Questions_&_Answers_Report.pdf

McKinney Independent School District, TX

Procurement Laura Duree, Director of Purchasing

1 Duvall St, Mckinney, TX 75069

(469) 302-4000

QUESTION & ANSWER REPORT

Request For Proposal - Student Transportation Services

QUESTION & ANSWER REPORT

RFP No. 2026-08-651

Student Transportation Services RESPONSE DEADLINE: October 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Monday, September 28, 2026

Approved, Answers Provided

1. Link to 9/16 preproposal meeting

Sep 5, 2026 7:38 AM

Question: Hi, Where can we find the 9/16 meeting link?

Sep 5, 2026 7:38 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Please see Section 1.1, Pre-Proposal Meeting, and click “Join the Pre- Proposal Meeting” to access the Microsoft Teams meeting. If you experience any issues accessing the meeting through the link, you may join using the Meeting ID and Passcode provided in Section 1.1.

Sep 10, 2026 8:09 AM

2. Telematics on the bus

Sep 5, 2026 7:39 AM

Question: Which telematics system that the bus currently have?

Sep 5, 2026 7:39 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Samsara

Sep 18, 2026 4:07 PM

3. student tracking app

Question: Hi, which student tracking app that the bus currently have?

RFP No. 2026-08-651

Answered by McKinney ISD: Zonar's BusZone

4. Facility Questions

Sep 9, 2026 5:35 PM

Question: Is the transportation facility provided rent-free? Which facility expenses remain District responsibilities? Utilities Internet Grounds maintenance Building repairs Shop equipment replacement

Sep 9, 2026 5:35 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Yes. Proposers should assume rent-free use of the District's transportation facility when developing their pricing proposals. The District will provide the facility at no cost and will be responsible for utility expenses, custodial services, major facility repairs, and grounds maintenance (except for picking up debris in the bus yard). The Contractor shall be responsible for internet and telecommunications services, minor interior building repairs, and the maintenance and replacement of shop equipment used in its operations.

5. Questions Regarding Current Transportation Contract

Sep 9, 2026 5:39 PM

Question: Please provide a copy of the current transportation services agreement, including all amendments, extensions, pricing exhibits and renewal documents. Please provide the current pricing schedule for: Home-to-school transportation Special education transportation Activity transportation Field trips Monitors/aides Maintenance services Technology services

Sep 9, 2026 5:39 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail, or current pricing schedule.

6. Regarding May + August 2026 Invoice

Sep 9, 2026 5:41 PM

Question: Please provide the complete transportation invoice package for May 2026 + August 2026, including: Invoice summary Supporting billing detail Route billing detail Special education billing detail Monitor billing detail Activity trip billing Athletic trip billing Maintenance billing Parts reimbursement billing Any credits or adjustments

Sep 9, 2026 5:41 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

7. Routing Information

Sep 9, 2026 5:43 PM

Question: Please provide detailed route-level operating data for all regular education, special education, McKinney-Vento, shuttle, and program routes. At a minimum, please include route number, school assignment, AM and PM route start times, first stop times, last stop times, school arrival times, school departure times, route end times, deadhead time and mileage, scheduled platform hours, route mileage, vehicle assignment, tier assignment, and pull-out/pull-in times to and from the transportation facility. Please also indicate which routes are currently assigned to district-owned vehicles versus contractor-owned vehicles.

Sep 9, 2026 5:43 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

8. Long term fleet transition

Sep 9, 2026 5:44 PM

Question: The RFP states that MISD's long-term objective is to transition toward District ownership of the primary operating fleet and that Contractor-owned vehicles are expected to be phased down as additional District-owned vehicles become available. Please provide MISD's anticipated fleet acquisition plan and projected annual allocation between District-owned and Contractor-owned vehicles for each year of the initial five-year contract term. Specifically, please identify the estimated number of route buses, special education vehicles, activity buses, and spare vehicles expected to be District-owned versus Contractor-owned by contract year.

Sep 9, 2026 5:44 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD anticipates the acquisition of approximately 96 District-owned buses during the initial five-year contract term. The District's current fleet replacement plan includes the purchase of 48 buses beginning in January 2027, followed by the acquisition of approximately 12 buses annually thereafter. At this time, MISD has not established a year-by-year allocation of District-owned versus Contractor-owned vehicles by vehicle category. The District intends to work collaboratively with the selected Contractor to determine the most appropriate mix of route buses, special education vehicles, activity buses, and spare vehicles to be purchased each year based on operational needs, service requirements, fleet condition, and student transportation demands.

9. Bid or Performance Bond

Sep 10, 2026 9:10 AM

Question: Is there a bid or performance bond required for this RFP?

