About this opportunity
AI summaryGeorge Mason University seeks a qualified contractor to provide intercollegiate athletics bus transportation services, including associated marketing and signage opportunities, for a one-year contract term. Contractors must operate company-owned buses, hold a satisfactory Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rating, carry required insurance, and employ certified drivers who hold valid commercial driver's licenses. Eligible offerors are restricted to onshore U.S. organizations. Offerors must submit inquiries through the Bonfire portal by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on November 11, 2026. Proposals are due electronically through the Bonfire portal by 2:00 PM Eastern Time on December 3, 2026, and submissions via email, mail, eVA, or in person will not be accepted. The university will initially score proposals out of 100 total points based on qualifications and experience, specific plans or methodology, price offered, and the submission criteria before entering negotiations with top-ranked offerors.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- George Mason University
- Solicitation No.
- GMU-CM0918-26
Scope of work
- Public motor transportation and bus services for the Intercollegiate Athletics Department
- Provision of company-owned, modern, clean, and mechanically safe buses with functioning heat and air conditioning
- Prominent bus signage to increase Mason brand awareness
- Buses equipped with functioning Wi-Fi, GPS systems, radio/phone communications, and adequate interior reading lights
- Reclining seating and clean, fully stocked restrooms on buses
- Transportation services accommodating differing sized groups and physically handicapped individuals (ADA compliant)
- Provision of qualified, licensed commercial drivers meeting FMCSA and USDOT standards
- 24/7 emergency contact support and accident reporting
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Qualifications & Experience | 20 |
| Specific plans or methodology to be used to provide the services | Not specified |
| Price Offered | 25 |
| Small Business Subcontracting Plan | 20 |
Minimum qualifications
- Currently registered and in compliance with FMCSA safety requirements
- Maintain a satisfactory rating from the FMCSA
- Hold a valid USDOT Number and associated insurance coverage
- Drivers must hold a valid Virginia Commercial Driver’s License with a P endorsement
- Drivers must have a minimum of three years driving experience
- Drivers must have one year of licensed commercial driving experience in Virginia of passenger conveyance
- Drivers must maintain a driving record that reflects plus-points
- Drivers must hold certification for formal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) training
Documents to include with your response
- Accurately filled in and signed RFP Cover Page
- Signed addenda, if any were issued
- Attachment A - Small Business Subcontracting Plan
- Attachment B - Standard Contract with tracked changes/exceptions if applicable
- Any Statements of Work, supplemental documents, or third-party agreements required to be signed
- Completed Pricing Schedule / Bid Table uploaded via Bonfire
- Responses to litigation, regulatory investigations, lawsuits, and firm name change questions in Bonfire
- Stated payment preference in Bonfire
- Executive Summary not to exceed 2 pages
- Current Certificate of Insurance, USDOT identification number, and sample invoice
Key dates
- Issue Date
- October 30, 2026
- Questions due
- November 11, 2026 no later than 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
- Responses to questions posted
- November 20, 2026 by 5:00 PM ET
- Proposals due
- December 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM ET
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic via George Mason’s Bonfire portal
- Instructions
- Upload via Bonfire portal. Proposals will not be accepted via email, mail, eVA, or in person. One signed copy required; if containing proprietary data, submit two copies (one unredacted, one redacted). Font size should be 11-point or larger.
Contract details
- Place of performance
- George Mason University athletic department locations and designated trip destinations
- Insurance and bonding
- Offerors shall carry automobile liability and general liability coverage as outlined in Standard Contract Attachment B, Clause CC.