School Buses - Class C & D

The Maine Department of Education is soliciting bids for Class C and D conventional school buses under a statewide contract vehicle for School Administrative Units (SAUs) throughout Maine, with bids due July 31, 2013. To remain eligible for state subsidy, SAUs must procure buses through this State RFQ process or conduct their own local competitive bidding and document compliance with Maine Department of Education Rule Chapter 81, Section 081.1(C).

The scope covers conventional Type C buses in 66-, 72-, 77-, and 78-passenger configurations and Type D buses in 84-passenger capacity. All buses must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Maine Department of Education Rule 05-071 Chapter 81, and Maine Department of Environmental Protection emission standards equivalent to California Code of Regulations Section 1956.8. Diesel engines must be rated at minimum 190 horsepower for 72-passenger or smaller buses and 205 horsepower for buses with 77 or greater passenger capacity. Standard equipment includes five-speed automatic Allison transmissions, dual full air brakes, comprehensive heating and defrosting systems, eight-light warning systems with emergency exits including roof hatches, wheelchair lift capability with ADA compliance, and extensive safety and lighting features. Minimum wheelbase requirements are 238 inches for 66-passenger models, 259 inches for 72-passenger models, and 276 inches for 78-passenger or larger models. All buses must be delivered lead-free with rust-proofing materials meeting SAE J1959 standards.

The contract period runs September 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014, during which SAUs will place orders with awarded vendors. Bidders must provide pricing for base configurations and all optional equipment with installation costs and furnish manufacturer documentation of EPA/CARB emissions performance ratings. Three vendors submitted bids: DATTCO INC, O'Connor GMC Inc, and W.C. Cressey & Son, with delivery timeframes ranging from 75 to 180 days.