Student Transportation System

Dallas Independent School District is soliciting a Request for Information (RFI) on student transportation systems available to K-12 districts, with responses due October 12, 2026. All vendors are encouraged to participate; this is a market-research solicitation, not a competitive award procurement.

Dallas ISD has established an aspirational small business enterprise goal of 30 percent of total contract dollar value. Respondents must complete and submit SBE Compliance Guidelines and Forms; failure to do so results in a zero score on the SBE evaluation component, which carries up to 20 percentage points in overall scoring. The SBE framework awards points across five categories: SBE Enhancements and Capacity Building (up to 3 points), SBE References (up to 2 points), Certified SBE or Joint Venture/Prime Subcontractor Teaming Agreements (up to 5 points), Subcontractor Utilization (up to 5 points), and SBE Participation Plans (up to 5 points). Approved SBE certifications include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, and Veteran-Owned Small Business designations from approved agencies. Vendors utilizing only non-certified SBE subcontractors must demonstrate good faith effort through documented outreach, timely notice to qualified SBEs, and negotiation activities.

Submission requirements include completion and return of a W-9 form, Conflict of Interest Questionnaire, and Form 1295 (Certificate of Interested Parties), which must be electronically filed through the Texas Ethics Commission and include the certification filing number. All offers must be submitted in sealed envelopes with signatures in ink; facsimile submissions are not accepted. Offer prices must remain firm for a minimum of 120 calendar days following receipt or opening. Dallas ISD Standard General Terms and Conditions (October 2024) govern all procurement activities. Payment terms are net 30 days after acceptance or correct invoice receipt, whichever is later. Contracts over $100,000 require compliance with debarment certifications, child support compliance, clean air and water act standards, and prohibitions on boycotts of Israel. Vendors must provide pricing in a format consistent with the DISD Vendor Internal Catalog Pricing Template.