Gasoline Fuel 2026

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) has issued Invitation for Bid #130-2025IFBL for E10 Gasoline (87 octane) procurement to support its transit operations in Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio. The solicitation seeks qualified firms to supply approximately 20,000 to 30,000 gallons of gasoline monthly for the period of February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. The procurement covers fuel for SORTA's 300 transit buses operating 48 fixed routes across Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and portions of Butler, Clermont, and Warren Counties. Bid pricing is structured as a monthly differential above or below the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) Low Rack price, with all associated costs included in the quoted differential. Key deadlines include November 17, 2025, for submitting questions and December 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm as the bid response deadline. Bidders must submit proposals electronically through SORTA's e-Procurement Portal and meet comprehensive specification requirements detailed in the E10-Gasoline-87-Octane-Specifications document, which includes precise technical specifications for fuel composition and performance characteristics.

While no formal small business participation goal has been established, SORTA includes provisions for small business engagement through its MetroMAX program. Bidders must submit various certifications including debarment acknowledgments, tax affidavits, and lobbying restriction documentation. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, mandating coverage for workers' compensation, general liability, automobile, and professional liability with specified minimum coverage amounts. The contract is partially funded by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants and governed by Ohio Revised Code, with SORTA's financial obligation contingent upon fund availability within their current fiscal year. The procurement allows for potential task orders and includes detailed provisions for contract termination and performance expectations. Although a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the monthly fuel requirement of 20,000 to 30,000 gallons suggests a significant annual procurement volume. Prospective vendors must demonstrate compliance with federal regulations, including equal employment opportunity standards, environmental requirements, and drug and alcohol testing protocols.