Notice_of_Meeting.pdf

This is a Notice of Public Meeting issued by the Hillsborough County Public Schools Procurement Services Department regarding RFP 26129 for Charter Bus Services. The solicitation seeks to pre-qualify multiple vendors to provide charter bus transportation for in-county and out-of-county student and staff travel for extracurricular activities and school trips. A Phase 1 public meeting has been scheduled for August 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM, available both in-person and via Microsoft Teams teleconference. The original proposal deadline was June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST, with an extension issued via Addendum 1 on May 22, 2026. Eighteen vendors have advanced to Phase 1 meetings as of June 29, 2026. The initial contract term runs one year from the first business day after Board approval, with automatic renewal for up to nine additional one-year periods contingent on appropriations, contractor performance, and continued service need.

Vendors must provide tiered pricing for multiple service categories including trips of 4, 5, and 6 hours' duration across bus sizes ranging from 38 to 56+ passenger capacity. In-county rates must include fuel surcharges, trip charges, transfer fees, mileage, tolls, and parking with no additional costs; out-of-county travel pricing is based on a 4-hour minimum flat rate with hourly charges for longer trips and mileage-based quotes for trips exceeding 250 miles. Special pricing applies for Disney Parks, Universal Parks, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Strawberry Festival, and MOSI destinations. All vehicles must be 2015 model year or newer and meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements. Contractors must maintain workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and auto liability coverage with $1,000,000 per person and $5,000,000 combined single limits for student transport. The estimated annual budget is $2.075 million. Pricing must remain firm for the initial contract term unless mutually agreed upon, with 60 days' notice required for price adjustments. Evaluation criteria include specifications and scope (30 points), qualifications and experience (25 points), cost and value (35 points), and Small Business Encouragement Program utilization (10 points). All respondents must submit a completed affidavit certifying compliance with Florida Statutes 287.138 regarding foreign countries of concern prohibition.