Transportation 504 Students, addenda 1 issued

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: 504 STUDENTS

LOWELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

INVITATION FOR BID

IFB 27-07

CITY OF LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS

RELEASED: MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2026

DUE BY: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 11:00 AM

DELIVER TO:

City of Lowell

Purchasing Department

375 Merrimack St, 3rd Floor, Room 60

Lowell, MA 01852

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: 504 STUDENTS

RESPONDENT'S CHECKLIST

Please ensure that all documents listed on this checklist are included, and/or acknowledged with your submission. Failure to do so may subject the bidder(s) to disqualification.

_____ Respondent's Checklist (this form)

_____ Electronic Copy of Bid (thumb drive)

_____ Letter of Transmittal

_____ Price Sheet (Bid Pricing)

References

Statement of Bidder(s)'s Qualification

Equipment Description List

_____ Certificate of Non-Collusion

_____ Certificate of Tax Compliance

_____ Clerk Certificate

_____ Form W-9

_____ Acknowledgement of Addenda (submission of copy of addenda issued, if any)

CITY OF LOWELL

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: 504 STUDENTS

INVITATION FOR BIDS

IFB 27-07

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Description

Introduction

General Instructions and Conditions

Bid Specifications & Special Conditions

References and Company Information

Item List & Price Sheet

Prevailing Wage Rate Sheets

Statement of Bidder(s) Qualifications

Equipment Description List

Contract Authorization Forms & W-9 Form

SECTION ONE

INTRODUCTION

The City of Lowell invites bids from qualified vendors interested in providing transportation services to students who require transportation as an accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which oblige the School Departments of Cities and Towns to provide adequate transportation for students with transportation identified as an accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, within the City of Lowell as well as out-of-district, as applicable, under the terms of their approved 504 Accommodation Plans.

TIME TABLE

Dates and times listed on this IFB Time Table are subject to change.

SECTION TWO

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS

Bid Open Date. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30B, the City of Lowell seeks bids from qualified bidder(s) interested in providing School Transportation: 504 Students to the Lowell Public Schools' Transportation Department as required and as listed in this IFB. Bidder(s) shall submit ONE (1) hard copy and one (1) electronic copy of their bid in a sealed envelope and properly labeled as "IFB 25-83 - SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: 504 STUDENTS". Bids are due on or before 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at the City of Lowell Office of the Purchasing Agent, 375 Merrimack St, 3rd Floor Room 60, Lowell, MA 01852. Late bids will not be considered.

Time for Award. The Director of Procurement, after a recommendation from the initiating department head shall review and award. An award(s) of contract will be made within thirty (30) days after the bid submission date or as soon as practicable thereafter. The time for award(s) may be extended for up to thirty (30) days by mutual agreement.

Questions. Concerning this IFB, questions may ONLY be submitted in writing to P. Michael Vaughn, City of Lowell's Director of Procurement, before 2:00 p.m. on Friday September 4, 2026 Questions may be mailed, delivered, or emailed to

Written responses will be emailed to all bidder(s)s on record as having received the IFB package. Bidder(s)s should note that oral communications are not binding on the City. Questions received after the due date will not be responded to unless the City determines it is necessary. The City of Lowell has identified a sole point of contact with bidder(s) for the purpose of this IFB. Any attempt to contact any other City of Lowell employee or to circumvent these procedures in any manner may be grounds for disqualification of the bidder(s) from the procurement process.

Withdrawal/Modifications. All bids received by the City of Lowell in response to this IFB shall be considered "firm" and may only be withdrawn as provided by M.G.L. c.30B. A bidder(s) may correct, modify or withdraw a bid by sealed written notice clearly marked as a correction, modification or withdrawal and received in the Office of the Director of Procurement prior to the time and date set forth for bid submission. Once a bid is submitted and received by the City for final consideration and comparison with other bids similarly submitted, the Bidder(s) agrees that he/she may not and will not withdraw his/her bid within thirty (30) consecutive days after the actual date of opening bids.

