Customized Mobile Freightliner Bus

The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) issued a Request for Proposal on October 31, 2024, for the design and construction of a customized mobile Freightliner bus to serve as a College Info Road Show mobile classroom in Bath County. The procuring agency seeks a single customized converted Freightliner commercial truck (MT-55 or equivalent chassis with Cummins ISB 260 HP engine) measuring 39 feet 6 inches in overall length, equipped with 15 communication workstations featuring Apple iPads, retractable keyboards, headphones, satellite internet access, aluminum body construction, interior climate control, security systems, wheelchair accessibility, and emergency safety equipment to deliver college access and financial aid planning services across Kentucky. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale: 65 points for technical merit, comprising 35 points for past experience and performance and 30 points for proposal evaluation demonstrating understanding of project requirements, and 35 points for cost, with the lowest-cost proposal receiving maximum points and remaining proposals scored proportionally. All bid costs must include freight and training. A mandatory virtual Offeror's Conference was held on October 23, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Eastern Time, with written questions due by October 25, 2024 at 4:30 PM ET and responses issued by October 31, 2024. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Kentucky Vendor Self-Service System in three separate sealed documents (Technical Proposal, Cost Proposal, and Proprietary Information) by November 12, 2024 at 4:30 PM ET. Contract award is expected on or around January 9, 2025, with completion required by June 1, 2025, establishing an initial contract term from January 9 through June 1, 2025.

Vendors must submit three references from work completed within the past 24 months, a signed Required Affidavit for Bidders, and a notarized Vendor Business Practice Statement, along with detailed responses regarding regulatory restrictions, litigation, and any felony convictions. Kentucky resident bidders are eligible for scoring preferences of up to 20 percent, and qualified bidders meeting criteria under KRS 45A.470 and 200 KAR 5:410 are eligible for scoring preferences of up to 15 percent. The RFP does not specify a budget range but indicates that KHEAA has established funding authority for the project expiring June 30, 2025, and seeks cost-effective solutions demonstrating value for investment. Vendors based outside Kentucky must register with the Kentucky Secretary of State prior to award. Payment will be made within 30 working days of invoice receipt in accordance with state procurement practices, with progress payments potentially available for services that advance construction. The Commonwealth reserves the right to negotiate fair and reasonable compensation, request best and final offers, reject any or all proposals, and conduct vendor interviews at its discretion.