To Provide Management and Day to Day Operation of the Essex County Community Transportation System

Essex County, New Jersey is requesting competitive proposals for management and day-to-day operation of the Essex County Community Transportation System under RFP Competitive Contract #26-178, with proposals due October 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hall of Records, Newark.

The contract performance period runs thirty-six months from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2030, with two optional twelve-month extensions subject to Board of County Commissioners approval. The County will award on a fixed-fee or time-and-materials-not-to-exceed basis to the proposer deemed most advantageous considering cost and other factors. Contract award is anticipated within sixty days of proposal receipt; if the selected proposer and County cannot finalize a contract within two weeks of award notification, the County reserves the right to select the next most responsive proposer.

Proposers must submit one original and two copies in sealed envelopes. A proposers' conference is scheduled for September 8, 2026 (attendance optional, limited to two representatives per proposer). Questions must be submitted in writing to the Office of Purchasing via fax (973-621-5109) or email (procurequestions@admin.essexcountynj.org) no later than 4:30 p.m., eight business days before the submission deadline.

Proposers must comply with extensive certification and compliance requirements: Non-Collusion Affidavit, Statement of Ownership Disclosure, Hold Harmless Agreement, Affirmative Action documentation, Business Registration Certificate, and certifications regarding Iran investment activities and Russia-Belarus sanctions compliance. Insurance requirements include Workers' Compensation at statutory limits, Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate, and Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, with Essex County named as additional insured. Contract records must be maintained for five years and are subject to audit by the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller. No contract value or incumbent contractor is identified in the available materials.