Sep 10, 2026 9:10 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD is requiring a proposal bond, a certified check, or cashier's check in an amount equal to 5% of the Annual Home-to-School base cost and made payable to McKinney Independent School District. The proposal security must be mailed or delivered in a sealed envelope to the McKinney ISD Purchasing Department prior to 2:00 p.m. CST on October 16, 2026. This shall be considered as the amount of liquidated damages, which the District will sustain, by failure or refusal of the proposer to execute and deliver the services specified in this RFP should the proposal be awarded to the proposer. If the proposer defaults in executing and delivering the services specified in this RFP within 10 days after written notification from the District of the award to the proposer, then the proposal security shall become the property of the District, not as a penalty, but as liquidated damages, as payment for damages due to excess costs, delay and other inconveniences. The District reserves the right to negotiate contract security requirements of a performance and/or payment bond with the selected vendor if deemed necessary prior to contract execution.

10. Alternate bids for specialized student transport needs

Sep 11, 2026 2:46 PM

Question: Will the district consider accepting alternate bids specifically for alternative student transportation needs and services on approved and eligible passenger vehicles (or vans), as opposed to a bus?

Sep 11, 2026 2:46 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: No.

11. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:22 PM

Question: Why is the district bidding their transportation services?

Sep 11, 2026 3:22 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District's current transportation services agreement will expire prior to the start of the new contract term. Therefore, MISD is soliciting proposals from qualified providers to evaluate experience, service capabilities, staffing, safety programs, operational approaches, and pricing before making a contract award. MISD is conducting this RFP as part of its normal competitive procurement process to evaluate available transportation service options, ensure the District receives high-quality services, and determine the best overall value for students, staff, and taxpayers.

12. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:22 PM

Question: Is the current vendor short any drivers or monitors, if so, how many?

Sep 11, 2026 3:22 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Currently short approximately 10 bus monitors.

13. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:23 PM

Question: How many drivers, on average, call off work each day?

Sep 11, 2026 3:23 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Average of 6 to 8 driver absences per day.

14. No subject

Question: How many monitors on average, call off work each day?

Sep 11, 2026 3:23 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Average 2 to 3 monitor absences per day.

15. No subject

Question: What are the two (2) greatest challenges, if any, facing McKinney ISD’s transportation department?

Sep 11, 2026 3:23 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Drive Attendance and Student Behavior

16. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:24 PM

Question: What’s the average number of downed (out of service) buses per day?

Sep 11, 2026 3:24 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Average of two buses per day.

17. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:26 PM

Question: Has the District had to assess the Contractor for liquidated damages in the past two (2) years.

If so, what was the total assessed in either year?

Sep 11, 2026 3:26 PM

18. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:27 PM

Question: To understand your current transportation program will you please provide the last two (2) months (May ’26 & August ’26) transportation invoices, including any back-up worksheets which support a. Regular Education Home to School Transportation, b. Transportation for students with disabilities, including specialized transportation, c. Athletics, Fine Arts, field trips, extracurricular and co-curricular transportation, d. School day shuttles, Career & Technical Education transportation Gifted and Talented transportation, tutoring, late activity trips or any other academic-program transportation. e.

McKinney-Vento (including inter-district service) f. Any other services performed each day/week

Sep 11, 2026 3:27 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

19. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:28 PM

Question: To understand your Summer School, Extended School Year (ESY), tutoring, camps, enrichments programs, please provide this past summer months transportation invoices, including any back-up worksheets which support these services.

Sep 11, 2026 3:28 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

20. No subject

Question: To account for a full year’s athletic/activity trips, will you please provide invoices and any back-up worksheets which highlight individual/annual hours of service for the 2025/2026 school year?

Sep 11, 2026 3:28 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

21. No subject

Question: How are athletic and activity trip scheduled currently? Is an email sent to transportation requesting such or do you use trip software? If software is used, what product and who provides it – District or Contractor?

Answered by McKinney ISD: Requests are entered electronically on a web-based platform called Traversa Advanced Trips. This platform is provided by the contractor.

22. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:29 PM

Question: Section 4.5 Additional Transportation Data, discusses Armor Cloud Cameras. We assume this means they are REI cameras and have the following questions; a. Does the district camera system provide downloaded data and video, 24/7, from anywhere using an internet-connected device OR just wi-fi downloadable at the transportation facility? b. Does the district camera system provide automated and remote video downloads, automated event notifications, real-time views, remote DVR access, live vehicle tracking, and automated driver performance reports? If not, which features are included? c. Is the District or Contractor responsible for paying for any annual communication or cloud services associated with the district camera system? If Contractor is responsible, what is the annual cost we should budget for this expense? d. Who is responsible for any repairs to the camera system on the district and/or contractor buses? e. How old are the camera systems on the district and contractor buses? f. Does the district provide cameras for the contractor buses? If not, what camera system does the contractor provide? g. How many camera heads do you require in each contractor vehicle? Please provide based on passenger size as we note some vehicles have as a few as seven (7) passengers.