Miscalculation of Bid Price. After the bid submission deadline, a bidder(s) may not change any provision of the bid in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the City or fair competition. Minor informalities will be waived or the bidder(s) will be allowed to correct them. If a mistake and the intended proposal are clearly evident on the face of the bid document, the mistake will be corrected to reflect the intended correct bid and the bidder(s) will be notified in writing; the bidder(s) may not withdraw the bid. A bidder(s) may withdraw a bid if a mistake is clearly evident on the face of the bid document, but the intended correct bid is not similarly evident. Wherever there is a discrepancy between the bid price and the written words, the written word shall prevail.

Firm Bid Price. Prices offered by the bidder(s) shall be firm and not subject to increase during the term of any contractual agreement arising between the City of Lowell and the successful bidder(s) as a result of this IFB, except as may be otherwise provided in this IFB or the contract pursuant to it with the successful bidder(s). Prices offered must remain firm for the entire contract term. There is no escalation clause in this IFB or contract. Bidder(s)s are urged to take this into consideration when bidding.

Rejection of Bids. The City reserves the right to cancel this IFB, or reject in whole or in part any and all bids, if the City determines that cancellation or rejection serves the best interests of the City.

Conditional Bid. Bids which are incomplete, conditional, not properly endorsed, or signed, or which are otherwise contrary to these instructions may be rejected.

Appropriation. The contract award is subject to an appropriation by the City Council for the fiscal year in which the contract is executed and for any subsequent fiscal year during the contract term.

Conflict of Interest. It is prohibited for any bid to be submitted that would constitute a violation of the conflict of interest statute, M.G.L. Chapter 268A.

Contract Documents/IFB. This Invitation for Bid (IFB), with all of its terms and conditions, will be part of the contract.

Procurement Process Overview. The City's IFB has been structured to comply with Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws. All respondents to the IFB must ensure that all required documentation is submitted to the City.

The City bid review process will consist of the following:

All bids will be reviewed to determine if the Minimum Submission Requirements criteria have been complied with. Bids that do not meet the Minimum Criteria will not be further reviewed and will be considered as non-responsive.

All bids meeting the Minimum Submission Requirements will be initially evaluated based on the specific information presented in the IFB

The City will review all bids and pricing to determine the lowest responsive and responsible bidder(s). A responsive bidder(s) is one who's bid fully complies with all requirements set forth in the IFB. A responsible bidder(s) is one who has the capacity to carry out the required work in the IFB.

Invoices. All invoices are to be submitted to the Lowell Public Schools, Transportation Department, 155 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852, Attention: Transportation Director. Only invoices referencing a valid purchase order authorized by the Lowell Public School's Business Office and/or City Auditor will be processed for payment.

All invoices submitted in the manner stated above will be processed and forwarded to the City Auditor's Office for payment within sixty (60) days, provided the equipment, materials, supplies and/or services have been delivered, as directed and accepted by the City of Lawrence.

To ensure a proper invoice, the invoice must include the following information and/or attached documentation:

Name of the business concern, invoice number and invoice date;

Contract number, or authorization for delivery of property or performance of services;

Description, price, quantity and services/supplies actually delivered or rendered;

Shipping and payment terms;

Name (where practicable), title, phone number, and complete mailing address of responsible official to who payment is to be sent; and

Other substantiating documentation or information as required by the contract.

Additional copies of invoices and all supporting documentation shall be provided upon request.

Invoices submitted for payment by the Contractor that does not list the above information will be rejected and not paid.

Examination/Evaluation of the IFB. Bidder(s)s shall examine all information and materials contained in and with this IFB. This shall include, but not limited to, all relevant laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States Government. Failure to do so shall be at the bidder(s)'s risk.

All bids submitted in response to this IFB will be evaluated in accordance with the

provisions established under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30B. Bidder(s)s will be required to adhere to the guidelines established under this statute.

