Four 24 Passenger SPED Type A School Buses

Sullivan County, Tennessee is seeking to procure four 24-passenger Special Education (SPED) Type A School Buses through an Invitation to Bid (ITB) issued by the Sullivan County Purchasing Department for the Sullivan County Department of Education. The procurement requires buses that are 2025 or newer models with a front engine, capable of seating 24 passengers plus a driver, and meeting all state and federal requirements. Specific technical specifications include a 6.6-liter gasoline engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, dual rear wheels with a school bus package, and specific warranty provisions of 12 months/unlimited miles for body and 5 years/100,000 miles for chassis. The buses must be painted yellow with black trim, feature gray fire block upholstery, and include safety equipment like a fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Bids are due by 2:00 P.M. EST on October 1, 2025, with all questions to be submitted to Holly Gebhardt at holly.gebhardt@sullivancountytn.gov by end of business on September 18, 2025. Answers to questions will be provided in an addendum on September 25, 2025, and bidders are required to have a fully licensed in-state sales and service facility.

The procurement encourages participation from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and complies with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Bidders cannot withdraw their submissions for 60 days after the closing time, and Sullivan County reserves the right to accept, reject, or re-advertise the bid. The vendor will be required to provide 12 hours of product service training and deliver the buses to the Sullivan County Schools Bus Garage. Submission can be done online or via hard copy, with the county maintaining the flexibility to award on a line-item or all-or-none basis to achieve the best value. The procurement is fully funded by the Sullivan County Department of Education, with bids to be signed, sealed, and submitted to the Purchasing Agent at 155 School Avenue, Suite 308, Blountville, Tennessee 37617. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement is for four specialized school buses designed for special education transportation needs.