Sep 11, 2026 3:29 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: a. The video and metadata that has been downloaded to the cloud can be accessed 24/7. Video that is still on the hard drive/has not been downloaded is accessible if the DVR is powered on normally or in the download delay state. b. All the features you mentioned are provided except for automated driver performance reports. c. The district pays for the annual licensing subscription. d. The contractor is responsible for maintaining the camera system. The licensing subscription includes 24/7/365 free REI tech support to answer any questions and troubleshoot. e. All cameras were purchased in late 2023 and installed in 2024. f. No. The current contactor provides their own camera system on their buses. They use Samsara. g. Contractor is asked to provide interior coverage of the bus and not a specific number of camera heads. The current contractor uses Samsara dash cams on their passenger vans. MISD buses have nine (9) cameras (five interior, two exterior, and a front and rear dash camera).

23. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:29 PM

Question: Section 5.4 Staffing, Qualifications, and Training. a. The district states there are 85 coach drivers who are authorized to drive MISD vehicles. Who pays for their licensing, certification, medical, criminal-history, driving-record, drug and alcohol testing, and training? b. When district employees drive, who pays them, district or contractor? If contractor, what is the hourly rate they are currently paid and do they offer a minimum number of hours per trip?

Sep 11, 2026 3:29 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: a. The contractor treats the approximately 85 coach drivers as contracted employees for purposes of operating school or activity buses. As such, the contractor is responsible for all applicable licensing, certification, medical certifications, criminal-history reviews, driving-record checks, drug and alcohol testing, required training, and ongoing compliance requirements associated with those driving responsibilities. b. If the coach is driving an MISD trip, then MISD pays the coach driver directly. If the coach is driving directly for the contractor, then the contractor pays the coach driver the minimum starting driver hour rate. Currently, the starting driver hourly rate is $23 per hour.

24. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:30 PM

Question: To ensure we hire all the existing staff and pay them at least equal to what they currently make, will you provide a list of the positions and their salary or hourly rate?

Sep 11, 2026 3:30 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: McKinney ISD does not possess or maintain the compensation information necessary to provide a comprehensive list of positions and current salary or hourly rates for all transportation personnel that may be employed by the current service provider. Therefore, the District is unable to provide this information.

25. No subject

Question: Are the employees represented by a union/collective bargaining agreement? If so, please provide copies of those agreements to ensure the employees’ compensation and benefits are maintained.

Sep 11, 2026 3:30 PM

26. No subject

Question: Are driver/monitors paid any daily guarantees? If so, please explain.

Sep 11, 2026 3:30 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Yes. The current contractor guarantees both the driver and monitor 5 hours per day.

27. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:31 PM

Question: Will you please provide a current breakdown of driver and monitors, by years of service and hourly wage?

Sep 11, 2026 3:31 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: McKinney ISD does not possess or maintain the detailed employee compensation and years-of-service information necessary to provide a current breakdown of drivers and monitors by tenure and hourly wage. Therefore, the District is unable to provide this information.

28. No subject

Question: Do the current driver/monitors receive any type of bonuses, such as sign-on, attendance or safety? If so, please describe to ensure compensation is maintained.

Sep 11, 2026 3:31 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District does not prescribe or provide incumbent-specific compensation or bonus information. Proposers should develop their compensation structure based on the requirements and service expectations outlined in the solicitation.

29. No subject

Question: Do the drivers fuel their own buses or are fuelers used during the day?

Sep 11, 2026 3:31 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Fuelers are used to fill the bus.

30. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:32 PM

Question: Given the virtual pre-bid, may site visits be scheduled to review the facility for operational functions and any needed equipment?

Sep 11, 2026 3:32 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Yes. Monday, September 28th or Monday, October 12th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM will be made available for a site visit. To RSVP to attend on one of these dates, please email sbhakta@mckinneyisd.net by Friday, September 25th at 2:00 PM, with your company name, the names of those who plan to attend, and a cell phone number for a point of contact. Those that RSVP will meet at the facility located at 3251 James Pitts Dr, McKinney, TX 75071 at the designated time.

31. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:32 PM

Question: Is the District providing any furniture, computers, copiers, phone system, shop equipment, shop truck? If so, will you briefly describe what’s provided.

Sep 11, 2026 3:32 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: McKinney ISD will not provide furniture, computers, copiers, telephone systems, shop equipment, shop vehicles, or similar operational resources as part of this contract.

