55-Passenger Bus

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for procuring 55-passenger ADA-compliant intercity coach buses under solicitation MDT-314939-PN. The procurement seeks a 45-foot coach bus with a maximum of 56 seats, including accommodations for two wheelchair passengers, with comprehensive technical specifications covering vehicle dimensions, performance standards, structural requirements, and system components. Key deliverables include buses meeting 12-year or 500,000-mile service life requirements, with detailed specifications for powertrain, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and climate control. The solicitation was opened on October 19, 2022, with a bid closing date of January 5, 2023, and the contract ultimately awarded to Motor Coach Industries, Inc. for $755,990.00. Bidders were required to submit Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocations Assistance Act (STURAA) test results, signed Federal Certifications, and client references, with the contract structured for an initial award period and four possible one-year renewal options.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, and the solicitation was open to qualified bus manufacturers capable of meeting the detailed technical specifications. Optional enhancements were permitted, including onboard entertainment systems, passenger GPS displays, electronic announcement systems, and hand sanitizer dispensers, allowing vendors to propose additional features. The contract includes provisions for pricing both buses with and without lavatories, with prices remaining firm for the first 12 months and potential subsequent adjustments subject to MDT's approval. Pricing for the buses was required with and without optional camera systems and passenger enhancements. The procurement aligns with federal Buy America requirements, mandating that more than 60% of component costs be manufactured in the United States and final vehicle assembly occur domestically. The contact for the solicitation was Patrick Navarro, reachable at pnavarro@mt.gov or +1 406-444-6033, with payment terms set at net 30 days.