DHS IFB ISD 66 passenger and 72 passenger buses-REBID

The Illinois Department of Human Services is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the purchase of two school buses to support the Illinois School for the Deaf's transportation needs throughout the academic year. This rebid solicitation (B-50407) seeks one 66-passenger bus equipped with a wheelchair lift and one 71-passenger bus, both meeting specifications comparable to Thomas Safe-T-Liner or Blue Bird RE conventional buses. The buses must include comprehensive specifications including air ride driver seats, tilt/telescoping steering wheels, dual air conditioning and heating systems, diesel engines certified for 5% biodiesel fuel, Allison 3000 Series automatic transmissions, air suspension, three-camera systems with docking stations, emergency roof hatches, strobe lights, and standard yellow exterior paint with white roofs. The buses are to be delivered to the CMS garage at 640 N Lincoln Avenue, Springfield, Illinois by June 30, 2026, with the initial contract term commencing upon final execution through June 30, 2026, and a maximum total term not exceeding ten years including renewal terms and extensions. Vendors must provide an extended warranty covering both buses for the contract term, including towing for six months if breakdown is not the school's fault and replacement buses at the dealer's discretion. Required submissions include an active Illinois Vendor Registration Number, an IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure form, a completed Offer to the State of Illinois, and Business Enterprise Program or Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plans as applicable. Bidders must submit electronic bids through the BidBuy platform by January 6, 2026, with questions due in writing by 5 p.m. on December 29, 2025. The State will award the contract to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder, evaluating factors including past performance, financial resources, certifications, conflict of interest disclosures, compliance with applicable laws, equal opportunity compliance, and prevailing wage payment requirements. Vendors must maintain General Commercial Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, Auto Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and Worker's Compensation Insurance as required by law, and subcontractors are not permitted.

This solicitation is subject to Illinois prevailing wage requirements and the Illinois Procurement Code, requiring vendors to comply with prevailing wage standards in Sangamon County and to employ at least 90% Illinois laborers during periods of excessive unemployment as defined by the Illinois Department of Labor. No specific set-asides or incumbent vendors are indicated in the available documentation. Vendors may claim the Illinois Business Preference or Domestic Product Preference under the Illinois Procurement Code by completing and submitting the applicable affidavits with their bids. The contract may be partially or totally funded with Federal funds, with the percentage and dollar amount of Federal funding to be disclosed upon notice of award. A $15 administrative fee will be deducted from the vendor's first payment for any awarded contract valued at $1,000 or more. Bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening, and no bid bonds or performance bonds are required. The State reserves the right to amend the solicitation, reject any or all bids, waive minor defects, and request additional information or clarification from bidders, with bidders authorized to submit written protests to the Protest Review Office within fourteen days of the solicitation posting or fourteen days after learning of rejection or award decisions.