Respondents should assume responsibility for furnishing all equipment, technology, furnishings, tools, vehicles, and other resources necessary to perform the services required under the contract.

32. Proposal Submission and Evaluation

Sep 16, 2026 11:51 AM

Question: The proposal portal does not appear to provide a method for uploading supporting attachments. Will the District permit submission of supplemental documentation via email (e.g., W-9s, certificates of insurance, and other required forms)?

Sep 16, 2026 11:51 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Once you have started your draft submission the upload will appear in the section provided for the requested documentation. Upload areas will not be available in preview mode.

33. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:32 PM

Question: Given the District provides custodial/maintenance services may we assume custodial, property maintenance, and trash will be provided by the District?

Sep 11, 2026 3:32 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD is responsible for utility expenses, custodial services, major facility repairs, and grounds maintenance (except for picking up debris in the bus yard). MISD also provides trash/recycling dumpster services at the facility. The Contractor shall be responsible for internet and telecommunications services, minor interior building repairs, furniture, computers, copiers, and the maintenance and replacement of shop equipment used in its operations.

34. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:33 PM

Question: Who is responsible for providing internet and telephone services?

Sep 11, 2026 3:33 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The Contractor will be responsible for providing internet and telephone services

35. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:33 PM

Question: Who is responsible for providing utilities (gas, electric, and water)? If Contractor, will you please provide the annual cost for each service?

Sep 11, 2026 3:33 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District will provide utilities.

36. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:34 PM

Question: Section 5.11. Use of MISD-Owned Transportation Facility a. Who is responsible for providing facility insurance? If the Contractor is required to provide, please describe those requirements. b. The base MISD Agreement For the Transportation of Pupils, signed May 2017 includes the Contractor paying $10,500.00 per month to lease the District Transportation Center. Is this rate applicable for this RFP and if so, what is the monthly amount?

Answered by McKinney ISD: a. The District will maintain property insurance coverage for the transportation facility and District-owned improvements. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining insurance coverage for its own operations, employees, equipment, personal property, and liabilities arising from its performance under the contract. The successful Contractor will be required to maintain insurance coverage meeting the minimum requirements specified in the RFP and resulting contract, which may include Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Employer's Liability coverage. The Contractor may also be required to provide evidence of coverage and name the District as an additional insured where applicable. Any damage to the facility caused by the Contractor, its employees, agents, subcontractors, or operations shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and may be subject to repair or reimbursement obligations as defined in the contract. b. No.

Proposers should assume rent-free use of the District's transportation facility when developing their pricing proposals.

37. No subject

Question: Section 5.7. Transportation Technology and Data lists out several required systems all of which appear to be provided by the Contractor, with the exception to internal vehicle video and audio cameras. Please confirm what current software and/or hardware is provided by the current Contractor for the following systems; a. GPS/Automatic Vehicle Location b. Driver navigation and turn-by-turn routing c. Student Ridership Management and Boarding/Alighting Verification d. Parent vehicle tracking and communication e. Two-way vehicle communications f. Scheduling and Routing Software

Sep 11, 2026 3:34 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: a. Samsara b. Samsara c. Not currently present d. Zonar's BusZone e.

Airwave f. Versatrans

38. No subject

Question: Section 5.7. Transportation Technology and Data, the last sentence states the following; “If District technology is installed on a Contractor-owned vehicle that leaves MISD service, the Contractor shall remove, return, or reinstall that equipment as directed by MISD.” May we assume if the district were to select a new Contractor, the existing Contractor will be held responsible to remove any district hardware and appropriate harnesses and connections from their vehicles and return to MISD in a condition to be easily installed in the new Contractor’s fleet?

Answered by McKinney ISD: Yes.

39. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:35 PM

Question: Section 5.7.1 Student Ridership Management, requires the Contractor to provide the equipment for this service. In the description it states “across all applicable vehicles”. Of the vehicles listed on the 2026 Transportation Fleet inventory, are there any which will not require this hardware? If so, please identify which ones.

Sep 11, 2026 3:35 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Activity Buses, passenger vans, and white fleet vehicles are not required to have this hardware.

40. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:35 PM

Question: Section 5.9.1 Students with Disabilities requires the Contractor provide safety seating, harnesses, vests, buckle guards, and other required equipment. Will you provide a description of the equipment and the current quantity for each?

Sep 11, 2026 3:35 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The current contractor reports having approximately 5 safety seats and approximately 200 harnesses/vests of various sizes.

41. No subject

Sep 11, 2026 3:37 PM

Question: Based on the 2026 Transportation Fleet inventory document. a. Do all the district vehicles listed on this document have a bumper crossing guard? If not, which ones DO NOT? b. Do all the district vehicles listed on this document have an electronic child check system? If not, which ones DO NOT? c.

