PWC Hocking Hills Winter Hike 2026 Busing

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, specifically Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County, is seeking a bus transportation contractor for its Annual Winter Hike on January 17, 2026. The procurement requires a vendor to provide 10 buses, each with a minimum 40-passenger capacity, to shuttle hikers between multiple locations including the State Park Lodge, Campground, Elementary School, Cabins, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Old Man's Cave Visitor Center. Contractors must supply licensed drivers, radios for bus communication, and fuel for each vehicle, with services running from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The buses will be strategically deployed, with 8 buses starting at 8:00 am and 2 additional buses beginning at 9:30 am. Hocking Hills State Park will provide one radio for communication with park employees. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with a contract term extending through June 30, 2027. Potential bidders are encouraged to contact Park Manager Brent Bendele at (740) 279-1186 for site visits and additional information, with the bid due date set for October 10, 2025.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though Ohio's standard contracting documents typically include provisions for minority and edge business participation. The solicitation appears open to transportation and bus service providers capable of meeting the specified requirements. While no incumbent vendor is named, the contract requires strict compliance with Ohio's standard terms and conditions, including provisions for data security, background investigations, and offshore service restrictions. Invoicing will be processed through Ohio Shared Services, with no state sales tax applied and a fixed-price arrangement for the busing services. The procurement documents indicate that contractors must complete an Affirmation and Disclosure Form, confirming service locations and data handling practices. Though a specific budget range is not disclosed, the contract will cover bus rental, driver compensation, fuel, and communication equipment for the one-day winter hiking event. Contractors must also adhere to the state's comprehensive legal and operational guidelines as outlined in the attached standard terms and conditions document.