalty, cause of action, suit or other liability is attributable to bodily injury, personal injury, sickness, disease or death, or to injury to or destruction of tangible property, including the loss of use resulting therefrom. This indemnity shall be effective regardless of whether or not such claim, damage, loss or expense is caused in part by any of the Indemnified Parties (but the indemnity shall not cover liability to the extent resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Party). Such indemnity obligation shall not be in derogation or limitation of any other obligation or liability of the Contractor or the rights of the District contained in this Contract or otherwise. This indemnification shall not be limited in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of damages, compensation or benefits payable by or for the

Contractor under any workers’ compensation acts, disability benefit acts or other employee benefits acts and includes any loss or injury suffered by an employee of Contractor. This indemnification shall survive the completion of the Work or the termination of the Contract.

The Contractor shall further assume all liability for loss by reason of neglect or violations of federal, state or local laws, ordinances or regulations, and shall do and perform all work necessary to conform to such laws, ordinances and regulations.

21. ATTACHED EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are included in this RFP package:

A. Federally Required Contract Clauses

B. State of Connecticut Grant Requirements and Required Certifications

C. Procurement Procedures and Appeals Process

D. General Information Forms

E. Submittal Checklist

F. Required Certifications o Affidavit o Certificate of Eligibility o Certificate of Non-Collusion o Certificate of Restrictions on Lobbying o Government-Wide Debarment and Suspension o Buy America Certification o Pre-Award and Post Delivery Audit Certification o Certificate for DBE No DBE Goal for this Solicitation o DBE Good Faith Efforts Form No DBE Goal for this Solicitation o DBE Letter of Intent No DBE Goal for this Solicitation o Contractor’s Statement on Subcontractors o Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Pollution Certificate o Certification of Compliance with Bus Testing Requirements o Transit Vehicle Manufacturer’s (TVM) Certificate

G. Cost Proposal Forms

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 19 OF 49

H. State of Connecticut Certifications

I. Vehicle Specifications

J. Warranty Schedule

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 20 OF 49

SECTION II - TECHNICAL

1. DEFINITIONS

The following are definitions of special terms used in this document:

Authorized Signature: The person who is executing this Contract on behalf of the Contractor and who is authorized to bind the Contractor.

Best And Final Offer (BAFO): The last Proposal made by a Proposer. If a BAFO is not specifically requested by the District, or if the Proposer does not promptly respond to a request for BAFO, then the most recent, current Proposal is the BAFO.

Class 1 Failure (physical safety): A failure that could lead directly to passenger or operator injury and represents a severe crash situation.

Class 2 Failure (road call): A failure resulting in an en route interruption of revenue service.

Service is discontinued until the bus is replaced or repaired at the point of failure.

Competitive Range: The range of proposals that are identified as the most highly rated, unless the range is further reduced for purposes of efficiency.

Contract: The Proposal and its acceptance by the Participating Agencies as manifested by the

Contract documents.

Contracting Officer: The person who is administering this Contract on behalf of the District except as limited herein. For this solicitation, the Contracting Officer prior to Contract award and for administration of the Joint Procurement following Contract award is the Director of Grants and Contract Administration for the District. Each Participating Agencies placing an order using the Joint Procurement shall also designate a Contracting Officer for the Participating Agencies placing the order.

Contractor: The successful Proposer(s) who is (are) awarded a Contract for providing all paratransit buses and equipment described in the Contract documents.

Consortium: Term used to describe the relationship between the District and Participating

Agencies for the establishment of the Joint Procurement.

Days: Unless otherwise stated, “days” shall mean calendar days.

Defect: Patent or latent malfunction or failure in manufacture, installation or design of any component or subsystem.

Deviation: Variance from a requirement or specification that does not alter the basis of a contract or adversely affects its performance.

District: Greater Hartford Transit District (District). Any contract modification involving the

Joint Procurement shall be issued by the District and coordinated through the Participating

Agencies.

Extended Warranty: A warranty available for purchase above the standard warranty.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/variance.html http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/specification-spec.html http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/contract.html http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/performance.html

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 21 OF 49

Fatigue Failure (Corrosion Fatigue): The mechanical degradation of a material under the joint action of corrosion and cyclic loading.

