Small Lift/Non-Lift Transit Buses

The Michigan Department of Transportation issued Request for Proposal No. 210000000703 on January 22, 2021, seeking qualified vendors to supply small class non-lift and lift transit buses to authorized Michigan transit agencies. The procurement encompasses an estimated quantity of one pilot model vehicle and approximately 400 production Light-Duty Small and Small Buses, with deliveries required within 210 business days from receipt of purchase order and a minimum delivery rate of one unit per week once production begins. The solicitation specifies two bus classifications: Small Class One with minimum 11,500 GVWR rated for 5 years/150,000 miles, and Small Class Two with minimum 14,200 GVWR rated for 7 years/200,000 miles, with configurations ranging from 4-passenger to 22-passenger models and options for wheelchair lift or non-lift configurations. All vehicles must comply with Michigan Motor Carrier Vehicle Codes, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, and include comprehensive specifications for body construction, chassis components, accessibility features, electrical systems, air conditioning, video surveillance, and auxiliary heating units. Bidders were required to submit questions by February 8, 2021, with answers posted by February 17, 2021, and second-round clarification questions due by February 19, 2021, with responses by February 23, 2021; the proposal deadline was 3:00 p.m. Eastern on March 5, 2021, with an anticipated contract effective date of April 1, 2021. Mandatory minimum requirements for proposal acceptance included a signed Federal Transit Administration clauses agreement, an Altoona Test Bus Report demonstrating 49 CFR Part 665 compliance, a current valid motor vehicle dealer license, and a completed Affidavit for Driver Delivery. Technical evaluation criteria totaling 100 points encompassed specifications (50 points), company and prior experience with key personnel (20 points), warranty provisions (10 points), support services (5 points), delivery capabilities (5 points), and acceptance, inspection, and testing procedures (10 points), with proposals achieving fewer than 80 technical points ineligible for price evaluation.

The solicitation incorporates Federal Transit Administration funding requirements and Buy America regulations mandating minimum 60 percent domestic content for rolling stock, with procurement subject to federal compliance clauses including Davis-Bacon prevailing wage provisions, Copeland Anti-Kickback Act restrictions, and Clean Air and Water Pollution Control Act adherence. Disadvantaged business enterprise participation goals are applicable under Federal Transit Administration requirements, and qualified disabled veteran-owned businesses receive consideration in award determinations. The contract requires comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 per accident), Workers' Compensation, and Employers Liability ($500,000 each accident), with contractors responsible for all undisputed invoice payments within 45 days of State receipt via Electronic Funds Transfer and subject to a 0.25 percent administrative fee on all payments. The contract term extends through March 31, 2023, with renewal options available at the State's sole discretion for up to two additional one-year periods, and manufacturers must provide warranties of at least three years on body structure and paint, eighteen months or original equipment manufacturer coverage (whichever is greater) on lift equipment, and original equipment manufacturer coverage on chassis and transmission components. Liquidated damages provisions specify $5,000 plus $100 per day for late or improper completion and $1,000 per individual per day for unauthorized removal of key personnel. No incumbent contractors are identified in the solicitation documents, and the specific award value or budget range is not disclosed; however, contracts valued at $250,000 or greater require State Administrative Board approval.