VARIOUS SCHOOL BUSES FY2026-27 School Year

The West Virginia Department of Administration Purchasing Division is soliciting bids under CRFQ SWC2700000005 to establish an open-end statewide contract for various school buses for the FY2026-27 school year, with bids due November 17, 2026, at 1:30 PM EDT and technical questions due October 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT. The contract is available to all West Virginia state agencies and political subdivisions across all 55 counties under West Virginia Code 5A-3-11e. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is required; date and location are not finalized in the solicitation template.

The scope encompasses transit units (71, 77, 84, and 89 passenger capacity), conventional units (24 to 83 passenger capacity), and special needs conventional units (35 to 83 passenger capacity) in multiple fuel types: diesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and electric. Detailed technical specifications govern chassis, body, safety systems, and equipment; electric buses must meet West Virginia-specific minimum design requirements established in Attachment B. Specifications require compliance with National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures 2015 (as modified by West Virginia); Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; SAE lighting and backup alarm standards; and provisions for video monitoring systems and wheelchair securement. Pilot model inspection at the manufacturing facility is mandatory before production. Vendors must provide engine and transmission warranties of five years and twelve-month video system warranties; training for county personnel must be provided upon request.

Delivery is required to Charleston, West Virginia, with separate delivery charges for each fuel type. Bids must remain firm for the contract life. The solicitation divides evaluation into state-level and county/local federal funds procurement tracks; a single vendor may serve both, or separate awards may issue. Vendors accepting federal funds must comply with 2 C.F.R. 200.317–200.327, including minority and women's business enterprise participation requirements, domestic preferences, debarment verification, and coverage under federal compliance provisions. Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence are required. Bids may be submitted electronically through wvOASIS, by paper, or by facsimile to the Department of Administration, Purchasing Division, 2019 Washington Street, East Charleston, WV 25305-0130. Contact Mark A. Atkins at (304) 558-2307 or mark.a.atkins@wv.gov for questions.