Joint Procurement: An arrangement the Consortium has established with multiple vendors in which those vendors agree to provide specific property or services in the future at established prices. In this case, the specific property includes accessible paratransit vehicles.

Ordering Agency: Term for the agency that shall be purchasing vehicles from the Joint

Procurement. In this case, this agency must be a Participating Agencies under the RFP and a signatory to the awarded Contract.

Participating Agencies: The term Participating Agencies shall also refer to any Agency authorized to place an order under the Joint Procurement. The Participating Agencies for this procurement shall consist of: CT Department of Transportation, Estuary Transit District dba

River Valley Transit, Greater Bridgeport Transit, Greater New Haven Transit District, Housatonic

Area Regional Transit, Northwestern CT Transit District, Norwalk Transit District, Southeast

Area Transit District, and Windham Region Transit District.

Pass-Through Warranty: A warranty provided by the Contractor but administered directly with the component Supplier.

Proposal: A promise, if accepted, to deliver equipment and services according to the underlying solicitation of the District documented using the prescribed form in the solicitation, including any

Proposal or BAFO.

Contractor: A legal entity that makes a Proposal. For this solicitation, the Contractor may be a vehicle manufacturer or a dealer representing a vehicle manufacturer.

Related Defect: Damage inflicted on any component or subsystem as a direct result of a separate

Defect.

Solicitation: District’s Request for Proposals.

Superior Warranty: A warranty still in effect after all contractually required warranties have expired. The remaining warranty is administered directly between the sub-Supplier and the

Ordering Agency.

Supplier: Any manufacturer, company or agency providing units, components or subassemblies for inclusion in the bus that is installed by the Contractor. Supplier items shall require qualification by type and acceptance tests in accordance with requirements defined in “Section 8:

Quality Assurance.”

Subcontractor: Any manufacturer, company or agencies providing units, components or subassemblies for inclusion in the bus that are installed by a Subcontractor. Subcontractor items shall require qualification by type and acceptance tests in accordance with RFP requirements.

Work: Any and all labor, supervision, services, materials, machinery, equipment, tools, supplies and facilities called for by the Contract and necessary to the completion thereof.

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 22 OF 49

2. PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

The Greater Hartford Transit District (the District) invites qualified firms to submit Proposals in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the production and delivery of Standard

Cutaway Chassis Minibuses with Lifts, Ford Transit “Type” Buses with lifts (or approved equal), Low Floor Wheelchair Accessible Buses, and ADA Lowered Floor Minivans with Side Entry

Ramp. This RFP is issued on behalf of the District as the “Lead Agency” and ten (10)

“Participating Agencies” (for a combined total of eleven (11) agencies). The Contract will be for a three-year base term with two one year options. The District will award one or more contracts which will include all vehicle types. Each Participating Agency will award and pay invoices related to their own purchase orders separately for vehicle orders.

Lead Agency:

• Greater Hartford Transit District (GHTD)

Participating Agencies include:

• CT Department of Transportation (CTDOT)

• Estuary Transit District (ETD) dba River Valley Transit (RVT)

• Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT)

• Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD)

• Housatonic Area Regional Transit (HARTransit)

• Milford Transit District (MTD)

• Norwalk Transit District (NTD)

• Northwestern CT Transit District (NWCTD)

• South East Area Transit District (SEAT)

• Windham Region Transit District (WRTD)

Following contract award, Participating Agencies shall work directly with the selected vendor(s) when ordering vehicles and will be responsible for tracking of their available maximum quantities. The Participating Agencies shall work with the respective vendor(s) to identify and select options, seat colors, etc. on the purchase orders within the scope of the technical specifications included in this solicitation. The Participation Agencies must share all purchase orders with the District to monitor overall vehicle assignments and remaining quantities.

Vehicles shall be available to be procured for the duration of the 5-year total contract term (if all option years are exercised). Each purchase order issued by the Participating Agencies shall be made during the contract’s period of performance. Vehicle delivery may be scheduled beyond the initial term; however, all contracts purchase orders must be executed prior to the end of the period of performance. The District shall not incur financial responsibility or other liability in connection with contracts entered into between the Contractor and the Participating Agencies. The

Participating Agencies shall accept sole responsibility for placing orders and making payments to the selected vendor(s).

