Narrow Body Buses

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is conducting a procurement for transit rolling stock through an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for 2023 Narrow Body Buses, specifically targeting rural public transportation and specialized transportation providers throughout South Dakota. The procurement seeks the manufacture and delivery of light duty vans with varying specifications, including different wheelbases, roof heights, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR), and passenger seating capacities ranging from 4 to 14 passengers. Base order quantities are set at 1 vehicle per type, with options to purchase up to 15 additional vehicles of each configuration over the subsequent three years. The bid response deadline is February 9, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. CT, with an anticipated contract award date of February 16, 2023. Key requirements for bidders include compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), providing a bumper-to-bumper warranty of at least 3 years or 36,000 miles, and meeting all technical specifications outlined in the procurement documents.

The procurement includes specific set-aside requirements, particularly emphasizing Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation and Buy America compliance. Bidders must adhere to federal guidelines that mandate a local match of at least 20% of the vehicle cost, with SDDOT covering up to 80% of the net vehicle cost. The contracts will be firm-fixed-price, with the potential for multiple contracts to be awarded to multiple vendors, allowing flexibility for bidders to submit proposals for one, several, or all vehicle types and fuel configurations. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the procurement allows for potential vehicle purchases by other approved states beyond South Dakota. Pre-award and post-delivery audits of the rolling stock are mandatory, and bidders must demonstrate the ability to deliver vehicles that meet all specified technical requirements. The procurement is structured to support rural transportation needs, with options for purchasing agencies to acquire vehicles through this competitive bidding process.