Charter service for marching 101 - OBC

South Carolina State University is requesting quotes for charter bus services to transport the Marching 101 marching band to Miami, Florida for the Orange Blossom Classic on September 4–6, 2026, with quotes due August 20, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Offerors must be listed on the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff's Regulated Class Charter Bus roster, maintain a current FMCSA report with favorable results, hold a "Satisfactory" Safety Rating through the FMCSA, and maintain membership in an organization such as the United Motorcoach Association that provides reciprocal emergency assistance — all mandatory qualifications.

The scope covers transportation of approximately 235 students, 20 staff members, and instruments from the SCSU campus in Orangeburg, departing Friday evening September 4, arriving in Miami Saturday afternoon, and returning Sunday September 6 following a 2:00 p.m. game, with arrival back Monday morning September 7. Charter buses must be 55–57 passenger coaches in good mechanical condition with air ride suspension, panoramic windows, reclining seats, air conditioning and heating, lavatory facilities, AM/FM radio with PA system, television with remote control, Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets. Drivers must be licensed, uniformed, and background-checked, with criminal conviction and sex offender registry checks completed no more than one year prior to performance. The contractor must provide 24/7 emergency contact capability and supply driver meals and overnight lodging at rates consistent with South Carolina State Comptroller General travel guidelines or comparable lodging rates paid by the traveling group.

The budget maximum is $49,500. Pricing must be submitted in fixed-price format with all costs included. Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, or to multiple lowest bidders if necessary to meet transportation needs. Questions are due August 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Award will be posted August 21, 2026. Offers must be submitted online at http://www.procurement.sc.gov.