Are all the buses listed as “Activity” painted school bus yellow for the Contractor fleet? If not, which ones require a different color and is there a specific color or paint design required? d. Do any of the Contractor buses have under carriage storage? If so, please identify which ones and the number of storage boxes per bus. e. Will the district ensure copies of all maintenance records for District buses are provided to a new vendor, if selected?

Answered by McKinney ISD: a. Yes b. Yes c. See updated Fleet Inventory List d. See updated Fleet Inventory List e. Yes.

42. RFP Timeline

Sep 16, 2026 1:24 PM

Question: Can the District clarify its anticipated timeline for responding to proposer questions?

Specifically, does the District intend to issue responses on a rolling basis throughout the procurement process as questions are received, or will all responses be released in one or more consolidated addenda by a specified deadline? If responses will be issued in batches, please provide the anticipated dates for those releases.

Sep 16, 2026 1:24 PM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District does not intend to issue responses on a rolling basis. The District anticipates releasing a consolidated response to proposer questions by end of day Friday, September 18, 2026. This release will include all questions submitted to date, as well as questions and responses from the Pre-Proposal Meeting held on September 15, 2026. Additional questions received prior to the question submission deadline will be addressed following the deadline, and a subsequent addendum will be created and posted to the solicitation.

Sep 16, 2026 3:38 PM

43. No subject

Sep 17, 2026 12:24 AM

Question: Please provide the total cost spent with current contractor (s) for the past two school years.

Sep 17, 2026 12:24 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

44. No subject

Question: Please provide a copy of the labor agreement, any amendments, or memorandums of understanding for the district and current contractor(s) and any district employed transportation employees and any amendment letters, memorandums of understanding, or modifications thereto.

Answered by McKinney ISD: jjj

45. No subject

Sep 17, 2026 12:23 AM

Question: Please provide a copy of the current transportation services agreement, including all amendments, extensions, pricing exhibits and renewal documents.

Sep 17, 2026 12:23 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

46. No subject

Question: If summer ran a typical volume during 2026 can you please provide a scan of the transportation invoices for any and all contracted transportation services including all line item billing details and backup spreadsheets for summer school transportation. Please provide invoices from June, July, and August 2026. If August 2026 not complete, please provide August 2025.

Sep 17, 2026 12:23 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

47. No subject

Question: Please provide a scan of the transportation invoices for any and all contracted transportation services including all line item billing details and backup spreadsheets. Please provide invoices from May 2026 and August 2026. Include subset invoices for the various service lines including: a. Regular Education Home to School Transportation, b. Transportation for students with disabilities, including specialized transportation, c. Athletics, Fine Arts, field trips, extracurricular and co-curricular transportation, d. School day shuttles, Career & Technical Education transportation Gifted and Talented transportation, tutoring, late activity trips or any other academic-program transportation. e. McKinney- Vento (including inter-district service) f. Any other services performed each day/week

Sep 17, 2026 12:23 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

48. MISD_Transportation_Building_Floorplan_and_Site_Plan_2026

Sep 17, 2026 12:22 AM

Question: a. Can you clarify the count of drive in shop bays? b. Do you have any wash bays with automated brushes, etc.? c. Can you provide clarification as to the shop equipment that the district provides as part of the facility. E.g. air-compressor, air-lines, hose-reels, etc.? d. Can you clarify what offices and if there are restrooms in the portable office?

Sep 17, 2026 12:22 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: a. Four bays, holds four full-size buses. b. No. c. No shop equipment will be provided, but item affixed to the building, like an air-compressor, air-lines, hose-reels, etc. will remain in the shop area. d. No restrooms in portable building.

49. 2025-2026_Transportation_Data

Question: b. Do all buses both district and contractor owned have full free flow air-conditioning?

Sep 17, 2026 12:22 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: All McKinney ISD buses have air-condition. The current contractor's buses have air-condition.

50. 2025-2026_Transportation_Data

Question: Can you provide an updated listing to clarify the average number of routes per month by type Regular Ed vs Special Ed, and count of monitors per month by type?

Answered by McKinney ISD: The current contractor reports, 99 regular education routes, 57 special education routes, and 12 passenger van routes, with a count of 60 monitors.

51. 2025-2026_Regular_ED_Tiers.

Sep 17, 2026 12:21 AM

Question: Can you provide a similar tiering report for the school year special needs routes?

Sep 17, 2026 12:21 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Yes. Route lists for 2026-2027 Regular Education and Special Education will be added.

52. 2026_Transportation_Fleet_Inventory.

Question: Can you provide an updated listing to clarify which vehicles have wheelchair lifts and the capacity for wheelchair and ambulatory students.