Proprietary/Brand/Trade Names. The use of a proprietary, brand or trade name in any description of equipment, materials or supplies, in this IFB, is not intended to restrict this IFB to the manufacturer or proprietor; instead it is intended only to describe, by convenient reference to familiar products, the features or characteristics required by the City of Lowell. Further, the use of any trademark in any description of equipment, materials or supplies does not constitute any endorsement of the product by the City of Lowell. Any item that is the equivalent, in style, quality, dimensions and color, to the brand specified will be acceptable to the City of Lowell. Items not marked on the cost bid form, as being equivalent shall be evaluated as being the item specified and be ordered as such, if an award is made. The City of Lowell will be the sole judge as to the fitness of any equivalent item for the purpose intended in this bid.

References. Bidder(s)s shall provide the City of Lowell with at least three (3) references from clients of similar scope and size to this IFB. Section 4.

Rule for Award. Pursuant with the provisions of M.G.L. c.30B, a three (3) year contract shall be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder(s)(s) offering the lowest total bid price. A responsive bidder(s) is a bidder(s) who has submitted a bid that conforms in all respects to the invitation for bids. A responsible bidder(s) is a bidder(s) who has the capability to perform fully the contract requirements, and has the integrity and reliability, which assures good faith performance. Bidder(s)s must bid all items to be considered a responsive bidder(s).

These specifications are in anticipation of funding. All contracts are voided if funds are not

available.

City's Rights: The City of Lowell reserves the right to seek alternative quotes and execute an agreement, if needed, pursuant to proper procurement statutes for work covered under this IFB.

Exceptions to the IFB. All exceptions to this IFB shall be clearly identified and written explanations shall include the scope of the exceptions, the ramifications of the exceptions for the City of Lowell, and a description of the advantages to be gained by the City of Lowell as a result of these exceptions.

Orders. Verbal Orders are not binding on the City of Lowell and any delivery made or work performed without written order or written Contract are at the risk of the Seller or Contractor and may result in an unenforceable claim. The actual needs of City Departments shall govern the actual amount delivered under Contract to be drawn and entered into between the successful bidder(s) and the City. Purchase Orders issued by the City to pay for goods or services shall be made part of the contract.

Price Escalation Clause. Prices offered by the bidder(s) must be firm and not subject to increase during the term of the contract. Price escalation clauses over and above the total submitted bid price(s) are not allowed. Only the total bid price(s) will be accepted. Bidder(s)s cannot insert/include a statement indicating their price(s) will increase during the life of this contract above or beyond their submitted bid price(s) due to third party action or unnamed contingencies. Inclusion of an escalation clause of any kind will result in the rejection of your bid.

Incurring Costs. The City of Lowell shall not be liable for any costs incurred by bidder(s)s in preparing, submitting or presenting bids, or in satisfying any demonstration or other requirements.

The City of Lowell shall not reimburse any costs incurred by bidder(s)s in anticipation of being awarded the contract under this IFB.

The City of Lowell shall not accept billings for additional costs except as may be otherwise specified in this IFB or the Agreement pursuant hereto.

Responsibilities of Prime Contractor. The successful bidder(s) shall be considered as the prime Contractor and shall be required to assume total responsibility for all billing and mailing services offered in its bid, whether or not it is the manufacturer, producer, author or supplier of them.

The City of Lowell shall consider the successful bidder(s) to be the sole point of contact with regard to all contractual matters, including the performance, service of and payment for services rendered.

Availability of Funds. If the City of Lowell should not, for any reason at any time, appropriate or otherwise make available funds to support continuation of performance in any fiscal year succeeding the first year, the City f Lowell's Director of Procurement shall cancel any contract pursuant to this IFB without penalty upon thirty (30) days' notice to the successful bidder(s).

No Assignment. Assignment by the successful contractor to any third party of any contract based on this IFB or any monies due shall be absolutely prohibited without the prior written consent of the City thereto.

Confidentiality. Under the Massachusetts General Laws, the City of Lowell cannot assure the confidentiality of any material or information, which may be submitted by a bidder(s) in response to this IFB. Thus, bidder(s)s who choose to submit confidential material or information do so at their own risk.

