ITB 2026-07 Procurment Tool.pdf

State of Florida Florida Department of Education

Bureau of Contracts, Grants and Procurement Management Services 332 Turlington Building 325 West Gaines Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

BID REGISTRATION

BID NO.: ITB 2026-07

TITLE: Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional

Equipment

DATE & TIME DUE: Friday, November 14, 2025 by 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time

Potential Bidders should notify the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Contracts, Grants and Procurement Management Services by returning this Bid Registration Form by Friday, September 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Complete the information below and send this sheet only to Rhonda.Forbes@fldoe.org. Form may also be faxed to fax number 850-245-0719, or mailed to 325 West Gaines Street, 332 Turlington Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

COMPANY NAME:

CONTACT PERSON:

ADDRESS:

CITY, STATE, ZIP:

TELEPHONE: ( ) FAX NUMBER: ( )

INTERNET E-MAIL ADDRESS:

SIGNED: DATE:

For further information about this bidding on contracts for the State of Florida, you may contact Rhonda Forbes at 850-245- 0075 or Rhonda.Forbes@fldoe.org.

(Revised 08/01/2020) mailto:Rhonda.Forbes@fldoe.org

State of Florida Department of Education

INVITATION TO BID

BID NUMBER: ITB 2026-07

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

DEADLINES

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS DUE: Friday, September 12, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

BID RESPONSE SUBMITTAL DUE: Friday, November 14, 2025 by 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time

MAIL OR DELIVER BID RESPONSES TO:

Bureau of Contracts, Grants and Procurement Management Services 325 West Gaines Street

344 Turlington Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

Attention: Rhonda Forbes

BID NO: ITB 2026-07

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

Table of Contents

BID REGISTRATION

• SECTION 1 –INSTRUCTIONS

1.0 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENT

• SECTION 2 – CONTRACT CONDITIONS

2.0 GENERAL CONTRACT CONDITIONS

• SECTION 3 - INTRODUCTION

3.0 INTENT

3.1 BACKGROUND

3.2 DEFINITIONS

3.3 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (ALL DATES IN BID SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

• SECTION 4 – SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

4.0 NON-RESPONSIVE BIDS, NON-RESPONSIBLE BIDDERS

4.1 POOR PERFORMANCE NOTICE

4.2 QUESTIONS

4.3 RESTRICTIONS ON COMMUNICATIONS WITH DEPARTMENT STAFF

4.4 PROCUREMENT PROTESTS/NOTICE OF RIGHTS

4.5 ADDENDA

4.6 MINOR EXCEPTIONS

4.7 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

4.8 CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL

4.9 PREPARATION COST

4.10 WITHDRAWAL

4.11 PUBLIC OPENING OF BID RESPONSES

4.12 CORRECTION OF BID RESPONSE ERRORS

4.13 VISITOR PASS TO THE TURLINGTON BUILDING

4.14 ACCESSIBILITY FOR DISABLED PERSONS

4.15 RESPONSE DURATION

4.16 PRICING

4.17 AWARD

4.18 AUTHORIZATION TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

4.19 LICENSED TO CONDUCT SERVICES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

4.20 NOTICE TO CONTRACTOR

4.21 QUALIFICATIONS

4.22 SUBMISSION OF BID RESPONSES BY SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATES

4.23 IDENTICAL EVALUATION OF BID RESPONSES

4.24 INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION

4.25 METHOD OF PAYMENT

4.26 EXTENSION

4.27 INSPECTION AUDIT AND MAINTENANCE OF REPORTS

4.28 DIVERSITY IN CONTRACTING

4.29 SUB-CONTRACTING

4.30 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

4.31 CONTRACT COMPLETION

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

4.32 DISPOSITION OF BID RESPONSES

4.33 TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY

4.34 ALTERNATES

4.35 WARRANTY/SUBSTITUTIONS

4.36 REPLACEMENT/RESTOCKING

4.37 PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS

4.38 ACCEPTANCE

• SECTION 5– SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

5.0 A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL NOT BE HELD

5.1 A SITE INSPECTION WILL NOT BE REQUIRED

5.2 PERFORMANCE BOND

5.3 INSURANCE, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

5.4 INSURANCE, GENERAL LIABILITY

5.5 INDEMNIFICATION

5.6 EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

5.7 PARTICIPATION IN FUTURE STAGES OF THIS PROJECT

5.8 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

5.9 SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES LISTS

5.10 SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES – TERMINATION

• SECTION 6 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

6.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

6.1 DELIVERABLES (Status Reports)

6.2 FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES (Liquidated Damages)

• SECTION 7 – SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – BID RESPONSE FORMAT & CONTENT

