FCI Manchester-Bus Transportation

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is conducting market research for bus and ground transportation services to transport released Adults in Custody (AICs) from the Federal Correctional Institution Manchester and adjacent Federal Prison Camp in Manchester, Kentucky to designated public destinations including bus stations, train stations, halfway houses, and other approved drop-off points. The services fall under NAICS code 485999 with a small business size standard of $19 million and must be provided safely, reliably, and in a timely manner on weekdays, weekends, and federal holidays in accordance with scheduled release times. Key requirements include having a 24/7 online ordering website, capability to provide services on weekends and federal holidays, flexibility for emergency or last-minute transportation requests, nationwide bus network coverage, and bus stops within 100 miles of the facility location. The government will evaluate potential contractors based on their responses to a Market Research Questionnaire available exclusively through the System for Award Management (SAM) website. The market research notice was posted on September 8, 2025, with responses due by September 12, 2025.

This pre-solicitation notice indicates no set-aside designation is being used, making it available to businesses of all sizes. No incumbent contractors or current service providers are identified in the documentation, suggesting this may be a new requirement or the government is exploring alternative contracting approaches. While specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in this market research phase, the government emphasizes that participation is voluntary and no costs will be reimbursed for responding to this announcement. The questionnaire requires contractors to provide company information including their Unique Entity Identification number and demonstrate their operational capabilities across six specific sections. All submissions will be used solely for planning purposes and will not be disclosed outside the government, indicating this market research will inform the development of a future formal solicitation.