Laws and Regulations. The Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State and Local Ordinances and Regulations governing the type of work indicated in these specifications.

Rights to Submitted Material. All bids, responses, inquiries, or correspondence relating to or in reference to this IFB, and all reports, charts, displays, schedules, exhibits, and other documentation submitted by bidder(s)s shall become the property of the City of Lowell when received. The City of Lowell shall have no obligation to return any such submitted material.

Supporting technical manuals will be returned at the request of the contractor. The City of Lowell retains the right to use any or all system ideas presented in any bid in response to the IFB, whether amended or not. Selection or rejection of any bid does not affect this right.

Force Majeure. Neither the bidder(s) nor the City shall be liable, nor may either cancel the Agreement pursuant to this IFB, when delays arise out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the bidder(s) or the City. Such causes may include but are not restricted to acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the City in sovereign capacity, fires, floods, lightning strikes, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes, wars, civil disturbances, work stoppage, power failures, laws, regulations, ordinances, acts or orders of any governmental agency or official thereof, and unusually severe weather (defined as any weather situation which requires the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to declare a state of emergency). In every case, the delay must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of either party. If the bidder(s) is delayed in her performance as a result of the above causes, the City may either one (1) extend the time for completion of such responsibilities for a period equivalent to the time lost for completion of such responsibilities by reason of any or all of the aforesaid causes, or two (2) secure substitute performance at its own cost and expense during the duration of the excusable delay and reduce performance and payment under this Agreement, or three (3) terminate all or a portion of this Agreement when the delay totally precludes the bidder(s)'s performance for materially affects it and the delay continues for a delay of (30) thirty days. The City agrees that within ten (10) business days after commencement of the delay, it shall give the bidder(s) written notice of its election as to options one (1), two (2), or three (3).

Liability and Insurance. Bidder(s)s shall save and keep the City of Lowell harmless for any and all legal liability, which may be established on behalf of any person, persons or corporation, whomsoever for, growing out of the normal use of these services. The successful bidder(s) shall take out and maintain during the life of the contract pursuant to the IFB such Public Liability and Property Damage Insurances as shall protect him and any subcontractor performing work covered by the contract form claims for damages for injury, including accidental death, as well as for claims for property damage which may arise from operations by himself or by his subcontractor(s) or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by either of them. The successful bidder(s) shall also take out and maintain for the term of the contract all coverage's required by statute or regulation. General liability insurance shall be maintained in the amount of $500,000 including property damage in the amount of $500,000. Bodily injury insurance shall be maintained in the amount of $1,000,000. Proof of the existence of such coverage shall be furnished to the City of Lowell at the time of execution of the contract. The City of Lowell shall be named as an insured.

The contract between the City of Lowell and the successful bidder(s) shall have the bidder(s) hold the City harmless and indemnify the City for damages arising from bidder(s)'s actions. No exception to this part of the contract will be accepted.

Non-Discrimination in Employment and Affirmative Action. The bidder(s) shall not discriminate against any qualified employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, religion or physical or mental handicap. The bidder(s) agrees to comply with all applicable Federal and State statutes, rules and regulations prohibiting discrimination in employment including: Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1973; Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B Section 4 (1) and all relevant administrative orders and executive orders.

If a complaint or claim alleging violation by the bidder(s) of such statutes, rules or regulations is presented to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) the bidder(s) agrees to cooperate with MCAD in the investigation and disposition of such complaint or claim.

In the event of the bidder(s)'s noncompliance with the provisions of this section, the City of Lowell shall impose such sanctions, as it deems appropriate, including but not limited to:

Withholding of payments due the bidder(s) until the bidder(s) complies; and

Termination or suspension of any contract or agreement pursuant to this IFB.

REJECTION OF BIDS

The City of Lowell reserves the right to reject any and all bids received in response to this IFB. The City also reserves the right to waive what it may consider minor informalities with bids submitted. A bidder(s)'s bid may be rejected if the bidder(s):

Fails to adhere to one or more of the provisions established in this IFB.