7.0 BID RESPONSE SUBMISSION

7.1 BID CONDITIONS

7.2 BID RESPONSE FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS

7.3 GENERAL BID REQUIREMENTS

7.4 ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

7.5 DEALER-OFFERED OPTIONS AND SALES INCENTIVES

7.6 ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS

7.7 TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

7.8 PILOT MODEL INSPECTIONS

7.9 PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTIONS

7.10 CONTRACT

7.11 VARIATION OR SUBSTITUTION OF EQUIPMENT

7.12 MYFLORIDAMARKETPLACE

7.13 CONTACT BETWEEN CONTRACTOR AND THE DEPARTMENT AFTER AWARD OF CONTRACT

7.14 TERMINATION FOR CAUSE

7.15 DELIVERY PRICING ADJUSTMENT

7.16 RECALL NOTIFICATIONS

7.17 TIMELINES

7.18 ESTIMATED DELIVERY DATES

7.19 REPRESENTATIONS

7.20 FLOOR PLAN (ORDER CONFIRMATION)

7.21 WHEELCHAIR LIFT BUS (WLB) REQUIREMENTS

7.22 TRAINING, EQUIPMENT AND PUBLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

7.23 SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

7.24 MANUFACTURER’S CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN

7.25 ALTERNATIVE FUEL ENGINE OPTION

7.26 DISCLOSURE OF ACCIDENT(S) OR MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN

• SECTION 8 – SUBMITTALS AND EVALUATION

8.0 PRELIMINARY SUBMITTAL REVIEW

8.1 POSTING OF BID TABULATION

8.2 PROTEST OF BID TABULATION OR PROCUREMENT TERMS

8.3 INABILITY TO POST

8.4 AWARD OF THE CONTRACT

8.5 SUBMISSION OF ALTERNATE RESPONSES

• ATTACHMENT ‘A’ – VENDOR BID PRICE SHEET

• ATTACHMENT ‘B’– DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

• ATTACHMENT ‘C’ – FDOE STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• ATTACHMENT ‘D’ –DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

• ATTACHMENT ‘E’– FDOE MINORITY SUBCONTRACTORS UTILIZATION SUMMARY

• ATTACHMENT ‘F’ – VENDOR CERTIFICATIONS (PUR 7801)

• ATTACHMENT ‘G’– VENDOR CERTIFICATION REGARDING SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES LISTS

• ATTACHMENT ‘H’ – FOREIGN COUNTRY OF CONCERN ATTESTATION (PUR 1355)

• ATTACHMENT ‘I’ – COMMON CARRIER OR CONTRACTED CARRIER ATTESTATION FORM (PUR 1808)

• ATTACHMENT ‘J’ – AFFIDAVIT REGARDING THE USE OF COERCION FOR LABOR AND SERVICES

• ATTACHMENT ‘K’– CONTRACT 2026-07

• ATTACHMENT ’L’ - BIDDER REPRESENTATION

• ATTACHMENT ‘M’ - PURCHASE ORDER/CUSTOMER CONTACT PREFERENCE INFORMATION

• ATTACHMENT ‘N’ - FILE STRUCTURE FOR REQUIRED STATUS REPORT

• ATTACHMENT ’O’ - FLORIDA SCHOOL BUS SPECIFICATIONS, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2026

• ATTACHMENT ‘P’ – FMVSS AND GAWR LETTER OF ATTESTATION

• ATTACHMENT ‘Q’ – POWER LIFT COMPLIANCE LETTER OF ATTESTATION

• ATTACHMENT ‘R’ – CHASSIS DELIVERY DATES LETTER

• ATTACHMENT ‘S’ –LIQUIDATED DAMAGES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER

• ATTACHMENT ‘T’ – SEAT COVERING SPECIFICATIONS LETTER OF ATTESTATION

• ATTACHMENT ‘U’ – CHASSIS PERFORMANCE LETTER OF ATTESTATION

• ATTACHMENT ‘V’ – PRE-DELIVERY PROGRAM OUTLINE

• ATTACHMENT ‘W’ – BID RESPONSE CHECKLIST

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

SECTION 1 –INSTRUCTIONS

1.0 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENT

This section contains instructions explaining the solicitation process and the actions necessary to respond. General Instructions to Respondent (Form PUR 1001 – incorporated herein by reference) is a downloadable document that must be downloaded for review and need not be returned with the respondent’s Bid Response. Form PUR 1001 may be accessed at http://dms.myflorida.com/business operations/state purchasing under “Documents, Forms, References, and Resources.”

In the event of any conflict between Form PUR 1001 and other instructions provided in this document, the additional instructions in this document shall take precedence over Form PUR 1001 unless the conflicting term is required by any section of the Florida Statutes, in which case the statutory requirements shall take precedence.

ALTHOUGH THE ITB MAY USE MANDATORY WORDS LIKE “SHALL,” “WILL,” “SHOULD ,” OR “MUST,” AND MAY DEFINE CERTAIN ITEMS AS REQUIREMENTS, THE DEPARTMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT, IN ITS DISCRETION, TO WAIVE ANY DEVIATIONS FROM THESE PROVISIONS. IN ADDITION, THERE IS NO

GUARANTEE THAT SUCH DEVIATIONS WILL BE DEEMED IN THE STATE’S BEST INTEREST OR A MINOR

IRREGULARITY.

SECTION 2 – CONTRACT CONDITIONS

2.0 GENERAL CONTRACT CONDITIONS

Standard terms and conditions that will apply to the contract that results from the solicitation event are provided in this section. General Contract Conditions (Form PUR 1000 – incorporated herein by reference) is a downloadable document that must be downloaded for review and need not be returned with the respondent’s Bid Response. Form

PUR 1000 may be accessed at http://dms.myflorida.com/business operations/state purchasing under “Documents, Forms, References, and Resources.”

