Special Education Transportation Services 2026-2029

Killingly Public Schools (KPS) in Connecticut is issuing an Invitation to Bid for special education transportation services covering a three-year contract period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with optional two-year extension potential. The procurement seeks round-trip transportation of students with special needs and disabilities to and from their homes to various learning center locations, primarily throughout Connecticut with occasional service to Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Required vehicles include eight standard out-of-district buses, two wheelchair-accessible buses, two ten-passenger vans, and six ride-share vans, along with eight support staff members, though quantities are subject to change. The contractor must assume full responsibility for all operational costs including fuel, maintenance, comprehensive insurance, labor, and vehicle provision. Sealed bids must be received by 9:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on May 20, 2026 at KPS Central Office, with public opening at 10:00 a.m. the same day. Written questions must be submitted to the Transportation Supervisor no later than 12:00 p.m. on April 10, 2026, with responses issued by addendum by April 30, 2026. KPS intends to notify the selected bidder by June 10, 2026. Pricing shall be submitted as a flat daily rate per vehicle for out-of-district routes and hourly rates for extracurricular activities and additional services across five vehicle types. Evaluation criteria include financial responsibility, safety record, service quality, experience, vehicle maintenance programs, and equipment standards, with KPS reserving the right to award to other than the lowest bidder.

Required qualifications include proof of financial responsibility through certified audited financial statements, a performance bond equal to 25 percent of each year's estimated contract cost, and comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance with minimum policy limits of $10,000,000. All vehicles must not exceed eight years of age, be equipped with air conditioning, digital audio/video monitoring systems, GPS, and child check-mate systems for Type II buses, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles including lifts and restraint systems. The contractor must employ a full-time dispatcher, at least one qualified mechanic, sufficient licensed drivers, and a full-time manager or supervisor, and must comply with all Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles requirements, background check and drug testing protocols, and ongoing driver training and safety programs. The procurement documentation does not specify set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise requirements, or incumbent vendor information. No estimated contract value is provided in the available solicitation documents. Interested vendors should direct inquiries to Joseph Boulanger at Killingly Public Schools, 79 Westfield Avenue, Killingly, Connecticut 06239, telephone 860-779-6791, or jboulanger@killinglyschools.org.