School Bus Quotations

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is soliciting price quotations from school bus dealers for up to thirty-two separate school bus categories spanning Type A, Type C, and Type D models with diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric fuel options, with quotations due August 3, 2026 by 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. This solicitation does not establish contracts between OSPI and selected dealers; instead, it produces a published list of accepted price quotes that school districts may use to place direct orders with dealers. The period of performance runs September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027.

Bidders must be licensed to do business in Washington state, hold motor vehicle dealer licensing with the Washington State Department of Licensing, and register with the Washington State Department of Revenue. All quoted school buses must be in production and manufacturing at bid time and must meet or exceed 2025 Washington State School Bus Specifications and current WSP/OSPI Inspection Interpretations. Each quotation must cover both non-lift and lift-equipped configurations where applicable, with separate pricing for each fuel type within a bus category. Pricing must include all charges, exclude sales tax, assume payment within 30 days of delivery, and remain firm throughout the school year. Bidders must disclose any end-user manufacturer rebates retained by the vendor.

Specifications include detailed requirements for seating capacity (center-to-center spacing of at least 27.5 inches), engine horsepower, transmission types, braking systems, LED lighting, wheelchair lift platforms (minimum 32" × 52" for lift-equipped models), heating and communications systems, and optional features such as air conditioning, video camera systems with stop-sign monitoring, and additional wheelchair tie-down stations available at supplemental cost. Vendors must provide warranty information, repair manuals with wiring diagrams, owner's handbooks, and pre-delivery service documentation.

The question-and-answer period runs July 13 through July 27, 2026, with complaints also due by July 27. OSPI will conduct evaluations on August 5 and publish the vetted vendor list by September 1, 2026. Evaluation awards based on the lowest accepted price quotation in each specific bus category using Part I (base bus) specifications only. Unsuccessful bidders may request debriefing within three business days of announcement, with a five-business-day protest window available to those who participated. No MWBE participation preference or requirement applies, though OMWBE-certified firms are encouraged to participate. Bidders must submit a Contract Intake Form prior to contract execution and provide a ninety-day acceptance period for proposals. An amendment posted July 13, 2026 added the previously omitted Type A Gas & Propane specification file.