In the event of any conflict between the PUR 1000 form and any other Special Conditions, the Special Conditions shall take precedence over the PUR 1000 form unless the conflicting term in the PUR form is required by any section of the Florida Statutes, in which case the term contained in PUR 1000 shall take precedence.

SECTION 3 - INTRODUCTION

3.0 INTENT

The State of Florida Department of Education (hereinafter referred to as the "Department") is soliciting written Bid Responses from qualified vendors to establish a term contract for the purchase of Type A, Type C, and Type D school buses, MFSABs and optional equipment. The term is anticipated to begin on January 1, 2026, and be effective for eighteen (18) months thereafter. These specifications intend to set forth and convey to prospective bidders the general type, character, performance, and level of quality of the vehicles desired by the department and purchasing school districts. The contractor is authorized to provide vehicles to all eligible users in the State of Florida. The sale of any vehicles to an eligible user not included in the definition herein is prohibited unless the contractor has received prior written approval from the department. Such services are outlined in an addendum hereto executed by all parties.

The parties agree that the laws and rules that apply to this contract shall be those applicable to contracts in excess of Purchasing Category Two, or $35,000, as defined in s. 287.017, Florida Statutes (F.S.).

The resulting contract may not be renewed.

http://dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing http://dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

3.1 BACKGROUND

Pursuant to S. 1006.27, F.S., the department shall assist district school boards in securing school buses at prices that are as reasonable as possible by providing a plan under which district school boards may voluntarily pool their bids for such purchases and prepares and awards term contracts for the purchase of various types of school buses, MFSABs and optional equipment, and makes the contracts available to district school boards. From time to time, district school boards must furnish the department with information concerning the prices paid for such items. The department periodically furnishes to district school boards information concerning the lowest prices at which school buses, equipment, and related supplies are available based on comparable specifications.

School bus units may be purchased by Florida district school boards, charter schools, and the Florida School for the

Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) and by eligible private schools pursuant to the requirements described in s.

1002.42(15)(a), F.S.

Representatives of the Florida Department of Management Services, State Purchasing, may be asked to serve as advisors in the final determination and acceptance of bids.

3.2 DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the following definitions apply:

Bid: All documents and materials in the formal ITB package submitted by a Bidder in response to this solicitation.

Bid Response: The complete response of the Bidder to the ITB, including properly completed forms and supporting documentation.

Bidder: A potential contractor, acting on their behalf and on behalf of those individuals, partnerships, firms, or corporations comprising the Bidder’s team, who submits a response to this solicitation.

Configuration: Each unique combination of the following vehicle characteristics: bus type, bus capacity (e.g., 77 capacity), and wheelchair lift (if applicable). An example of a configuration for this purpose is Type C, 77 capacity with lift.

Contract: The agreement between the Department and the successful Bidder after completing the Invitation to Bid process.

Contractor: The successful bidder, selected due to this Invitation to Bid (ITB), with which the Department executes a Contract to provide the required services.

Deliverable: A tangible, specific, quantifiable, and measurable event or item that must be produced to complete a project or part of a project directly related to the scope of services.

Department: Refers to the Florida Department of Education.

Eligible Users: Florida district school boards, charter schools, FSDB, and eligible private schools.

DOE: Florida Department of Education

FE: Front-engine.

FSDB: Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind.

N/A or NA: Not available or not applicable.

N/B or NB: No bid for the base bus or option was submitted. A "no-bid" on a base bus or option will continue to be considered "no-bid" throughout the contract term, including dealer-offered options.

N/C or NC: This is a no-charge item. The department reserves the right to determine whether it is included as standard equipment.

PB: Parent bore engine.

Price: Base unit or option price.

RE: Rear engine.

Ready-to-Use Condition: Units meeting all applicable specifications, with all equipment functioning properly and without substantive defects (as determined by the Florida Department of Education, School Transportation Management Section).

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

Responsive Bidder: A person who has submitted a bid response that conforms in all material aspects to the ITB.

Responsible Bidder: A bidder who demonstrates the capacity in all respects to satisfy the contract requirements with the integrity and reliability that will assure good-faith performance.

Single Audit Act: Establishes state audit and accountability requirements under section 215.97, Florida Statutes, for state financial assistance provided to nonstate entities.

STD: Standard.

STMS: School Transportation Management Section.

Unit(s): Buses produced and sold via the Florida Department of Education’s Bid No: ITB 2026-07 for School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment.

Vehicles: Collective reference to various Type A, Type C, and Type D school buses, Multifunctional School Activity

Buses (MFSAB) and optional equipment.

Vendor: A potential contractor acting on his or her own behalf and on behalf of those individuals, partnerships, firms, or corporations comprising the vendor’s team who has not yet submitted a response to this solicitation.

VIP: Florida Vendor Information Portal – website where all available information regarding this formal procurement is located: MyFloridaMarketPlace Vendor Information Portal

WS: Wet-sleeve engine.