Sep 17, 2026 12:21 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Yes. An updated Fleet list will be provided denoting which vehicles have wheelchair lifts.

53. 2025-2026_Route_Services_Report

Question: a. Can you clarify what the Regular: Curriculum/Academic trips or the ‘route numbers 200- 221’ on the page 5? What time of day are these routes and are there additional vehicles during the day for these routes? b. Does the mileage provided include total mileage including both deadhead and live time miles (students on board)? c. Can you clarify and provide details regarding the regular education routes during the ESY/summer as we saw expenditures in the 2025-2026_Transportation_Data? d. Can you provide an updated version of this report to include the garage leave and return times for the AM, Midday, PM, and any late afterschool routes? e. Can you clarify if the district operates a preschool or early childhood program and if this is included as part of the tiers or could there be additional runs not already stated? f. Does this report include only service provided by the yellow bus contract? Do you use any other providers such as alternative student transportation for small groups, McKinney-Vento, or one-off ride requests that are in addition to this? If so can you provide additional details on those needs? Are they part of this RFP or a different posting?

Sep 17, 2026 12:21 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: a. The current provider reports 11 midday routes, all for our early childhood half-day program at Lawson Early Childhood Center. The AM program operates from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the PM program operates from 11:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. There are 8 GT buses on Mondays (load at 1:00 to return to their home campus); 8 GT buses on Tuesdays & Wednesdays (load at 1:30 to return to their home campus); and 7 GT buses on Thursdays & Fridays (load at 1:30 to return to their home campus). The AM GT are added to AM routes. b. The mileage used is the mileage required to report to TEA on the Operations Report. c. MISD offers ESL/Bilingual summer school programing. d. We will evaluate and provide any additional data if we have it available. e. MISD has one early childhood center. The AM and PM runs are included in the tiers, but the midday run for half-day programs are not.

f. MISD does not use any third party alternative student transportation providers.

54. Athletics and Fine Arts Trips.

Sep 17, 2026 12:20 AM

Question: 1) Can you provide the same data with number of buses per trip, and the average service hours and mileage per trip, ideally separated by month as you have stated. a. Does the contractor provide pay to ‘coach’ or district employed drivers? b. Does the contractor provide a fee per trip and associated services hours for ‘coach’ or district employed drivers? c. The Fine Arts Department – Trips shows no ‘coach’ drivers. To confirm is this service typically provided by the contractor employed drivers?

Sep 17, 2026 12:20 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: 1) No. We do not have this data to provide. a. No. The district pays the 'coach' directly for driving trips for MISD. If the contractor utilizes a 'coach' to drive for other purposes, the contractor would be responsible to pay the 'coach' driver. b. A mileage rate is charged when 'coach' drivers are used. c. Yes. The contractor provides all trip drivers for Fine Arts.

55. No subject

Question: Page 53, item 2.10. Can you clarify is this for the transportation department fleet as listed earlier. Or does this include administration of other white fleet such as passenger vans etc. for district managed travel?

Answered by McKinney ISD: The district does not currently have a white fleet of vehicles available for employee check-out. This question is inquiring if the proposer would agree to manage a future district owned white fleet check-out system.

56. No subject

Question: Page 52, item 1.13.8. What is the anticipated mix of contractor owned vehicles at commencement?

Sep 17, 2026 12:20 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District has provided a current fleet inventory identifying both District-owned and contractor-provided vehicles. Proposers are responsible for evaluating the service requirements outlined in the RFP and determining the number and type of contractor-owned vehicles necessary to supplement the District-owned fleet at Contract commencement. The District does not prescribe a specific mix of contractor-owned vehicles. Each Proposer should propose a fleet deployment plan that ensures all service requirements can be met from the first day of operations. As stated in the RFP, MISD's long-term objective is to transition toward District ownership of the primary operating fleet, and the number of contractor-owned vehicles may decrease over time as additional District-owned vehicles become available.

57. No subject

Sep 17, 2026 12:19 AM

Question: Page 47, first bullet. Does the current contractor provide multi-lingual employees? If so what languages and how many staff?

Sep 17, 2026 12:19 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District does not maintain or track data regarding the language proficiency of contractor employees and cannot verify the number of multilingual staff or the languages spoken by current contractor personnel. Proposers should make their own assessment of staffing resources and language support capabilities necessary to effectively serve the District's student population and community.

58. No subject

Question: Page 43, Line item 5 Can you clarify is the labor for the MISD employee born and paid directly by district or are they 'employees of contractor' for these trips?

Sep 17, 2026 12:19 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: If the coach is driving an MISD trip, then MISD pays the coach driver directly. If the coach is driving directly for the contractor, then the contractor pays the coach driver.

