IFB - School Bus Transportation

The Town of Franklin, Massachusetts is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) to procure comprehensive school bus transportation services for the Town of Franklin Public Schools. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to provide scheduled transportation for designated school children, including late buses and transportation to athletic events and field trips outside of Franklin, beginning July 1, 2026. The contractor must provide all necessary transportation equipment, fleet maintenance, garaging facilities, vehicle inspection, registration, licensing, and qualified, trained staff to operate vehicles in compliance with Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles regulations and applicable federal and state laws. Key requirements include route planning assistance, safety instruction, and semi-annual vehicle evacuation drills. The contract term is one year with two optional one-year renewal periods subject to annual appropriation of funds. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at 551 Pond Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Sealed bids must be submitted by 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 30, 2026, to 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Detailed bid specifications are available on the Town's website at franklinma.gov/bids.aspx, and all inquiries should be directed to Pam Vickery, Town Purchasing Officer, at 508.520.4918, pvickery@franklinma.gov, or by fax at 508.541.5253.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types are noted in the procurement documents. There is no reference to incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure requiring integration by the successful bidder. The estimated contract value for the initial one-year period is $1,992,000.00, with potential additional value for the two optional one-year renewal periods should they be exercised and funds appropriated by the Town.