TSB Transportation Services (FY27-FY31) - UPDATED

The Tennessee School for the Blind (TSB) has issued a Request for Quote and Invitation to Bid for motor coach transportation services covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with an anticipated contract term of approximately 37 months plus two optional two-year renewal periods not to exceed 61 months total. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to provide safe and reliable charter bus transportation for TSB students during intrastate and interstate travel events, including weekly home transportation trips, athletic events, field trips, and school functions. The scope of work encompasses four service lines: 381,000 miles for school/home outbound and return trips; 90 days of charter bus services for athletic/academic trips up to 280 miles one-way; 4,500 miles for athletic/academic trips exceeding 280 miles one-way; and 45 driver relief charges. All motor coaches must contain a minimum of 46 seats, comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 49 and 55, and include functioning restrooms, proper climate control, luggage storage, and emergency equipment. Drivers must possess a Commercial Driver's License with air brake, passenger, and school bus endorsements; maintain current medical certifications; complete required training in school bus operations and children with disabilities; and pass FBI and TBI background checks with drug screening compliance through the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration clearinghouse. Pricing must be submitted on a unit basis for all four service lines, and the contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest cost proposal meeting all specified requirements. The bidding event opened on March 25, 2026, at 8:00 AM CDT with written questions and comments due by April 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM CST, and final bids due May 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM CDT through the Tennessee EDISON system.

The procurement documents do not identify set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or an incumbent contractor. All respondents must be registered with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for sales and use tax collection or provide proof of exemption, comply with Tennessee contractor licensing requirements, and satisfy nondiscrimination provisions and Iran Divestment Act compliance. Mandatory insurance requirements include workers' compensation ($1,000,000), commercial general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), automobile liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), and sexual abuse and molestation insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate). The contractor assumes all expenses for vehicle purchase, operation, maintenance, driver training, and background checks, and must provide backup transportation at no additional charge in the event of motor coach breakdown. No reserve price has been established for any line items, and no specific budget allocation or award value is identified in the procurement documents. Contract administration will be handled by Genell Jordan, reachable at 615-532-7202 or Genell.Jordan@tn.gov.