UPCOMING. .. .. .. .Light duy Paratransit Buses

Madison County, Illinois is procuring 14 light-duty, gasoline-powered transit buses configured for paratransit service through a federally funded project. The buses must meet specific dimensional and interior configuration requirements, including an approximate length of 284 to 294 inches, wheelbase of 158 inches, overall width of 97 inches (excluding mirrors), and overall height at GVWR of 115 inches (excluding roof hatch). Interior specifications include a uniform flat floor design with no multiple floor elevations, seated interior width of 93 inches, aisle width of 17.5 to 20 inches, minimum seat width of 17.5 inches, and desired interior headroom of 74 inches minimum. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) is estimated to be released in February 2026, with a bid due date of August 31, 2026. This advance notice was posted on January 20, 2026, to provide potential bidders with adequate preparation time.

No specific set-aside designations, restrictions on organizational types, incumbent vendors, or award value estimates are indicated in the current notice. The procurement documents, detailed specifications, and evaluation criteria are not yet available, as the solicitation remains in the advance notice phase. Interested vendors should monitor for the anticipated IFB release in February 2026 and any subsequent updates or amendments to this opportunity. Interested parties are encouraged to prepare for submission and establish any necessary partnerships or resources required to meet the specialized requirements of paratransit bus manufacturing and delivery.