3.3 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (ALL DATES IN BID SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

ACTIVITY DATE

Issuance Of ITB August 19, 2025

Deadline for receipt of Technical Questions [FAX OR E-MAIL

(PREFERRED) ACCEPTABLE]

NOTE: Administrative questions will be responded to throughout the bid process

Friday, September 12, 2025

Department Response to Technical Questions received by deadline (this date is on or about)

Friday, October 3, 2025

ITB RESPONSES DUE (EMAIL OR FAX NOT ACCEPTABLE)

OPENINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA CONFERENCE CALL. TOLL-FREE: 888-585-9008;

PIN: 818-095-394

Friday, November 14, 2025

SECTION 4 – SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

4.0 NON-RESPONSIVE BIDS, NON-RESPONSIBLE BIDDERS

Bid Responses that fail to provide material information may be rejected as non-responsive. A Bidder whose Bid

Responses, past performance, or current status do not reflect the capability, integrity or reliability to perform fully and in good faith the Contract requirements may be rejected as non-responsible. The Department reserves the right to waive any minor irregularities or technicalities in any Bid Response received, to reject any or all Bid Responses in whole or in part, with or without cause, to solicit new Bid Responses or to accept the Bid Response which, in its judgment, will be in the best interest of the Department. The Department reserves the right to use any information presented in any response to this ITB.

4.1 POOR PERFORMANCE NOTICE

The bidder should provide for both the bidder, and his/her employees, subcontractors and subcontractor employees copy of any documents regarding complaints filed, investigations made, warning letters or inspection reports issued, any notice of breach, notice of default, termination notice, suspension notice, or any disciplinary action initiated or taken under any contract or job performance within the past seven (7) years. For each instance listed, provide a narrative summary of the contract’s purpose and scope of work, the bidder’s performance (including the concerns of

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment the project owner), and any major adverse findings. In addition, provide the contract or job number, the name of the owner; the term of the contract; and the name, address, and telephone number of the owner’s contract manager.

Please also include any relevant documentation evidencing the performance issues.

The Department reserves the right to seek further information on this matter from the bidder or to make inquiries with the project owner. The information obtained from this review may be used to declare the bidder a non-responsible vendor.

4.2 QUESTIONS

Potential Bidders should examine the ITB to determine if the Department’s requirements are clearly stated. If there are any requirements, which restrict competition, the Bidder may request, in writing, to the State that the specifications be changed. The Bidder who requests changes to the State’s specifications should identify and describe the Bidder’s difficulty in meeting the State’s specifications, should provide detailed justification for a change, and should provide recommended changes to the specifications. Questions concerning conditions and specifications of this ITB and/or requests for changes to the Bid Response should be received in writing by the Bureau of Contracts, Grants, and Procurement Management Services as specified in SECTION 3.3 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS. A Bidder’s failure to request changes by the specified date shall be considered to constitute Bidder’s acceptance of State’s specifications. The State shall determine what changes to the ITB shall be acceptable to the State.

Questions may be e-mailed, faxed, or delivered to the address below:

Bureau of Contracts, Grants and Procurement Management Services Attn: Rhonda Forbes

325 West Gaines Street, Room 344

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400 E-mail (preferred): Rhonda.Forbes@fldoe.org

FAX (850) 245-0719

4.3 RESTRICTIONS ON COMMUNICATIONS WITH DEPARTMENT STAFF

Bidders shall not communicate with any Department staff concerning this ITB except for the Department contact person identified in SECTION 4.2 QUESTIONS of this ITB. Only those communications that are in writing from the Bureau of Contracts, Grants, and Procurement Management Services shall be considered as a duly authorized response on behalf of the Department. For violation of this provision, the Department reserves the right to reject a

Bidder’s Bid Response.

Bidders to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Bid Response.

4.4 PROCUREMENT PROTESTS/NOTICE OF RIGHTS

Pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 120.57(3)(b):

Any person who is adversely affected by the agency ’s decision or intended decision shall file with the agency a notice of protest in writing within 72 hours after the posting of the notice of a decision or intended decision. With respect to

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment a protest of the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in a solicitation, including any provisions governing the methods for ranking bids, proposals, or replies, awarding contracts, reserving rights of further negotiation, or modifying or amending any contract, the notice of protest shall be filed in writing within 72 hours after the posting of the solicitation. The formal written protest shall be filed within 10 days after the notice of protest is filed. Failure to file a notice of protest or failure to file a formal written protest shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under this chapter.

The formal written protest shall state with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based. Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays shall be excluded in the computation of the 72-hour time periods provided by this paragraph.

Section 120.57(3)(a) provides:

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

Florida Administrative Code Rule 28-110.002(2) defines the term “decision or intended decision” and includes the solicitation terms (and any addenda), the award of the contract, and a rejection of all Bid Responses.

At the time of filing the Formal Written Protest, the protestor must also file a Protest Bond payable to the Department in an amount equal to 1 percent of the estimated contract amount. Florida Statutes, Section 287.042(2)(c) and Florida

Administrative Code Rule 28-110.005 contain further terms relating to the Protest Bond, including how to determine the estimated contract amount. In lieu of a Protest Bond, the Department will accept cashier’s checks, official bank checks, or money orders. The bond shall be conditioned upon the payment of all costs and charges that are adjudged against the protestor in the administrative hearing in which the action is brought and in any subsequent appellate court proceeding.

