Statewide Courier Services

Location:	Iowa
Posted:	Jun 26, 2026
Due:	Jul 20, 2026
Agency:	State Government of Iowa
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	R - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services V - Transportation, Travel and Relocation Services
Solicitation No:	005-RFB-2446-2026
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Attachment Preview

005-RFB-2446-2026 – Statewide Courier Services

Examiners

SECTION 3 – SPECIFICATIONS

All items listed in this Section are Bid Specifications. A successful Bidder must be able to satisfy all these

specifications to be deemed a Responsible Bidder.

3.1 Courier Service Requirements

A successful Bidder must be able to provide all services and deliverables as required, described,

and detailed below and shall meet all service and delivery timelines to be deemed a Responsible

Bidder.

3.1.1

Daily Routes

Bidder shall provide courier services to locations across the State of Iowa. The Bidder shall

complete all scheduled route stops within the designated timeframes and shall provide

consistent, reliable service using the same courier personnel whenever possible to

maintain familiarity with Agency locations and procedures.

3.1.2 On-Call Service

Bidder shall provide on-call pick-up and delivery service.

3.1.2.1 The Bidder shall provide service to call–in locations only after receiving a service

request from the agency through the Bidder’s web portal, by telephone, or by

email.

3.1.2.2 The Bidder shall maintain a dedicated telephone number and email address for

submitting and receiving service requests throughout the term of the contract.

3.1.2.3 The Bidder shall provide next-day service for agency requests that are received

no later than 2:30 PM local time.

3.1.2.4 The Bidder shall confirm receipt and scheduled pick-up time by email

notification to DAS - Mail Services designee.

3.2 Package Handling

All packages will be handled in the manner mandated for transportation by Federal and State of

Iowa laws. The Bidder shall not pick up any delivery requests or packages that are not contained

in sturdy sealed and properly addressed containers. No packages shall be picked up with damaged

or leaking materials.

3.2.1

Packaging Standards

The Bidder shall not accept any packages that are not in sturdy, properly addressed, and

securely sealed containers. The Bidder shall refuse any packages that show signs of

damage or leaking materials.

3.3 Late Delivery Notification

Page | 1

005-RFB-2446-2026 – Statewide Courier Services

Examine3r.3s.1

Delay Notification

The Bidder shall immediately notify all affected service locations and the DAS Mail Services

designee(s) regarding any unforeseen events that result in delays with pickups or

deliveries.

3.3.2

Service Credits

In the event of a late delivery, the State reserves the right to reduce invoice payments by

the cost of the delivery for any instance where packages were not received within the

requested timeframe.

3.3.3 Breach of Contract

Consistent late deliveries may result in contract breach or termination of a delivery route

at the DAS Mail Services’ discretion.

3.4 Vehicle and Storage Facility Requirements

3.4.1

Security and Confidentiality

The Bidder’s vehicles and storage facilities shall be equipped to handle sensitive materials

and documents. Transport vehicles shall feature fully enclosed, lockable cargo areas to

ensure security of materials during transit.

3.4.2

Standards and Compliance

The Bidder’s vehicles shall be properly registered, insured, and maintained in a safe,

professional condition. Equipment and operators shall adhere to all applicable DOT, State,

and Federal regulations.

3.4.3

Maintenance and Records

The Bidder's equipment shall be serviced to meet manufacturer specifications, including

regular safety inspections of tires, brakes, and light. Detailed maintenance logs and proof

of insurance shall be available for Agency review upon request.

3.4.4

Technology and Communication

The Bidder’s vehicles shall feature real-time GPS tracking available to the Agency upon

request. Drivers shall carry reliable communication devices (phones or radios) to maintain

constant contact with dispatch operators.

3.4.5 Specialized Equipment

The Bidder shall provide all necessary tools, including hand trucks, insulated containers

for climate sensitive items and locking security bags.

3.4.6 Identification and Branding

The Bidder’s vehicles shall display company logos or decals for security and recognition.

3.4.7 Contingency Planning

The Bidder shall maintain back-up vehicles to ensure uninterrupted service. Mechanical

issues or routine maintenance are not valid excuses for service delays.

Page | 2

005-RFB-2446-2026 – Statewide Courier Services

Ex3a.m5 ineSrspecialized Handling and Material Types

The Bidder shall demonstrate the capacity to securely transport and manage the following

material categories:

3.5.1

Confidential Documents

The Bidder shall transport confidential and sensitive documents in sealed containers. The

Bidder’s personnel shall be required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA) prior to

performing services under this contract. Confidential materials shall remain under the

direct supervision of the courier at all times and shall not be left unattended.

3.5.2

Legal Filings

The Bidder shall provide chain-of-custody documentation for legal materials, including

signed logs and precise timestamps. Courier personnel shall be trained in handling time-

sensitive court filings. Forms shall be provided by the Agency, or the Bidder shall use forms

approved by the Agency.

3.5.3

Medical/Biohazard Materials

The Bidder shall transport laboratory specimens, in accordance with all applicable federal,

state, and local regulations, such as: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030) and

DOT Hazardous Materials (49 CFR Parts 171-180) standards. The Bidder is responsible for

providing certified couriers, specialized packaging materials, and temperature-controlled

transport as needed.