59. No subject

Question: Page 27, item 6.3. Has the district accepted any price redeterminations by the current contractor in the past seven years?

Sep 17, 2026 12:19 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District is not aware of having approved any contractor-requested price redeterminations under the current transportation services contract during the past seven (7) years.

60. No subject

Question: Page 25, Can you clarify what the "Total Long-Term Cost to District to Acquire the Vendors Goods or Services represents? is this to prorate and allocate more points to lower cost proposal vs.

higher cost proposal?

Sep 17, 2026 12:19 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Please refer to section 6.2. Evaluation - Points Based Best Value Criteria for detailed evaluation factors.

61. No subject

Question: Page 23, item 5.12.7. Can the district provide copies of the TEA reports and supplemental information provided by the contractor for the past two school years?

Sep 17, 2026 12:19 AM necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

62. No subject

Question: Page 20 item 5.12.3. Can the district clarify the liquidated damages charged in the past three school years?

Sep 17, 2026 12:19 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: No liquidated damages have been charged in the past three school years.

63. No subject

Question: Page 19, item 5.12. Can you provide examples of the final monthly performance report for 2025-26, the report for August 2026, and for each month the district makes itemized invoices available for school year and summer school.

Sep 17, 2026 12:19 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD has provided the operational, historical, and service information necessary for proposers to develop responsive proposals. To maintain a fair and competitive solicitation, MISD will not provide the current contractor's complete invoice packages, vendor-specific billing detail,

64. No subject

Sep 17, 2026 12:18 AM

Question: Page 19, item 5.11. Are there any other contractors or MISD departments using the facility or cohabitating on a regular basis? Does the district permit the current contractor to store or operate buses for other customers? If so can you clarify volume and if there is a rent paid for the use?

Sep 17, 2026 12:18 AM

65. No subject

Sep 17, 2026 12:18 AM

Question: Page 18, item 5.10. Can the district provide typical and peak trip demand volume that conflicts with home to school routes? Are these typically provided by MISD coaches or does the contractor have contingency of extra trip drivers?

Sep 17, 2026 12:18 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District does not maintain data identifying typical or peak extracurricular trip demand that conflicts with home-to-school route operations and is therefore unable to provide this information. The District's current transportation contractor staffs at approximately 120% of the route driver requirement to assist with driver absenteeism, route coverage, and activity trip needs. Proposers should independently evaluate and determine the staffing levels, relief driver resources, and operational contingencies necessary to meet the service requirements outlined in the

RFP.

66. No subject

Question: Page 5.8 item B. Does the contractor provided added call center staff during initial school year startup, if so can you share typical offerings?

Sep 17, 2026 12:18 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District understands that the current contractor has historically supplemented customer service and call center support during the initial start-up period of the school year to assist with increased call volumes and parent inquiries. However, the District does not maintain records regarding the contractor's specific staffing levels, staffing model, or the number of additional personnel assigned for this purpose. Proposers should independently determine the customer service staffing resources necessary to effectively support start-of-school operations and meet the service expectations outlined in the RFP.

67. No subject

Question: Page 16 item 5.7. Given indication that distict owns data, to clarify is GPS equipment and recurring air-time cost provided by and the responsibility of the district?

Sep 17, 2026 12:18 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: No. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing, installing, maintaining, and supporting all GPS equipment and associated technology necessary to meet the requirements of the contract. The Contractor shall also be responsible for all recurring costs associated with such systems, including cellular data, airtime, software licensing, and related service fees. While the District requires ownership and access to the transportation data generated under the contract, the GPS hardware, communications services, and associated operating costs are the responsibility of the Contractor.

68. No subject

Question: Page 16 item 5.7. Can you clarify what system is used today? Does the district purchase administer and provide replacement ID cards themselves or is this a responsibility of contractor?

Sep 17, 2026 12:18 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District does not currently utilize a student ridership management or student boarding verification system. Therefore, the District does not purchase, administer, issue, or replace student transportation identification cards. Proposers should include in their proposal a student ridership management, boarding verification system with a student identification solution necessary to meet the requirements of Section 5.7.

69. No subject

Sep 17, 2026 12:17 AM

Question: Page 16, item 5.6.4. Can you clarify if diesel DEF fluid is provided by district along with the fuel. Typically we see this provided with the fuel given how their usage is closely linked?

Sep 17, 2026 12:17 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: No. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) required for operation of the fleet. While the District provides vehicle fuel in accordance with the RFP, DEF is not provided by the District and should be included in the Contractor's operating and maintenance costs.

70. No subject

Question: Page 15 item 5.61. Can you clarify the funding available for district owned buses. Does the district have bond funds to address forward replacement of these buses in ten years or what is the planned replacement and respective funding available?

