Charter bus for scsu band tampa florida

South Carolina State University (SCSU) is seeking charter bus services for its Marching 101 band's travel to Tampa, Florida, through a Request for Quote (RFQ) numbered 5400028598. The procurement involves chartering a minimum of seven 55-57 passenger coaches to transport 255 students, 17 staff members, and associated equipment/instruments for a trip scheduled from September 19-21, 2025. The buses must be roadworthy, safe, and fully compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, with specific requirements including air ride suspension, panoramic windows, reclining seats, Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and temperature control. Contractors must provide comprehensive services encompassing local destination travel, emergency contact protocols, backup communication, and strict adherence to U.S. Department of Transportation hours of service regulations. The solicitation was issued on 08/07/2025, with a submission deadline of 08/15/2025 at 11:30:00 AM, and requires contractors to submit references and complete a minority participation form.

The procurement appears to have specific vendor qualifications, including a mandatory "Satisfactory" FMCSA safety rating and membership in a bus association that facilitates mutual aid during potential breakdowns. Contractors must provide travel insurance for passengers and comply with various state and federal regulations. The budget maximum for this solicitation is set at $50,000.00, with proposals exceeding this amount potentially being rejected as non-responsive. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the requirement to complete a minority participation form suggests potential preference for diverse vendor participation. The procurement is specifically targeting charter bus services for Pickens County, South Carolina, through South Carolina State University, with the goal of securing safe, reliable transportation for the university's marching band to its Tampa, Florida destination.