Contract Transportations Services

Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) is seeking contract transportation services for a five-year period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. The procurement is a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify one or more transportation service carriers to provide student transportation to and from school facilities, including services for homeless youth, students with disabilities, and other district students. Carriers must provide vehicles equipped with cameras and GPS monitoring devices featuring live web-based tracking software, with vehicle options including cars, 7-8 passenger vans, and mini buses (maximum 14 passengers). Proposal evaluation will be based on two primary criteria: pricing (75%) and experience/professional reputation (25%), with awards determined by Best Value and Quality of Service. Key procurement dates include: RFP posted January 6, 2025; questions due January 21, 2025; pre-bid meeting on January 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM; proposals due February 10, 2025 by 1:00 PM; award notice expected before March 10, 2025; and a board presentation scheduled for March 10, 2025.

The RFP encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) and does not require a bid bond or performance bond. Current transportation providers include Burrell Transit, Sheila's Transportation, and Student Transportation of America, with existing daily rates ranging from $269.47 to $388 per van. The district anticipates transporting 77 students in the 2023-24 school year, with an average one-way trip distance of 25 miles. Carriers must meet stringent insurance requirements, including workers' compensation, general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), automobile liability ($1,500,000 combined single limit), and uninsured/under-insured liability ($1,000,000). Vehicle specifications mandate replacement before reaching 16 years old, and drivers must meet comprehensive qualification and background check standards. While no specific budget is established, funding will be based on end-of-year expenditures, with the district open to alternative pricing models such as base fees plus per-mile charges.