12-Passenger Low-Floor Buses Multi-Year Contract

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is seeking bids for a multi-year contract to procure 12-Passenger Low-Floor Buses for multiple transit districts. The solicitation, released on September 18, 2020, with bid responses due by November 18, 2020, at 2:00 PM MST, requires detailed specifications including vehicle make, model, year, chassis details, seating configuration, and lift/ramp specifications. Bidders must submit STURAA test results and Federal Certifications, with pricing to be F.O.B. at final operation destinations. The procurement involves delivering buses to eight different districts, each requiring a separate delivery cost, and includes a requirement for destination sign installation. Potential bidders are instructed to use the eMACS (Montana Acquisition & Contracting System) platform for questions and submissions, with the bid encompassing comprehensive vehicle procurement specifications and compliance requirements.

The solicitation includes several important compliance provisions, particularly emphasizing Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) guidelines and Buy America provisions. Dark Money Disclosure is also a mandatory component of the bid process. Payment terms are established at 0% with net 30 days, and the commodity codes specifically relate to mass transportation and urban mass transportation vehicles. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the multi-district nature of the procurement suggests a significant overall contract value. The bid process is open to qualified vendors who can meet the technical specifications, federal certifications, and compliance requirements outlined in the invitation. Potential bidders should carefully review all documentation and ensure complete alignment with the MDT's technical and administrative requirements, with support available through the eMACS Help Desk for any procedural questions.