Patient Transportation Services

The California Department of State Hospitals (DSH) is seeking a patient transportation services contractor through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) issued on February 22, 2016, with bids due on April 27, 2016 at 3:30 PM. The contract, anticipated to run from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018 with a potential one-year extension, requires a vendor to provide transportation services for patients from DSH-Patton to agencies across California's 58 counties. The contractor must supply secured vehicles capable of safely transporting non-ambulatory patients and provide a comprehensive pricing structure including per-mile rates for the first patient, additional per-mile rates for subsequent patients, and a pick-up fee per location. Critical driver qualifications include current certifications in CPR, First Aid, California DMV license, defensive driving, California POST certification, and firearm permits. Drivers must also maintain a U.S. Department of Transportation number and comply with USDOT regulations, ensuring safe and professional patient transportation services.

The IFB includes provisions for Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise preferences, offering a 5% bid preference for qualified businesses. Potential bidders must demonstrate the ability to provide fully equipped transportation vehicles with appropriate safety and security features for patient transport. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract requires comprehensive transportation infrastructure including appropriately licensed and certified vehicles and personnel. The procurement does not specify a precise budget range, but the detailed pricing structure suggests a flexible, volume-based compensation model that will depend on the number of patient transports required. The contract's two-year potential duration and statewide coverage indicate a significant opportunity for transportation service providers with the necessary certifications, vehicle capacity, and operational capabilities to meet the Department of State Hospitals' patient transportation requirements.