Emergency Transportation Services

Monroe County, Florida is seeking a qualified provider for Emergency Transportation Services through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on November 22, 2025. The primary objective is to secure a contractor capable of delivering emergency evacuation bus services for the general public and special needs populations during local emergency declarations. The contractor must mobilize a minimum of six 55-passenger buses within 24 hours of county notification, with the capability to transport passengers to designated out-of-county shelters and facilitate re-entry to specified county locations. The procurement also requires accommodation for properly caged or crated household pets and service animals, in compliance with the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006. Key submission deadlines include December 19, 2025, for information requests and January 8, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. for sealed proposals, which must be submitted electronically via the Bonfire bidding platform. The evaluation criteria totals 100 points, with Cost/Fee Proposal weighted at 40 points, Past Performance at 20 points, and Staffing, Licensing, and Insurance at 20 points, with remaining categories weighted at lesser values.

The contract will have an initial three-year term with an option to renew for an additional two years by mutual agreement. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the county may provide local business preference as defined in Section 2-349 of the County Code. The contractor must provide proof of appropriate licensing and maintain specific insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, general liability of $300,000 combined single limit, and vehicle liability insurance of $100,000 combined single limit, with Monroe County named as an additional insured. The procurement anticipates using federal funds from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which will incorporate federal contract clauses related to debarment, lobbying restrictions, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, and E-Verify employment verification requirements. Pricing must be submitted as a fixed fee encompassing all services and expenses, with the county statutorily exempt from sales and use taxes. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the contract will be funded through federal emergency management funds, with payment processed in accordance with the Florida Local Government Prompt Payment Act upon submission of acceptable invoices.