The Notice of Protest, Formal Written Protest, and Protest Bond shall be addressed to the issuing office as defined in SECTION .7.0 BID SUBMISSION and filed with the agency clerk.

4.5 ADDENDA

No negotiations, decisions, or actions will be initiated or executed by a Bidder as a result of any oral discussions with a Department employee. Only those communications that are in writing from the Bureau of Contracts, Grants , and

Procurement Management Services will be considered as a duly authorized expression on behalf of the Department.

If the Department determines that it should modify or interpret any portion of the ITB documents before the closing time and date, such changes will be included as a written addendum to the ITB. No other methodology will be considered binding or authorized in giving information concerning or explaining, or interpreting the ITB document.

Notice of changes (addenda) will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal (VIP) at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/, click on Search Advertisements under the Florida Solicitation Advertisement section, then populate the Organization field with the Department of Education. Initiate search by clicking the Search button. Click on this bid number to review the posted documents. All potential Bidders are responsible for monitoring this site for any information changes before submitting a Bid Response.

NOTE: SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ANY ADDENDA SHOULD ACCOMPANY ITB RESPONSE. FAILURE

TO SUBMIT THE ACKNOWLEDGE FORM MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF THE BIDDER

4.6 MINOR EXCEPTIONS

The Department may waive minor deviations or exceptions in Bid Responses, provided such action is in the best interest of the State of Florida. Minor deviations/exceptions are defined as those that have no adverse effect upon the State's http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0120/Sec57.HTM https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment interest and would not affect the amount of the Bid by giving a contractor an advantage or benefit not enjoyed by other contractors.

4.7 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

Copyrighted material will be accepted as part of a Bid Response only if accompanied by a waiver allowing the

Department to make paper and electronic copies necessary for use by Department staff and agents. It is noted that copyrighted material is not exempt from the Public Records Law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Therefore, such material will be subject to viewing by the public, but copies of the material will not be provided to the public. All development and use of copyright material in fulfilling the terms of the Bid shall be governed by the terms of the contract between the Contractor and the Department.

4.8 CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL

The Department takes its public records responsibilities as provided under chapter 119, Florida Statutes and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, very seriously. If respondent considers any portion of the documents, data, or records submitted in response to this solicitation to be confidential, trade secret or otherwise not subject to disclosure pursuant to chapter 119, Florida Statutes, the Florida Constitution or other authority , respondent should clearly mark and identify in its response those portions which are confidential, trade secret or otherwise exempt. .

Respondents should also simultaneously provide the Department with a separate redacted copy of its response. This redacted copy should contain the Department’s solicitation name, number, and the name of the respondent on the cover and should be clearly titled “Redacted Copy.” The Redacted Copy should be provided to the Department at the same time respondent submits its response to the solicitation and must only exclude or obliterate those exact portions that are claimed confidential, proprietary, or trade secret.

The Bidder shall be responsible for defending its determination that the redacted portions of its response are confidential, trade secret, or otherwise not subject to disclosure. Furthermore, the Bidder shall protect, defend, and indemnify the Department for any and all claims arising from or relating to respondent ’s determination that the redacted portions of its response are confidential, proprietary, trade secret , or otherwise not subject to disclosure.

If the Bidder fails to submit a Redacted Copy with its response, the Department is authorized to produce the entire documents, data, or records submitted by the respondent in answer a public records request for these records.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Department reserves the right to disclose all material that it determines, in its sole discretion, to be a public record under Florida law.

Public records requests should be submitted to: PRR@fldoe.org.

4.9 PREPARATION COST

ITB responses shall contain all information solicited, plus any additional data, prints, or literature that the Bidder deems pertinent to the Department’s understanding and evaluation of their response. This ITB does not commit the Department or any other public agency to pay any costs incurred by the Bidder in the submission of a Bid Response or to make necessary studies or designs for the preparation thereof, nor to procure or contract for any articles or services.

4.10 WITHDRAWAL

Bidders may modify submitted Bid Responses at any time prior to the Bid due date. Requests for modification of a submitted Bid Response should be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Bidder. Upon receipt and acceptance of such a request, the entire Bid Response will be returned to the Bidder and not considered unless resubmitted by the due date and time. Bidders may also send a change in a sealed envelope to be opened at the mailto:PRR@fldoe.org

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment same time as the Bid Response. The ITB number, opening date, and time should appear on the modified Bid Response envelope.

4.11 PUBLIC OPENING OF BID RESPONSES

Each Bid Response should be dated and time-stamped by the Department, as received. Any Bid Response received after the specified deadline for Bid acceptance may be rejected and returned unopened to the Bidder. Bid Responses will be opened at the designated date and time at the Department’s Bureau of Contracts, Grants , and Procurement Management Services, 344 Turlington Building, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL.