Fails to submit its bid at the time and in the format specified herein or to supply the minimum information requested.

Fails to meet unconditionally or is unable to demonstrate competence to meet the mandatory technical and business specifications required by this IFB.

Fails to submit its bid to the required address on or before the deadline date established by the Transmittal Letter.

Fails to submit any of the following: Clerk Certificate, Tax Compliance, Non-Collusion, W9, as specified in this IFB.

Misrepresents its products or provides demonstrably false information in its bid or fails to provide material information.

Fails to sign the Bid Price Form.

Does not meet some or any of the Quality Requirements as required in this IFB.

FORM AND STRUCTURE OF BID

One complete hard copy and one (1) electronic copy (thumb drive) of the bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope and labeled as follows: IFB 27-07 - SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION: 504 STUDENTS To be considered a complete bid, bidder(s)s must include all of the following in their submittal. The bid must be organized in the following manner:

Respondent's Checklist (Page 3)

Bid Submittal. Bid submittals shall consist of one original hard copy and one electronic copy (thumb drive)

Letter of Transmittal. Each bid shall include a letter of transmittal, not to exceed two pages in length, which bears the signature of an authorized representative of the prime Vendor and designates by name not more than two (2) individuals who will execute the contract with Lowell on behalf of the prime Vendor. The letter of transmittal shall also state that the proposal will remain in effect for a period of thirty (30) calendar days after the deadline for submission of proposals.

Quality Requirements. Each bidder(s) shall respond to each criterion as listed on Page 12 of this IFB with a Yes or No and submit with their bid. A failure to respond to any of the following minimum standards may result in disqualification of your bid.

Statement of Bidder(s)'s Qualifications. This form must be completed and submitted with the bid.

Equipment Description List. This form must be completed and submitted with the bid.

Bid Price Sheet. (Bid Pricing) This form MUST be properly completed and submitted with your bid. Absolutely no changes to this form will be accepted and will result in the rejection of your bid.

References. Bidder(s)s shall provide the City of Lowell with at least three references from clients of similar scope to this IFB.

Required Forms. In this section shall be a fully completed and signed Clerk Certificate, Certificate of Non-Collusion, Certificate of Tax Compliance and Form W9.

QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

Quality requirements, or basic business requirements, are the minimum set of standards that an entity must meet and certify to be considered responsive and responsible. Please complete the Quality Requirements form below and submit it with your completed bid. The City of Lowell may disqualify any response that does not meet the minimum qualification requirements. A negative response to any items or a failure to respond to any of the following minimum standards may result in rejection of your bid.

In order to provide verification of affirmative responses to items 1 - 5 under the qualification requirements listed above, bidder(s)s must submit written information that details the general background, experience and qualifications of the organization. Subcontractors, if applicable, must be also included.

REFERENCES

The Contractor shall provide the City with the name, address, telephone number and responsible agent of all municipalities/ institutions for which the Contractor has provided school bus transportation services, within the last two (2) years, so that the City may obtain and review all relevant reference data in its decision- making process towards the awarding of the Contract. By providing a bid and list of references, the Bidder(s)/Contractor warrants that the list is complete and by tendering its bid and providing the above list of references, the Bidder(s)/Contractor thereby authorizes and releases both the City of Lowell and the above previously serviced municipality/institution to openly and fully discuss the municipality's/institution's evaluations, opinions or perceptions of Bidder(s)s'/Contractors' prior performance and reputation, and by said bid tender and list of municipalities/institutions said Bidder(s)/Contractor does thereby agree to release indemnify and hold harmless both the City and the said municipalities/institutions and their agents of and from any and all liability, both at law and in equity, which might arise or be claimed to arise from the providing of information, data, evaluations or opinions relating to the said Bidder(s)/Contractor or its agents, officers or employees. In the context of this bid the term Bidder(s) and/or Contractor shall mean and include any and all other corporations or entities in which any of the Bidder(s)s'/Contractors' Corporate Officers, Directors, Share Holders, Principal Administrative or Operating Personnel or owners were previously involved or associated with.

