Prisoner Transport Bus

The Rhode Island Department of Public Safety is conducting a Request for Quotation (RFQ23002155) to procure a large capacity prisoner transport bus for the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs. The solicitation requires a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 26,000 lbs., capable of transporting a minimum of 28 inmates, excluding deputy sheriffs, drivers, and additional passengers. The primary objective is to enable safe, efficient, and cost-effective mass transportation of custodial inmates to various detention facilities. Key deliverables include a fully operational bus with comprehensive specifications, which must be delivered without any visible dealer advertising. The procurement timeline runs from January 3, 2023, to February 6, 2023, with a vendor question period from January 3 to January 20, 2023. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by the February 6, 2023, 2:00 PM EST deadline. Vendors are required to provide detailed vehicle specifications and meet specific insurance requirements, including $1 million in liability coverage, $100,000 in workers' compensation, $1 million in automobile liability, and $500,000 in crime coverage.

The solicitation includes a mandatory Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation requirement, with a minimum of 10% of the total contract value to be awarded to certified minority or women-owned businesses. Vendors must submit an MBE Utilization Plan to the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for review and approval. All vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system to submit bids, and the State reserves the right to make single or multiple awards. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the procurement emphasizes full and unencumbered vehicle title transfer, with certificates of origin to be assigned to either the State of Rhode Island Fleet Operations or the Rhode Island State Police. The solicitation does not explicitly state a total contract value or budget range, but it represents a strategic investment in the state's law enforcement transportation infrastructure. Continuation of the contract beyond the initial fiscal year is subject to fund availability, providing flexibility for potential future extensions or modifications.