4.12 CORRECTION OF BID RESPONSE ERRORS

Information required to be included in the Bid Response is expected to be present and accurate. Corrections of erroneous information or typographical errors may not be permitted after the Department has received the Bid

Responses. The Contractor is solely responsible for proofreading their Bid Response and verifying its accuracy.

4.13 VISITOR PASS TO THE TURLINGTON BUILDING

Each visitor to the Turlington Building must check in at the security desk in the main lobby. Please allow at least 15 minutes prior to Bid Response due time if hand-delivering your Bid Response to the Bureau of Contracts, Grants, and

Procurement Management Services.

4.14 ACCESSIBILITY FOR DISABLED PERSONS

Any person requiring special accommodation because of a disability should call the Department’s Bureau of

Contracts, Grants, and Procurement Management Services at (850) 245-0735 at least five (5) workdays prior to the Bid opening. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Department using the Florida Relay Service, which can be reached at 1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

4.15 RESPONSE DURATION

All submitted responses are binding for 180 days following the response opening date.

4.16 PRICING

All Bid prices to include the furnishing of all parts, labor, transportation, and incidental services or materials required.

There shall be no additional costs charged for work performed under this Bid. All Bid prices should be submitted on the forms provided. All bid prices quoted for Type A, Type C, and Type D school buses, Multifunctional School Activity

Buses (MFSAB) and optional equipment should be in even dollar amounts. All bid prices for base units, standard options, and additional contract options, including warranty agreements, should be submitted on the Microsoft Excel worksheets provided in Attachment A – Vendors Bid Price Sheet of this ITB. Pricing is also to be submitted in a Microsoft Excel file format for base buses and options. These worksheets should be emailed to the Procurement Agent listed in Section 4.0. Prospective bidders may also request to receive the electronic worksheets from Rhonda

Forbes at Rhonda.Forbes@fldoe.org. The electronic worksheets are identical to the paper-bid price sheets included in the bid. Hard copies of price quotes are still requested but may be printed from the electronic spreadsheets. Pricing must include the furnishing of all parts, labor, transportation, incidental services , and materials required. There shall be no additional price charged for work performed under this bid. All bid prices must remain firm until June 30, 2027, unless the department approves an equitable adjustment, following Form PUR 1000, item 4(e). Prices should be submitted on the forms provided in a SEALED ENVELOPE with the bid number written on the outside.

The person who signs the transmittal letter should sign or initial each price sheet at the bottom of the page.

Representatives of the Florida Department of Management Services, State Purchasing, may be invited to act as advisors in the final determination and acceptance of bids.

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

Language in this document takes precedence over any conflicting language in the General Contract Conditions (Form

PUR 1000) and General Instructions to Respondents (Form PUR 1001).

4.17 AWARD

As in the State’s best Interest, the right is reserved to award based on all or none, group of items, item by item or any combination thereof, to a responsive, responsible Bidder. As in the best interest of the State of Florida the right is reserved to reject any/ or all Bid Responses or to waive any minor irregularity in the Bid Responses received.

Conditions that may cause rejection of Bid Response include, without limitation, evidence of collusion among Bidders, obvious lack of experience or expertise to perform the required work, failure to perform or meet financial obligations on previous contracts.

Bid tabulations will be posted and available for public viewing on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP) at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ and can also be emailed upon request. .

Bid awards will be made in conformance with applicable requirements of chapter 287, F.S.; chapter 60A -1, F.A.C.;

and the requirements of this ITB, where it includes additional or more specific procedures. Awards will be made for the following school bus configurations, as available, meeting standard Florida School Bus Specifications, Effective January 2026: Type A; Type C; Type D rear engine; and Type D front-engine, subject to the following procedures:

• A low price shall be calculated for each configuration based on the combination price for completed base units submitted on the pricing page P-1 and the average regional delivery cost using price quotes as supplied in this bid (Bid No: ITB 2026-07, Attachment ‘A’—Vendor’s Bid Price Sheets).

• Bid awards will be made based on a multiple supplier award.

• Overall awards will be made to each responsive and responsible bidder for all configurations on which that bidder submits price quotes within 10 percent of the lowest price. A configuration is defined as a unique combination of the following vehicle characteristics: bus capacity (e.g., 77 capacity), bus type (e.g., Type C), and wheelchair lift

(if applicable). An example of a configuration for this purpose is a 77-capacity Type C with a lift.

Technical variations to published bid award procedures may be invoked at the department's discretion when necessary to ensure equity.

4.18 AUTHORIZATION TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

Foreign corporations and foreign limited partnerships should be authorized to do business in the State of Florida.

Domestic corporations should be active and in good standing in Florida. Such authorization and status should be obtained by the Bid due date and time, but in any case, must be obtained before contract execution. For authorization, contact:

Florida Department of State

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

(850) 245-6053

4.19 LICENSED TO CONDUCT SERVICES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

If the service(s) being provided require that individuals be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or any other state or federal agency, such licenses should be obtained by the Bid due date and time, but in any case, must be obtained before contract execution. For State licensing, contact:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0797 (850)487-9501 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

4.20 NOTICE TO CONTRACTOR

The Department shall consider the employment by any Contractor of unauthorized aliens a violation of Section 274A (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If the Contractor knowingly employs unauthorized aliens, such violation shall be cause for unilateral cancellation of this contract.

