DHS IFB ISD 66 passenger and 72 passenger buses-REBID

The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a rebid Invitation for Bid (IFB B-50829) on behalf of the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) for the procurement of two passenger buses to transport students throughout the school year for scheduled home visits and school-related events. The procurement requires one 66-passenger bus equipped with a wheelchair lift and one 71-passenger bus, with both vehicles meeting specifications comparable to Thomas Safe-T-Liner or Blue Bird RE conventional buses. Required features include air ride driver seats, air conditioning and heating systems, diesel engines certified for B5 biodiesel fuel, wheelchair accommodation modifications, camera systems with docking stations, emergency roof hatches, and crossing arms with wind deflectors. Delivery must be completed to the CMS garage at 640 North Lincoln Avenue, Springfield, Illinois, by June 30, 2026. The evaluation criteria prioritize responsibility, responsiveness, and price, with the award going to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. The bid due date was February 10, 2026, with written questions required to be submitted by 5 p.m. on January 30, 2026. Bids must remain firm for 90 days from the opening date, with electronic submission required through the BidBuy platform.

The procurement is subject to Illinois Procurement Code preferences, including domestic product preference favoring United States-manufactured products unless costs exceed United States alternatives by 12 percent or more. No bid bonds or performance bonds are required. The solicitation requires submission of either a Vendor Disclosure or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, along with applicable Business Enterprise Program or Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plans if applicable. Contractors awarded a contract value of $1,000 or more must pay a $15 administrative fee for the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative, deducted from the first payment. The Notice of Award indicates the contract was awarded to Midwest Bus Sales, Inc., with a total contract value of $356,807.00, representing the lowest bid among two responsive bidders (the competing bidder, Central States Bus Sales Inc., submitted a bid of $430,400.00). The initial contract term extends from the award date through June 30, 2026, with a maximum total contract term not to exceed ten years including renewal periods. The vendor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including $1,000,000 General Commercial Liability per occurrence with $2,000,000 annual aggregate and extended warranty coverage throughout the contract term.