Addendum for Pupil Transportation

Printable Addendum Bid

Pupil Transportation Services
2024-25 & 2025-26
ADDENDUM ONE (1)
March 28, 2024

To: Vendors/ Contractors/Bidders

From: Ann Melcoch, Procurement Coordinator, ISD 622

Question: You have excess coverage for Type III listed as 5 Million. Is this for Big bus companies that also have Type III services? Most districts' standard is 3 Million if the service provider is strictly only operating Type III vans, is 3 Million adequate to bid with your district? 5 Million would eliminate most type III contractors from bidding
Response: We will accept $3,000,000 in excess coverage for Type III-only bidders
Clarification / Correction: Under Section 14, page 9

Question: Are you looking to award these contracts directly to direct vendors that own and operate their own equipment, or will brokerage network firms and subcontracting be considered?
Response: We are looking to award directly to vendors that own and operate their own equipment.

Question: Sexual Abuse/Molestation Insurance Coverage
Response: We will accept $1,000,000 in coverage vs. the stated $2,000,000
Clarification / Correction: Section C, subd 14 Page 10 

Question: Type III Age Requirement
Response: Change to 15 Years
Clarification: Section 5.6.2 Page 25

5.6.2 All Type III vehicles operating under this contract will be no more than 15 years old during each year of this contract, and subsequent contract extensions.

Questions: 5% Withholding Payment
Response: The 5% withheld from September through December, if not applied towards non-performance fines, will be paid after January 15th of the current contract year.
Clarification / Correction: Section 3.5 Page 17

New Item 3.5.7 Any withheld monies not applied toward non-performance penalties will be paid after the 15th of January for the current contract year.

Question: 1 copy of handbook and DOT inspection history, rather than 3
Response: One (1) copy of attachments under Item 14 is acceptable
Clarification / Correction: Section C Item 14 Page 51

Section C, Item 14 Just one (1) copy of the items under Item 14 is required, as opposed to three (3).

Questions: Referring to the Vendor Minimum Qualifications, it states that "Proposals will only be considered from proposing firms now or recently engaged in the performance of services comparable to those found in the base program specifications described herein."
Clarification / Correction: ISD 622 is soliciting bids from existing Type III and School Bus providers. We will not consider a new company without a record of service. t

Question: What would be the ideal number of transportation contractors the District would like to manage?
Response: While a smaller number of contractors is easier to manage, ISD 622 is interested in the best service and value possible. Thus, it is difficult to answer this question before we receive the completed bids.

Question: What would be the ideal number of routes the District would like from each Contractor? Response: ISD 622 is expecting to award around 20 yellow school bus routes and 25 Type III van routes. Again, the number of routes awarded to each contractor is dependent on the service and value of each bidder. It could be that one contractor is awarded all routes, or routes are awarded to multiple bidders.

Question: Does the District own a bus terminal the contractor can use?
Response: No, the District does not own a bus terminal for a contractor to use.

Question: What are the expected volumes of each pertaining to this RFP:
Response:

• Charters/ Field Trips: 3-5 per week
• Extra-Curricular: 3-5 per week
• Midday: 5 School Bus/ 3 Type III
• Overnight Trips: Rare 

Question: If Contractor has serviced NSTP recently, may the service bond be waived?
Response: ISD 622 may waive the performance bond for Bidders in good standing currently serving ISD 622.
Clarification / Correction: Section B, Item 25 Performance Bond: Successful Vendors will be required to furnish a Contract Performance and Payment Bond in the amount of one-hundred percent (100%) of the first year of the contract price as security for the faithful performance of the contract.

ISD 622 reserves the right to waive the Contract Performance and Payment Bond for current contractors in good standing.

Question: Would the District permit a greater than 10-mile distance to ISD 622 if Contractor provided a response time solution that would result in an outcome equal to or better than the 10-mile distance? Response: The District would consider this as a non-comforming proposal, and is open to other solutions with the same or better outcome.

Question: Would the District be amenable to allow non-LED stop arm lights to be used until replacement is required? At that time, they would be upgraded to LED.
Response: The District would consider non-LED equipped stop-arms as part of the overall bid.