IVH 14 passenger, 4 wheelchair position 22' patient transport

Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Fleet Services is conducting a Request for Bid (RFB) numbered 005-RFB-1955-2026 for the Iowa Veterans Home, seeking a specialized 22-foot patient transport bus with specific configuration requirements. The procurement calls for a vehicle capable of accommodating 14 passengers, including 4 wheelchair positions, with an immediate need for an on-hand inventory unit. The bus must be built on a Ford E-450 platform with a V8 7.3L gas engine and meet comprehensive ADA accessibility standards. Detailed technical specifications include requirements for wheelchair tie-down systems, interior comfort features, safety equipment like backup cameras, and specific seating configurations. The solicitation was opened on July 16, 2025, and will close on July 26, 2025, at 8:00 AM CDT, with bidders required to complete a Vehicle Specification Worksheet and upload it in the Vendor Attachments section. The primary contact for this procurement is Rick Tucker, reachable at rick.tucker@iowa.gov or +1 515-360-9912, and vendors must provide comprehensive warranty coverage including 5-year/100,000-mile manufacturer warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile chassis powertrain warranty, and 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor types were explicitly mentioned in the documentation, the procurement appears open to qualified vendors capable of meeting the stringent technical specifications. The payment terms are set at Net 60 days, consistent with Iowa Code 8A.514, and the state reserves the right to award contracts and potentially extend them annually at its sole discretion. The total vehicle price must include delivery to the Department of Administrative Services in Des Moines. Although no specific budget range was provided, the comprehensive technical requirements suggest a specialized vehicle procurement likely in the mid-to-high five-figure price range. The bid is classified under Commodity Code 7100 for automobiles, which encompasses various fuel types including diesel, gasoline, electric, and hybrid vehicles. Vendors must demonstrate the ability to provide an immediately available vehicle that precisely meets the Iowa Veterans Home's patient transport requirements, with a focus on accessibility, safety, and passenger comfort.