Transportation Shuttle Services

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research for transportation shuttle services to support its Gaithersburg, Maryland campus. This Sources Sought notice seeks information from both small and other-than-small businesses regarding their capability to provide on-demand and scheduled shuttle services connecting the NIST site with local transportation hubs such as METRO and MARC stations. Key requirements include employing six Commercial Driver's License (CDL)-licensed drivers with a minimum of three years of experience, maintaining a diverse fleet ranging from six-passenger sedans to 57-passenger coach buses, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols and background check procedures. NIST will evaluate responses based on company capabilities, safety programs, regulatory compliance, transportation experience, and potential pricing structures, with the evaluation framework informed by the responses received during this market research phase. Interested parties must submit a maximum ten-page response addressing ten specific information requests by December 22, 2025, to assist NIST in developing the appropriate acquisition strategy for a future competitive solicitation.

This opportunity carries no set-aside designation and is classified under NAICS code 485410 (School and Employee Bus Transportation). The anticipated contract period begins April 4, 2026, and includes a one-year base period with four one-year option periods plus a potential six-month extension. The contractor will be responsible for multiple transportation tasks, including routine shuttle services, special programming support for events such as the NIST Cybersecurity Conference and SURF Program activities, and emergency transportation services with as little as three hours' notice. Service performance standards specify no more than one service failure incident per quarter, with deliverables including monthly activity reports, advance activity schedules, and passenger count tracking. No incumbent contractor or specific award value is identified in this pre-solicitation notice, as this is a market research phase intended to inform future procurement decisions.