Diesel Transit Buses

1.0 SCOPE Orange County by and through its Department of Planning and Development is procuring the manufacturing and delivery of up to an initial thirty-one (31) heavy-duty, low-floor transit buses for our three (3) fixed route systems. The local fixed routes are operating in and around the City of Middletown, operated currently by Shortline Transit LLC, in and around the City of Newburgh, operated currently by Newburgh Beacon Bus Corp., and in and around the Village of Kiryas Joel, operated by the Village of Kiryas Joel. The Orange County contracted bus operators are also referred to as the "Orange County's operators" and/or "operating agents" throughout this RCO. Orange County reserves the right to order up to thirty-six (36) additional buses as options, based on the availability of funds. Options may be exercised by written notice to the Vendor prior to the expiration of the contract. In the event these options are exercised, the pricing for each option will be calculated using the price adjustment process described in 'Price Change for Option Bus Orders and Spare Parts'. The purpose of these specifications is to describe a modern, twelve-year, heavy-duty, low-floor diesel transit bus configuration that shall operate efficiently, economically and dependably on Orange County's service environment. The buses shall be designed to provide maximum passenger appeal, appearance, accessibility, comfort and safety for bus operators and the widest possible range of passengers, including children, adults, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The buses shall be designed to operate successfully under any/all conditions of usage in the prevailing environment of the Orange County operating area for a minimum period of twelve (12) years and at least 500,000 miles. Unless otherwise stated, the use of manufacturers' names and product numbers in the Specifications are only for descriptive purposes and establishing general quality levels. They are not intended to be restrictive. Bidders are required to state exactly what they intend to furnish, otherwise it is fully understood that they shall furnish all items as stated. Detailed specifications, circulars, manufacturers or other warranties and all necessary data on services or items proposed to be furnished must be included with each Bid. This information must clearly show that the item offered meets all detailed specifications herein. The County reserves the right to reject any Bid as non-responsive if compliance with the specifications is not clearly evident. All equipment proposed must be new equipment of the model specified, or an approved equal in current production. Manufacturers' warranties should be included with the Bid. All supplies, equipment, vehicles and materials must meet the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and all other applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Access to Onboard Operational Data, including from components and equipment provided by Contractor, is not permitted under the RCO. The successful Bidder awarded a contract under this RCO may also be referred to as "Vendor", "Contractor" and/or" Manufacturer" throughout this RCO. Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: none