MPA 526 Ambulance Services for State Agencies

The State of Rhode Island Division of Purchases is conducting an Open Enrollment Vendor Assessment (OEV) to establish a Master Price Agreement (MPA) for ambulance and wheelchair transportation services for multiple state agencies, including the Department of Corrections and the Department of Behavioral Healthcare Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. The services will provide transportation for inmates, patients, and other individuals to hospitals, physician offices, treatment centers, and medical facilities for off-site services. The initial contract period will run from May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2025, with options to renew for up to two additional 12-month periods based on vendor performance and funding availability. Vendors must submit proposals electronically through the Ocean State Procures system and will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Key qualifications include maintaining specific insurance coverage, including $1 million in liability coverage per occurrence, workers compensation, automobile liability, and $2 million in professional liability coverage. Vendors must also complete a Vendor Certification Questionnaire, Vendor Qualifications Assessment, and MBE Participation Acknowledgment Form.

The solicitation includes set-aside provisions for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) vendors, with a requirement that at least one quote for specific projects must come from a certified vendor when available. The MPA will have statewide applicability, allowing participation from political subdivisions, institutions of higher education, municipal/state schools, and quasi-public agencies. A 1% contract administrative fee will be assessed on all purchase orders issued under the agreement. While no specific award value or budget range is explicitly stated, the solicitation indicates there is no guaranteed minimum purchasing volume, and vendor selection will be at the sole discretion of user agencies. When specific transportation needs arise, agencies will issue mini-bids to the qualified vendors, with preference potentially given to vendors offering the lowest rates. The State reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and to reject any or all bids at its discretion.