Paratransit Upfit Bus w/ 10 Seated & 5 Wheelchair Positions

The State of Utah's Department of Administrative Services, Division of Fleet Operations, issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered NS17066 to procure a specialized paratransit upfit bus for the Department of Veteran's Affairs. The procurement seeks a custom-built vehicle with specific requirements, including ten seated passenger positions and five wheelchair positions, with a preference for a Ford E-450 DWR cutaway chassis or an equivalent meeting established standards. The solicitation was posted on May 24, 2017, with bid responses due by June 12, 2017, at 3:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. Bidders were required to provide detailed specifications, comply with state licensing requirements, and submit comprehensive documentation including vendor information and tax details. The vehicle is intended for use by a Veteran Affairs Nursing Home in the Utah valley, specifically for client transportation, and requires precise customization to meet operational needs.

The procurement did not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent organizations. Creative Bus Sales Inc. was ultimately awarded the contract as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The pricing for this specialized vehicle was estimated to range between $50,000 and $200,000, depending on specific options and size configurations. The final contract cost would include all necessary items to meet specifications, associated labor charges, and delivery expenses. While no specific disadvantaged enterprise requirements were mentioned in the documentation, the solicitation followed standard state procurement guidelines and emphasized the need for comprehensive compliance with bidding protocols. The procurement represents a one-time purchase of a highly specialized transportation vehicle designed to meet specific operational requirements for veteran client transportation.