Small Lift/Non-Lift Transit Buses

The State of Michigan, through a Request for Proposal (RFP No. 250000001056), is seeking to procure small class non-lift and lift transit buses for multiple jurisdictions including Grand Traverse County, Kent County, Wayne County, Detroit City, and multiple Lansing City locations. The procurement covers two distinct bus classes: Class 1 with a minimum 5-year/150,000-mile specification and Class 2 with a minimum 7-year/200,000-mile specification, ranging from 10 to 22-passenger configurations with optional wheelchair lift capabilities. Technical evaluation criteria will be weighted across several key areas: Specifications (50%), Company Experience/Key Personnel (20%), Warranty (10%), Staffing (5%), Delivery (5%), and Acceptance/Inspection/Testing (10%), with proposals requiring a minimum of 80 technical points to proceed to pricing evaluation. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of February 7, 2025, state responses by February 14, 2025, and a proposal submission deadline of March 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, with an anticipated contract start date of May 1, 2025. Mandatory requirements for bidders include a signed FTA agreement, Altoona Test Bus Report, valid Motor Vehicle Dealer License, and a completed Driver Delivery Affidavit.

The procurement includes provisions for consideration of qualified disabled veteran and service-disabled veteran owned businesses during evaluation. The contract allows for potential multiple awards and enables participation by other states and governmental subdivisions. Participating transit agencies will be drawn from the comprehensive MDOT Transit Agency Listing, which includes approximately 200 authorized agencies spanning cities, counties, transportation authorities, community service organizations, senior centers, and healthcare facilities throughout Michigan. Federal requirements mandate compliance with Buy America regulations, ADA standards, and DBE participation guidelines. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the contract includes provisions for pricing adjustments due to chassis manufacturer changes, federal regulation modifications, and model year transitions. Contractors must provide vehicle deliveries within 210 business days of order receipt, maintain parts and service support for seven years after vehicle placement, and offer technical support during business hours. Liquidated damages of $5,000 plus $100 per day apply for late or improper completion, with additional penalties for unauthorized personnel changes.