Type III Certifiable Full Size Passenger Vans

Rochester Public Schools (ISD #535) is seeking sealed bids for the procurement of three (3) new Type III Certifiable Full Size Passenger Vans through a competitive bidding process. The vehicles must meet specific requirements including all-wheel drive, dual sliding passenger doors, Oxford White color preference, 148" wheelbase, and 9,250 lbs GVWR, with comprehensive safety features and emergency equipment. Bids must be electronically submitted through the Bonfire eProcurement Portal by August 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM CST, with a public bid opening immediately following. The deadline for submitting questions is August 18, 2025, with responses issued by August 19, 2025, and anticipated School Board approval on September 9, 2025. Delivery must occur within 30 days of bid award, and all vehicles must be fully certified as Type III School Vehicles in accordance with Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Minnesota Department of Education standards. Evaluation criteria will include compliance with specifications, vendor qualifications, value-added offerings, and total cost.

The solicitation does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. Vendors are required to provide F.O.B. destination pricing with freight, delivery, and handling included, and payment terms are Net 35 days from receipt of invoice and acceptance of goods per Minnesota State Statute. Bidders may propose alternate or equal bids with value-added options or cost-saving alternatives, and must document any exceptions using the provided Exceptions Form. The vehicles must include the manufacturer's standard bumper-to-bumper warranty with clearly stated powertrain and corrosion protection warranties. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, vendors must submit a total price for the three vehicles, with pricing to be provided in both written words and numerical figures. The district reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, suggesting flexibility in the procurement process and potential for negotiation.