Answered by McKinney ISD: Subject to bond approval, District plans to purchase 96 buses over five years, with 48 buses in the first year.

71. No subject

Question: Page 14, item 5.5 Who owns and provides the routing software? What is the software used today? Does it have GPS interface to review planned versus actual activity?

Sep 17, 2026 12:17 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The routing software is provided, maintained, and administered by the Contractor. The District does not maintain information regarding the specific capabilities, integrations, or functionality of the contractor's routing software, including whether it interfaces with GPS systems to compare planned route activity to actual route activity.

72. No subject

Question: Page 14, item 5.4 Does the contractor process, manage, and renew all MISD coaches' require certifications and documents? Are they treated like contractor employees during the service to transportation? Do they only drive trips or are they also used to provide home to school route service?

Sep 17, 2026 12:17 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: MISD coaches who elect to drive activity or school buses remain District employees; however, for purposes of operating school or activity buses under the transportation services contract, the Contractor treats the approximately 85 coach drivers as contractor drivers. As such, the Contractor is responsible for all applicable licensing, certification, medical certifications, criminal-history reviews, driving-record checks, drug and alcohol testing, required training, and ongoing compliance requirements associated with those driving responsibilities. MISD coach drivers are generally utilized to support extracurricular and activity trip transportation and are not routinely assigned to regular home-to-school route service.

73. No subject

Question: Page 13 item 5.4, Can you please provide a current staff listing or organizational chart of full and part-time contractor and district transportation leadership and maintenance staff.

Sep 17, 2026 12:17 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District does not maintain a current organizational chart or staffing roster for Contractor personnel and is therefore unable to provide a listing of full-time and part-time Contractor transportation leadership, operations, or maintenance staff. Proposers should independently evaluate the management, supervisory, operational, maintenance, and administrative staffing resources necessary to fulfill the requirements of this RFP.

74. No subject

Question: Page 12 item 5.3.1. Given requirement to provide comparable to current wages. Can the district provide a listing of all payrates, benefits, etc. per employee or a count of employees, their position, and pay rates for route, trip, and miscellaneous tasks. Do the current driver/monitors receive any bonuses, like hiring bonus, retention, attendance or safety? Are there any district employed drivers carved out?

Sep 17, 2026 12:17 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: As stated in previous responses, the District does not have access to the current contractor's employee payroll records, benefits information, incentive programs, hiring bonuses, retention bonuses, attendance incentives, safety bonuses, or other compensation-related data.

Proposers should independently evaluate labor market conditions and develop compensation plans sufficient to attract and retain the workforce necessary to meet the service requirements of the contract. There are no District-employed drivers carved out from the transportation services contract.

75. No subject

Sep 17, 2026 12:16 AM

Question: Page 12, item 5.2.2. Are there any subcontractors utilized for this service? If so who and can you brief on the services performed?

Sep 17, 2026 12:16 AM

76. No subject

Question: Page 9, item 4.5. Does the district provide the cameras and GPS for district owned fleet? Or also for contractor fleet?

Sep 17, 2026 12:16 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District provides video camera systems for District-owned buses. The Contractor is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of the video camera systems for District-owned buses. The Contractor is also responsible for providing, installing, maintaining, and replacing all onboard camera systems and related equipment for contractor owned vehicles. The Contractor is responsible for the installation, maintenance, replacement, and ongoing support of all GPS equipment and related services for both District-owned and Contractor-owned vehicles.

77. No subject

Question: Page 9 item 4.3. Can you clarify how many school closures occurred last school year. Do you also use any remote learning days in lieu of in-person attendance?

Sep 17, 2026 12:16 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Three elementary campuses were closed. The district has no remote learning days in lieu of in-person attendance.

78. No subject

Question: Page 3 item 1.2. Can you verify if there are any individual file size limitations for the individual documents to be uploaded?

Sep 17, 2026 12:16 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: The District is not aware of an individual file size limitation for documents uploaded in response to this solicitation. There are up to eight potential documents identified for upload, and not all are required. The requested documents should generally be limited to a few pages each and are not anticipated to approach typical file size limits.

79. No subject

Question: Page 3 item 1, Will there be a public opening either virtual or in-person where proposal submitted will be read aloud to verify submitted proposals and the pricing submitted?

Sep 17, 2026 12:16 AM

Answered by McKinney ISD: Yes. A public opening will be held in person at the MISD Central Conference Room, 1 Duvall St., McKinney, TX 75069, at the submission deadline of Friday, October 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Proposals received by the submission deadline will be publicly opened. The proposer names and total proposal pricing will be read aloud.

80. No subject

Sep 17, 2026 12:15 AM

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