27-09-SPS Wheelchair Accessible Field Trip Transportation Services

The City of Salem, Massachusetts, acting through its School Department, is requesting bids for wheelchair-accessible field trip transportation services under IFB 27-09-SPS, with sealed bids due August 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Massachusetts prevailing wage rates for school bus drivers apply throughout the contract term.

Bidders must demonstrate successful performance of wheelchair-accessible transportation for at least three school systems similar to Salem Public Schools, or alternatively, five school systems for special education pupil transportation. All buses must be no more than seven years old from August 1, 2022 initially and have fewer than 125,000 miles, with current Massachusetts registration, valid inspection stickers, GPS trackers, safety cameras, and two-way radios.

The scope covers an estimated 20–35 wheelchair-accessible field trips annually within and beyond Salem. The base bid solicits pricing for service delivery utilizing one wheelchair-accessible vehicle and one or more large 77-passenger buses per trip. Pricing shall be submitted as a daily bus rate multiplied by 35 trips annually per vehicle type for each contract year.

The contract term is three school years (2026–27, 2027–28, and 2028–29) with options to extend for two additional one-year terms (2029–30 and 2030–31), subject to Salem City Council approval. The contract is awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest price for the base bid. Bidders must maintain a performance bond equal to 100 percent of the first year's contract price, renewable annually. Required insurance includes workers' compensation per state law, $1,000,000 auto liability coverage, and $1,000,000 general liability with the City of Salem named as additional insured. Contract award is anticipated within 30 days of bid opening, with possible extension up to 45 days by mutual agreement.