4.21 QUALIFICATIONS

The Department will determine whether the Bidder is qualified to perform the services based on their Bid Response demonstrating satisfactory experience and capability in the work area. The Bidder should identify necessary experienced personnel and/or facilities to support the activities associated with this Bid.

Those individuals who will be directly involved in the project should have demonstrated experience in the areas delineated in the scope of work. Individuals whose qualifications are presented will be committed to the project for its duration unless otherwise excepted by the Department. In the event it becomes necessary for the Contractor to substitute key personnel, In that case, such substitution will take place in consultation with the Department and will be made upon the Department’s prior approval, which will not be unreasonably withheld.

4.22 SUBMISSION OF BID RESPONSES BY SUBSIDIARIES OR AFFILIATES

A Bidder, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or related entities is limited to one Bid Response. Submission of more than one Bid Response per activity by a Bidder may cause the rejection of all bids submitted by the Bidder. In the alternative, the Department may decide in its sole discretion, which bid to evaluate and consider A subsidiary or affiliate of a prime Bidder may also be included as a subcontractor in another Bidder’s Bid Response.

4.23 IDENTICAL EVALUATION OF BID RESPONSES

Whenever two or more Bid Responses are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received, the

Department will determine the order of award using the criteria established in 60A-1.011, Florida Administrative Code.

The "Drug-Free Workplace Program Certification" can be found in Attachment ‘D’.

4.24 INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION

A Bidder shall not collude, consult, communicate, or agree with any other Bidder regarding this procurement as to any matter relating to the Bidder’s Response.

4.25 METHOD OF PAYMENT

Payments will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the purchase order or contract. Payments will be made in accordance with s. 215.422, F.S., which delineates contractor’s rights and the eligible users’ responsibilities concerning time allowances for payment of invoices and applicable interest penalties. Pursuant to s.

287.058, F.S., all invoices must be submitted in detail sufficient for a proper pre-audit and post-audit thereof.

Please see ss. 4.35, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.9 for specific requirements related to acceptance of and payment for school buses.

Subject to the requirements for acceptance, all payment for Type A, C , and D buses and MFSABs will be due within 40 days after acceptance by the local purchasing agency or receipt of invoice and the manufacturer’s certificate of origin, whichever is later.

4.26 EXTENSION

In the event that circumstances arise which make performance by the Contractor impracticable or impossible within the time allowed or which prevent a new contract from being executed, the Department, in its discretion, may grant an extension of the contract. Extension of the contract resulting from this Bid Response shall be in writing for a period not to exceed six (6) months and shall be subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the contract; The

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

Department may, in its discretion grant a proportional increase in the total dollar amount based on the method and rate established in the contract. There shall be only one extension of the contract unless the failure to meet the criteria set forth in this ITB or resulting contract is due to events beyond the control of the contractor. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure at all times that sufficient time remains in the Project Schedule within which to complete services on the project. In the event there have been delays which would affect the project completion date, the Contractor shall submit a written request to the Department which identifies the reason(s) for the delay and the amount of time-related to each reason. The Department will review the request and make a determination as to granting all or part of the requested extension

4.27 INSPECTION AUDIT AND MAINTENANCE OF REPORTS

A representative of the Department, the Comptroller of the State of Florida, or the Auditor General of the State of Florida, or their duly authorized representatives, shall have access, for purposes of examinations and recovery, to any books, documents, papers, and records of the Contractor as they may relate to this contract. The Contractor shall maintain books, records and documents in accordance with acceptable accounting principles and practices that sufficiently and appropriately reflect the changes. The Department may unilaterally cancel any resultant contract for refusal by the Contractor to allow public access to all documents, papers, letters, or other material originated or received by the

Contractor in conjunction with this contract subject to the provisions of Florida Statutes, Chapter 119.

4.28 DIVERSITY IN CONTRACTING

The State of Florida is committed to supporting its diverse business industry and population through ensuring participation by minority-, women-, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises in the state’s economic life.

The State of Florida Mentor Protégé Program connects minority -, women-, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises with private corporations for business development mentoring. We strongly encourage firms doing business with the State of Florida to consider this initiative. For more information on the Mentor Protégé Program, please contact the Office of Supplier Development at (850) 487-0915.

The state is dedicated to fostering the continued development and economic growth of small, minority -, women-, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises. Participation by a diverse group of Vendors doing business with the state is central to this effort. To this end, it is vital that small, minority-, women-, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises participate in the state’s procurement process as both Contractors and sub-contractors in this solicitation.

Small, minority-, women-, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises are strongly encouraged to contribute to this solicitation.

Information on Certified Minority Business Enterprises (CMBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran Business

Enterprises (CSDVBE) is available from the Office of Supplier Development at:

http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/ .

4.29 SUB-CONTRACTING

The Contract or any portion thereof shall not be sub-contracted, except as permitted herein, or with the prior written approval of the Department. No sub-contract shall, under any circumstances, relieve the Contractor of its liability and obligation under this contract; and despite any such sub-contracting, the Department shall deal through the

Contractor, which shall retain the legal responsibility for performing the Contractor obligations.

