Special Education School Bus

The City of Murfreesboro, located in Rutherford County, Tennessee, is procuring one new 2024 or 2025 model 48-passenger transit-style special education school bus through Invitation to Bid (ITB-26-2025). The procurement requires a highly specialized vehicle with flexible seating configurations, capable of accommodating either 48 passengers plus 1 wheelchair, 42 passengers plus 2 wheelchairs, or 36 passengers plus 3 wheelchairs. Comprehensive technical specifications mandate an inline 6-cylinder diesel engine with minimum 220 HP, Allison PTS 2500 Series automatic transmission, extensive warranty coverage, and specific features including air conditioning, heated mirrors, LED lighting, and a wheelchair lift. Vendors must have a fully licensed in-state sales and service facility and comply with all current Tennessee and federal school bus standards. The bid is due on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 2:00 pm CST, with electronic submissions required through OpenGov, and a Zoom link will be provided for bid opening. Evaluation criteria will focus on meeting the detailed technical specifications, comprehensive pricing, warranty coverage, and ability to deliver the bus to the Murfreesboro City Schools bus garage.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The bid requires vendors to provide all-inclusive pricing covering services, parts, labor, accessories, delivery, and standard equipment, with pricing to remain effective for 180 calendar days from the bid award date. The City of Murfreesboro is tax-exempt, which may impact the overall procurement cost. Successful bidders must provide comprehensive warranties, including 12-24 months bumper-to-bumper coverage, a 5-year/100,000-mile engine warranty, and a 7-year unlimited miles transmission warranty. Additional requirements include 24-hour mobile repair service and a pre-delivery inspection at an in-state facility. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the documents, the procurement is for a single specialized school bus, suggesting a substantial but focused investment in specialized transportation infrastructure for special education students. The bid documents indicate a thorough and precise procurement process designed to secure a high-quality, specialized vehicle meeting specific operational needs.