Transportation Bus- New Build

The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) issued Invitation for Bids (IFB) 771-TRANS-26-B0001 for the procurement of one new 31-seat school bus equipped with a wheelchair lift. The solicitation requires bidders to submit sealed bids via email to Villegasc@tsbvi.edu by February 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with an anticipated award date of March 1, 2026. Technical questions and bid intentions must be submitted by January 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time. The bus specifications mandate a 2026 Integrated Conventional Type C Bus with a minimum 217-inch wheelbase, 29,800 lbs GVWR, automatic 6-speed diesel transmission (approximately 240 HP and 600 lb-ft torque), wheelchair lift with restraints, two removable seat rows, electronic hand control throttle, 65 mph speed governor, minimum 126K BTU air conditioning, and a nine-channel camera system, with full compliance to 2018 Texas School Bus Specifications and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Delivery must be FOB Destination to TSBVI's facility at 1100 West 45th Street, Austin, Texas 78756, during normal business hours (7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays). Respondents must provide a 60-day firm price quote, warranty information, estimated delivery timeframe after order placement, two references for similar work completed within the last two years, a completed TSBVI Respondent Onboarding Package (including IRS Form W-9, Texas Direct Deposit Authorization form, and Texas Identification Number Application), and proof of current insurance meeting specified minimums. Awards will be made to the most responsive offer providing the best value to the State of Texas, with payment made in accordance with the Texas Prompt Payment Act.

No HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) subcontracting opportunities have been identified for this solicitation, and no set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent eligibility have been specified in the procurement documents. No incumbent vendors or current contractors were identified in the available documentation. Respondents must provide certificates of insurance naming TSBVI and its employees as additional insureds, with required coverage including workers' compensation, commercial general liability with a minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit for automobile liability, and employers' liability coverage. TSBVI reserves the right to alter quantities prior to award based on bid responses and budget constraints, though no specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in the solicitation documents. Purchases are exempt from State Sales Tax and Federal Excise Tax. All bidders must submit signed bids, and exceptions to specifications must be listed on a separate sheet if applicable.