3.5.4 Sensitive Equipment and Technology

The Bidder shall transport electronic devices and other sensitive technology items with

appropriate care to prevent damage during transport.

3.5.5

Heavy and Oversized Cargo

The Bidder shall be capable of transporting oversized packages and items weighing up to

120 pounds. For items exceeding standard dimensions or weight, the Bidder shall provide

specialized equipment and personnel with advance notice.

3.6 Tracking and Documentation

3.6.1

Real-Time Tracking

The Bidder shall maintain a comprehensive tracking system that provides real-time status

updates. Each entry shall include a unique tracking number, pick-up/delivery timestamp,

courier ID, recipient name/signature, and current status. The Agency shall have access to

this data via telephone, email, or online portal.

3.6.2

Proof of Delivery

The Bidder shall capture the recipient’s signature, (electronic or written), printed name,

date, and time of each delivery. Proof of delivery documentation shall be provided to the

Agency within 24 hours of delivery completion.

Page | 3

005-RFB-2446-2026 – Statewide Courier Services

Examine3rs.6.3

Delivery Manifests

For scheduled route services, the Bidder shall provide daily delivery manifests listing all

items picked up and delivered at each stop, with corresponding tracking numbers and

recipient signatures.

3.6.4

Failed Delivery Attempts

The Bidder shall document all failed delivery attempts, including date, time, reason for

failure, and actions taken. The Agency shall be notified immediately of any failed delivery

attempt, and the Bidder shall make reasonable efforts to complete delivery according to

Agency instructions.

3.7 Personnel Requirements and Employee Conduct

The Bidder shall guarantee the following:

3.7.1

Qualifications

The Bidder shall mandate that all drivers shall be at least 18 years old and proficient in

English (verbal and written). Drivers shall hold a valid, appropriate driver’s license, a

clean driving record (maximum of two (2) moving violations in three (3) years), and no

DUI/DWI convictions within the last five (5) years.

3.7.2

Background Checks

The Bidder shall perform State and Federal criminal background checks on all staff.

Personnel with convictions for theft, fraud, violence, or drug-related offenses in the last

seven (7) years are ineligible. Certifications of these checks shall be made available upon

request.

3.7.3

Drug Testing

The Bidder shall maintain a drug free workplace, requiring pre-employment screening and

ongoing random testing as permitted by law. Any staff member testing positive for

controlled substances must be removed from this contract immediately.

3.7.4

Training

The Bidder shall ensure that personnel are trained in customer service, security, safe

driving, and use of technology. Those handling specialized items, (e.g., medical or

hazardous materials) require additional appropriate training and current certifications.

3.7.5 Uniforms and Identification Requirements

The Bidder shall require staff to wear branded uniforms while on duty and visible

photo D badges, displaying their name, company, and photo.

3.7.6

Professional Conduct

The Bidder’s couriers shall demonstrate a high level of customer service and remain

professional and courteous while interacting with agencies and the public. Personnel shall

adhere to all agency site policies, including security, parking, and access protocols.

3.8 Account Representative and Emergency Contacts

Page | 4

005-RFB-2446-2026 – Statewide Courier Services

Examine3rs.8.1

Dedicated Account Representation

The Bidder shall assign a dedicated account representative as a primary contact, available

Monday-Friday 8:00AM – 5:00 PM CT. This individual will oversee service coordination,

contract compliance, and shall respond to general inquiries within two (2) hours of being

notified.

3.8.2

Communication and Emergency Contact

The Bidder shall provide the DAS designee with written contact details for both a primary

and secondary contact. This list shall include office, cell, and emergency telephone

numbers, as well as email addresses. These individuals shall be authorized to resolve

complaints and take immediate action on urgent issues, responding within 30 minutes to

emergency situations.

3.9 Loss & Liability

3.9.1 Indemnification

The Bidder shall indemnify and protect the State against any losses arising from theft,

breakage, damage, or delays in pickups and deliveries.

3.9.2 Risk of Loss

The Bidder shall assume sole responsibility and risk for the safe transportation and

delivery of all packages.

3.9.3

In Transit

All items are defined as “in transit” from the moment they are loaded into the Bidder’s

vehicle at the point of origin until they are accepted and signed for by an authorized

representative at the destination.

3.9.4 Reimbursement

If a loss occurs, the Bidder shall reimburse the State for the full cost of the package

contents and all associated shipping charges.

3.10 Security and Confidentiality

3.10.1 Confidentiality Agreements

The Bidder shall require all courier staff to sign confidentiality agreements pledging to

protect all Agency materials and information encountered during their service.

3.10.2 Secure Transport

The Bidder shall ensure that all items are transported securely to prevent theft, loss, or

unauthorized access. Confidential materials must remain in sealed containers or locked

bags and are never to be left unattended in a vehicle or unsecured area.

3.10.3 Facility Access

The Bidder’s personnel shall follow all Agency security protocols, including signing in/out,

displaying ID badges, and undergoing screenings. The Agency may deny access to any staff

who fail to comply.

Page | 5

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Statewide Courier Services

Attachment Preview

See also