CATS Bus Radiator and Fuel Tank Repair Services

The City of Charlotte, North Carolina, through its Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Bus Operations Division, is issuing Request for Proposals (RFP #269-2026-2040) for Bus Radiator and Fuel Tank Repair Services. The procurement seeks a qualified supplier to provide comprehensive pickup, delivery, and repair services for radiators, charge air coolers, oil coolers, coolant surge tanks, and fuel tanks for CATS buses, along with the supply of replacement parts for various bus models including Gillig, Lofl, and MCI variants. The vendor must collect units within twenty-four hours of notification and return completed repairs within five business days, with all work performed at an insured facility complying with local codes and OSHA requirements and meeting or exceeding original equipment manufacturer standards. The price sheet encompasses twenty-four parts line items with annual estimated quantities ranging from one to fifty units and twenty-six radiator service line items specifying inspection, cleaning, and replacement labor for various radiator configurations. The evaluation criteria focus on vendor qualifications and experience, project approach and proposed solution, cost effectiveness and value, and acceptance of contract terms. The non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for April 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. via virtual meeting, proposals are due by May 6, 2026, at 4 p.m. through the Bonfire e-Procurement Portal, and the City anticipates contract award by Council in September 2026 with services commencing September 2026. The requested contract term is five years, structured as an initial three-year period with the City retaining the option to renew annually thereafter.

The City has set a zero percent Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) utilization goal for this contract; however, DBE firms are encouraged to participate on a race-neutral basis, and the City promotes participation by Minority-owned, Women-owned, and Small Business Enterprises through its Charlotte Business INClusion Program, requiring successful contractors to submit payment records detailing amounts paid to subconsultants and suppliers through the InclusionCLT system. All vendor submissions must include a cover letter, proposed solution, required certifications and compliance forms (including Debarment Certification, Byrd Anti-Lobbying Certification, and Company Background Response questionnaire), and any exceptions to the RFP or sample contract terms; proposers must also provide a minimum of three to five client references demonstrating similar service experience. The contract is partially funded by Federal Transit Administration grants, requiring compliance with extensive federal contracting requirements including civil rights provisions, employee protection standards, and domestic preference for procurement of United States-produced materials. Required insurance includes a minimum of $1,000,000 commercial general liability and workers' compensation coverage, and the vendor must comply with background check requirements for all employees. No incumbent vendors, specific funding amounts, or award values are identified in the procurement documents; pricing is submitted by bidders on a comprehensive, all-inclusive basis covering parts, labor, pickup, delivery, vendor profit, and all other associated service costs in United States dollars.