In the event any subcontractors are approved by the Department, the Contractor should provide a list of subcontractors to the Department’s contract manager upon execution of the Contract. The Contractor should report all subcontractors, including, but not limited to, certified minority, women, and service-disabled veteran subcontracting activities using the attached Utilization Summary form, attached as Attachment E. The Contractor should provide a list of subcontractors to the Department’s contract manager upon execution of the Contract . The Contractor should provide the Utilization Summary form with each invoice submitted for payment, regardless if funds have not been http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment spent with a certified minority, women, or service-disabled veteran subcontractor for the period covered by the invoice.

Contact the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS), Office of Supplier Development, for assistance identifying qualified minority, women, and service-disabled veteran companies. The Office of Supplier Development can be reached at (850) 487-0915; the Internet Web address is http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/ .

4.30 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The Department’s Contract Standard Terms and Conditions are incorporated in this ITB as Attachment ‘C’ and will govern the relationship between the Contract Vendor and the Department. Bid Response(s) submitted by the successful Bidder(s) shall be incorporated into the final purchase order(s) or contract(s).

4.31 CONTRACT COMPLETION

The Contractor will be required to ensure that each individual, partnership, firm, corporation, or subcontractor performs on the contract is subject to, and comply with, the contractual requirements. When contract negotiations are successfully concluded, a written agreement will be prepared, which will incorporate the following documents:

• This ITB

• Addenda to this ITB

• And the Bidder’s Response

The Contractor shall begin performing services only upon execution of a valid contract between the parties.

4.32 DISPOSITION OF BID RESPONSES

All Bid Responses become the property of the State of Florida and will be a matter of public record subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

4.33 TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY

Bidder must furnish a schedule showing the cost of delivery of each completed unit from the manufacturing plant to Florida’s county seats by region as described in section 7.17 TIMELINES. Prices shall include all charges for packing, handling, freight, distribution, and inside delivery. Transportation of goods shall be FOB Destination to any point within thirty (30) days (or number of days provided on price sheet) after the Customer places an Order. A Contractor, within five (5) days after receiving a purchase order, shall notify the Customer of any potential delivery delays. Evidence of inability or intentional delays shall be cause for Contract cancellation.

4.34 ALTERNATES

ALTERNATE BRANDS OR PRODUCTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS BID RESPONSE. BID AS

SPECIFIED.

Bid as required per specifications provided in Attachment ’O’, Florida School Bus Specifications, Effective January 2026.

4.35 WARRANTY/SUBSTITUTIONS

A warranty is required on all items purchased against defective materials, workmanship, and failure to perform following the required industry performance criteria. Any deviation from these criteria must be documented in the bid response, or the above statement shall prevail. Delivery of substitute commodities requires prior written approval from the department.

http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/

Type A, Type C and Type D School Buses, Multifunction School Activity Buses (MFSAB) and Optional Equipment

Upon receiving an award and entering into a contract with the department, must warrant that all materials and services delivered to the department and purchasers under the contract conform to all of the specifications contained or referred to herein. The bidder must comply with warranty requirements provided in Attachment O - Florida School Bus Specifications, Effective January 2026. Failure or neglect of the department to require compliance with any term or condition of the contract or specifications shall not be deemed a waiver of such term or condition. By entering into a contract with the department, the awarded contractor warrants and represents that all materials and services delivered to the department and purchasers under the contract conform to all of the specifications included or referred to in the ITB document, attachments, and addenda.

By submitting this bid, the bidder agrees to accept, process, and pay within 45 days properly completed warranty claims on behalf of purchasing school districts via any paper forms, electronic system, or Internet -based warranty system that may be available. The warranty process will be initiated with the bidder or b idder’s representative, who will either perform the warranty repairs or facilitate the warranty repairs if another entity performs them. Completed claims for warranty reimbursement not paid within 45 days shall incur 3 percent penalties for 0-30 days’ late payment.

4.36 REPLACEMENT/RESTOCKING

Replacement of all materials found defective within the warranty period shall be made without cost to the purchaser, including transportation if applicable. All fees associated with restocking canceled orders shall be the responsibility of the vendor.

4.37 PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS

Any deviation from specifications indicated herein must be pointed out; otherwise, it may be considered that items offered strictly comply with these specifications, and the successful Bidder will be held responsible, therefore.

Deviations must be explained in detail on a separate attached sheet(s).

4.38 ACCEPTANCE

All buses shall be inspected and accepted or rejected by an authorized representative of the school board or other purchasing entity within ten business days of delivery or the completed units picked up. Districts that take delivery on a quantity greater than five school buses per day shall be allowed one extra day for the number of buses over five.

For example, a district that takes eight school buses for delivery within one day shall be allowed 13 business days to inspect and accept or reject the buses. Should any agency purchasing a bus not be satisfied that the requirements of the specifications have been met, representatives of the Florida Department of Education, School Transportation

Management Section (STMS); the Florida Department of Management Services; State Purchasing, and the purchasing agency shall have the right to inspect the unit and issue an order of acceptance or rejection.

Purchase…