About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Bethel Board of Education seeks sealed qualifications and proposals from onshore U.S. organizations to provide school transportation services. Scope requirements include employing a dedicated depot manager, preparing vehicle routes and schedules using routing software, providing data feeds for the student information system, and adhering to strict annual scheduling timelines. Proposers must submit an original signed proposal, two physical copies, and one USB flash drive in a single sealed envelope to the Bethel Board of Education by 9:45 a.m. on December 8, 2026. Submissions require a 10 percent bid security bond or certified check based on the first-year price, and an optional information session will take place via Google Meet on November 12, 2026.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Bethel Board of Education
Scope of work
- Category 1 regular home-to-school transportation using Type I buses
- Late runs and field and athletic trips using Type I buses
- Category 2 special education, preschool, CPP, and C.E.S. transportation using Type II vehicles, STVs, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles
- Preschool midday runs and daily run to C.E.S. program
- Fleet management ensuring vehicles are not older than 10 years
- Depot facility for parking and office with dedicated depot manager
- Preparation of routes and schedules using routing software
- Electronic student conduct reporting system
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Cost | Not specified |
| Experience | Not specified |
| Staffing plan | Not specified |
| Management | Not specified |
| Safety | Not specified |
| Financial strength | Not specified |
| Suggestions | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Drivers and monitors must meet all requirements of the State of Connecticut and the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Drivers must complete physical examinations as required by state law
- Drivers and monitors must complete required training including sexual harassment prevention, mandated reporting, and wheelchair securement
- Depot manager devoted solely to Bethel operation with working knowledge of Bethel
- Maintain a drug and alcohol policy meeting federal, state, and local law
- Vehicles must meet age, condition, and Department of Motor Vehicles inspection certificate requirements
Documents to include with your response
- Bid Forms (Attachment A)
- Bid bond or certified check equal to 10% of total first-year price
- Required Disclosure Form (Attachment B)
- Town of Bethel Legal Status Disclosure Form (Attachment C)
- Non-Collusive Bidding Certification (Attachment K)
- Affirmative action statement (Attachment J)
- Letter from insurer or agent confirming required insurance coverage
- Letter from surety confirming performance bond capability
- Written maintenance policy
- Drug and alcohol policy
Key dates
- RFQ/RFP release
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Optional information session
- Thursday, November 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m.
- Deadline for written questions
- Monday, November 16, 2026, 12:00 p.m.
- Answers and addenda posted
- Friday, November 20, 2026
- Proposals due
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 9:45 a.m.
- Public opening
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
- Anticipated award
- Thursday, December 17, 2026
- Contract start
- July 1, 2027
How to submit
- Method
- Sealed hard copy and electronic copy on USB flash drive
- Instructions
- Submit three hard copies (one signed original and two copies) plus one complete electronic copy on a USB flash drive in a sealed envelope marked BOE RFQ/RFP 2027-003 to 1 School Street, Bethel, CT 06801.
Contract details
- Term
- five-year term beginning July 1, 2027 and ending June 30, 2032
- Place of performance
- Bethel, Connecticut and surrounding areas
- Insurance and bonding
- Companies rated A-(IX) or better by A.M. Best; Town and Board as additional insureds; Automobile liability not less than $15,000,000 per accident (combined primary/umbrella); Commercial General Liability $1,000,000 occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate; Sexual Abuse and Molestation $1,000,000 occurrence; bid security of 10% first-year price; optional 100% annual performance bond or letter of credit.