CAT bus interior refurbishment

Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) is requesting proposals for bus interior refurbishment services on up to nine 2018 model year Gillig diesel coaches under RFP 2027_02, with proposals due October 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST and questions due by October 9. DBE requirements under 49 CFR Part 26 apply; proposers must provide DBE certification and subcontractor utilization percentages if applicable.

The scope encompasses complete turnkey refurbishment including structural rehabilitation with plywood floor replacement, interior refurbishment with flooring and passenger seating replacement (Gemini seating with USB charging outlets), and wheelchair ramp replacement with ADA compliance. Proposers must demonstrate professional qualifications and specialized experience in bus repower and refinishing services, three years of comprehensive financial statements, current Commercial General/Professional Liability insurance of at least $1,000,000, and completed federal regulatory certifications including Buy America, FMVSS compliance, and lobbying certifications.

Evaluation weighting is professional qualifications and specialized experience in bus repower and refinishing (30%), past performance including quality of work and transit agency experience (20%), capacity to meet CAT's service requirements (20%), and price proposal (30%). The anticipated contract term is three years from the date of award. CAT is tax-exempt; federal excise, transportation taxes, and Georgia sales and use taxes must not be included in proposal pricing.

The Evaluation Committee will issue its recommendation to the Board of Directors on November 17, 2026, with notification of award on November 18. Proposals must be submitted at CAT Central, 900 E. Gwinnett Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. CAT reserves the right to reject any and all responses and award the contract based on submissions alone.