District 7- simulator snow plow training

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has issued an Invitation For Bid (IFB) for Simulator Snow Plow Driving Training specifically for District 7, which encompasses counties including Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon, Hampton, and Orangeburg. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive instructor-led simulator training for snow plow driving, with specific requirements of four consecutive days (Monday-Thursday), 10-hour training days, and a one-hour lunch break. The training will focus on providing employees with various scenarios involving obstacles and hazards encountered while driving a CDL vehicle during snow and ice conditions. The contract period is anticipated from 09/11/2025 to 09/10/2030, with an initial one-year term and automatic renewals for subsequent one-year periods. Bidders must submit proposals online by 08/28/2025 at 2:30 PM, with all questions due by 08/14/2025. The solicitation includes five line items corresponding to contract years, with a quantity of 4 training days per year. Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with the official award posting scheduled for 09/11/2025.

The solicitation indicates potential preferences for South Carolina Resident Contractors, including a 2% contractor preference and a 4% resident subcontractor preference. The training is to be all-inclusive, with no additional payments for incidentals such as lodging, meals, or travel. The successful contractor will be responsible for providing both simulation equipment and training, while SCDOT will provide a parking area for the simulator during the training period. Though specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the multi-year contract structure suggests a potentially significant procurement opportunity. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned in the documentation. The training is designed to be comprehensive, covering critical skills for snow plow operators, with the simulator serving as the primary training mechanism to simulate real-world driving challenges in adverse winter conditions. The contract's structure allows for potential annual renewals, providing stability and continuity for the selected vendor.