Pupil Transportation Services

Clare Public Schools in Michigan is soliciting proposals through a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process for comprehensive pupil transportation services covering approximately 124 square miles across Clare and Isabella Counties. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to provide safe, reliable, and on-time transportation for general education and special needs students to and from school, extracurricular activities, and field trips for 180 days per school year. The scope of services includes six primary daily routes (AM/PM runs and mid-day CTE runs), MMCAA runs, Pioneer runs, field trips, athletic trips, and bus aide services as needed. Contractors must demonstrate extensive experience with K-12 school district transportation operations, including proficiency with routing management systems and comprehensive knowledge of Michigan Pupil Transportation Act compliance and applicable federal regulations. Pricing must be submitted on a per-hour basis for drivers, maintenance personnel, and management, with separate rates for field trips, athletic trips, and bus aides. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining the district-owned fleet of 13 buses (ranging from 1 to 13 years old), radio communication systems, and video surveillance equipment in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Critical dates include a pre-bid meeting on March 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (with remote Zoom option), an intent to respond deadline of March 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., a request for clarification deadline of March 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., and a proposal submission deadline of April 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EST, with services commencing July 1, 2026.

The contract award will establish an initial three-year term from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with options for two additional one-year extensions through 2031. The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting bidder eligibility based on disadvantaged enterprise status. Clare Public Schools will provide the district-owned Transportation Facility at 316 E. Wheaton Avenue, Clare, Michigan 48617, all fuel, and capital facility expenses, while the contractor must supply labor and maintain required insurance coverage including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, commercial automobile liability, and excess umbrella liability with minimum limits of $5,000,000. The contractor will be compensated for maintenance services at agreed-upon hourly rates with parts supplied at cost by the district. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the RFP materials, requiring prospective bidders to develop detailed proposals with comprehensive wage and benefits schedules for all employee categories to support their hourly rate submissions.