3. PROCURING AGENCY

The District is a member of the joint procurement and is acting as the lead agency for the solicitation. The following agencies are participants in this joint procurement:

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 23 OF 49

Lead Agency

Greater Hartford Transit District

860-247-5329

Participating Agencies

CT Department of Transportation

2800 Berlin Turnpike

Newington, CT 06111

(860) 594-2856

Estuary Transit District dba River Valley Transit

91 N Main Street

Middletown, CT 06457

(860) 510-0429

Greater Bridgeport Transit

One Cross Street

Bridgeport, CT 06610

(203) 366-7070

Greater New Haven Transit District

840 Sherman Avenue

Hamden, CT 06514

(203) 281-2505

Housatonic Area Regional Transit

62 Federal Road

Danbury, CT 0681

(203) 744-4070

Milford Transit District

259 Research Drive

Milford, CT 06460

(203) 874-4507

Norwalk Transit District

275 Wilson Avenue

Norwalk, CT 06854

(203) 852-0000

Northwestern CT Transit District

281 Church Street

Torrington, CT 06790

(860) 489-2535

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 24 OF 49

South East Area Transit

21 Route 12

Preston CT 06365

(860) 886-2631

Windham Region Transit District

28 South Frontage Road

Mansfield Center, CT 06250

(860) 456-2223

4. MAXIMUM QUANTITIES

The District, along with the Participating Agencies, at their sole discretion, may procure up to the maximum number of vehicles stated in this RFP, based on each district’s requirements and available funding. Prices quoted for vehicles and optional equipment shall remain firm for 180 days; price adjustment allowances and procedures are set forth in the Technical Section under

Pricing.

The maximum quantities established in this solicitation are:

Vehicle Type Combined

Maximum

Type A: Body on Chassis 138-139” 103

Type B: Body on Chassis 158-159” 455

Type C: Body on Chassis 176-190” 85

Type D: Ford Transit “Type” Van 111

Type E: Ford Transit “Type” Body on Chassis 157

Type F: Low Floor Wheelchair Accessible Bus 25

Type G: ADA Lowered Floor Minivan w/ Side Entry

Ramp

These figures represent the foreseeable needs of the Participating Agencies listed within the joint procurement based on their adopted fleet plans and replacement/expansion schedules. No orders shall be guaranteed and are at the sole discretion of the participating agencies. Orders shall be placed on an as-needed basis. Included vehicle quantities are informational only and not a guarantee to purchase any amount.

The Participating Agencies has expressed interest in procuring vehicles under the terms and conditions of these specifications. The issuance of a purchase order directly by the following

Agencies with the selected vendor for the purchase of vehicles will be solely up to the Agencies based on a number of factors, such as funding, price, vehicle delivery dates, specifications, and the adherence to FTA vehicle procurement regulations. The District will not be a party to any contract issued or award made by the Participating Agencies.

Agency

A B C D E F G Total

Max Max Max Max Max Max Max Max

Greater Hartford Transit District 225 20 10 255

CT Department of

Transportation

70 70 70 70 70 60 410

RFP #01-027 JOINT PROCURMENT PARATRANSIT VEHICLES PAGE 25 OF 49

Estuary Transit District dba

River Valley Transit

20 34 5 20 79

Greater Bridgeport Transit 30 10 40

Greater New Haven Transit

District

3 12 36 24 75

Housatonic Area Regional

Transit

11 8 9 28

Milford Transit District 4 4

Norwalk Transit District 35 5 40

Northwestern CT Transit District 20 5 25

South East Area Transit 10 10 10 10 40

Windham Region Transit District 8 2 10

TOTALS 103 455 85 111 157 25 70 1,006

5. ASSIGNABILITY OF OPTIONS

In the event that the District or any Participating Agency does not purchase its maximum vehicle allotment, due to unforeseen circumstances, lack of funding, or any other reason, each agency may assign the remainder of its vehicle allotment (up to its maximum requirements set forth herein) to other agencies (upon written notification to the District). This right of assignment shall remain in force over the five-year total contract term. This right of assignment will not change the quantity or types of vehicles that may be ordered pursuant to this solicitation.

The District shall not incur financial responsibility or other liability in connection with contracts entered…