30-25286-EIPD Vehicle Conversion and Driving Modification Package - Chrysler Pacifica

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (NCEIPD), is seeking a comprehensive vehicle conversion and modification package through an Invitation for Bid (IFB). The procurement targets a 2023 or newer Chrysler Pacifica, Touring L trim or better, with less than 3,000 miles, requiring a BraunAbility 14" dropped floor side entry conversion. The vehicle is intended to provide transportation for a disabled North Carolina citizen to and from their place of employment. Key deliverables include extensive vehicle modifications such as power sliding doors, a fold-out ramp with manual emergency backup, removable seats, rubberized flooring, and adaptive driving equipment including hand controls, steering wheel devices, and secondary control systems. Vendors must be certified with the NCDVRS Vehicle Modification Program and demonstrate compliance with specific technical specifications and safety standards. The bid was issued on March 25, 2025, with proposals due on April 08, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, and the contract will have an initial term of one year from final execution.

The solicitation appears to be open to qualified vendors who can meet the comprehensive modification and training specifications, with a pricing structure that separates client-responsible expenses from NCEIPD-funded expenses. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, vendors must be certified with the NCDVRS Vehicle Modification Program, which may inherently limit the pool of eligible bidders. The procurement allows for "Like or Functionally Equivalent" products, providing some flexibility in meeting the detailed requirements. The bid emphasizes the need for vendors to provide not just the vehicle, but a complete modification package that ensures mobility and accessibility for the intended user. Though a specific budget range is not disclosed, the detailed specifications suggest a significant investment in both the base vehicle and the extensive modifications required. The one-time purchase nature of the contract indicates this is a targeted solution for a specific individual's transportation needs, with a focus on enabling employment access for people with disabilities.