DPS - two (2) 2025 medium capacity security inmate transfer vehicles

The Rhode Island Department of Public Safety, specifically the Division of Sheriffs, is seeking to procure two (2) 2025 medium capacity security inmate transfer vehicles through a competitive Request for Quotation (RFQ) process. The solicitation requires motorcoach buses with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of approximately 14,500 lbs. each, capable of transporting a minimum of 18 inmates, excluding the deputy sheriff driver and additional passengers. Vendors must submit comprehensive proposals electronically through the Ocean State Procures system, with the solicitation period running from October 24, 2024, to November 21, 2024. The vendor question and answer period is scheduled from October 24, 2024, at 3:15 PM GMT to November 18, 2024, at 3:00 AM GMT. Key requirements include submitting detailed vehicle specifications, providing certificates of origin, and ensuring vehicles are delivered without dealer names or advertising visible on the body. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on compliance with technical specifications, insurance requirements, and overall vendor responsibility.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system to participate and are required to maintain specific insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 in liability per occurrence, $100,000 in workers compensation per accident, $1,000,000 in automobile liability per occurrence, and $500,000 in crime coverage. While no specific budget range is provided, the state reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and to reject any or all bids. The Certificate of Origin for the vehicles must be assigned to either the State of Rhode Island Fleet Operations or the Rhode Island State Police, depending on the purchasing entity. Potential vendors should note that all proposals must be submitted electronically, with no email, mail, fax, or hand-delivered submissions accepted, and must demonstrate full compliance with the detailed technical and operational requirements outlined in the solicitation documents.