SECTION 3

BID SPECIFICATIONS & SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The City of Lowell invites bids from qualified vendors interested in providing transportation services to students who require transportation as an accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which oblige the School Departments of Cities and Towns to provide adequate transportation for students with transportation identified as an accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, within the City of Lowell as well as out-of-district, as applicable, under the terms of their approved 504 Accommodation Plans.

The successful contractor(s) shall furnish School Transportation: 504 Students, as required by the Lowell Public Schools' Transportation Department, during the period of October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The contract for the furnishing of scheduled transportation for all designated school children of the City of Lowell, Massachusetts, shall include the furnishing of all services necessary and required, consisting of but not limited to the following: transportation equipment, operators, monitors, maintenance of equipment, operation, supervision, inspection, registration, licensing, insurance and conformity with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, the City of Lowell and the Lowell Public Schools.

SCHEDULES & ROUTES

Pupils from areas within and outside of the City of Lowell are to be transported to and from various schools and facilities within and outside Lowell. These pupils will be of all ages and grades. All pupils will be picked up and dropped off at designated schools and given addresses at appointed times. At no time, should a contractor agree to transport a student from a different address other than the address given to the contractor by the school district. All address changes must be approved by the district.

The City makes no representations or guarantees as to the number of students who will require transportation over the duration of the contract. The number of pupils must of necessity vary according to the need and no minimum or maximum can be established. Contractor must be able to provide transportation services within 2-4 days of new requests. If a student who is scheduled for a transport does not board the vehicle after 3 consecutive school days, the contractor must inform the school district. The school district will make a determination on whether to continue the transportation.

Contractor will be responsible for monitoring school closings for all other schools within their routes on days when Lowell remains open. If a particular district from which students are transported is closed, the Contractor should not pick up those students. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to be aware of the state of school closings within their jurisdiction at all times.

Lowell will assume no responsibility, financially or otherwise, for vehicles when school is not in session because of vacations or the cancellation of sessions due to inclement weather.

Any overtime as a result of the Contractor's failure to meet established schedules shall not be subject to reimbursement. This includes delays caused by, but not limited to mechanical problems, drivers' performance, weather and abnormal traffic conditions.

EQUIPMENT

Bidder(s) must be prepared to provide fully functional properly maintained, clean and ample equipment with provisions to have spare (back-up) vehicles to promptly cover emergencies.

It shall be the Contractor's legal and financial responsibility to see that all vehicles and equipment and operation of the same conform through the duration of the contract to all requirements of the laws of the United States, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the regulations of the State Registry of Motor Vehicles and/or the State Department of Public Utilities and/or any other federal or state agency having jurisdiction. The Contractor shall procure and maintain all applicable permits, licenses, and approvals necessary for the performance of services under this contract at the Contractor's expense.

The Contractor shall agree to keep each vehicle in good appearance and in good working condition and to furnish at the Contractor's expense all necessary oil, grease, tires, and other supplies, as well as properly maintain and repair vehicles throughout the entire period of the contract.

Contractor will be responsible for the daily condition of each vehicle used to transport students. Vehicle must be clean at all times and be kept free of noxious odors. The Contractor agrees that there will be no smoking in the vehicles at any time, with or without students being present.

A full list [see attached sample Equipment Description Form] of the vehicles to be used to fulfill the contract will be required annually. This list should be updated throughout the contract term as changes occur. Only equipment described in the required Equipment Description Forms or equivalent equipment as approved by Lowell shall be used in the performance of these contracts. Reasonable rotation of approved equipment will be permitted. Lowell reserves the right to reject any vehicle not meeting the specifications set forth above.

All required inspections, including those done by the Registry of Motor Vehicles and those mandated by Chapter 766 or other laws, performed on any vehicles used to fulfill the conditions of these contracts shall be at the Contractor's expense, and copies of all reports, summaries, checklists, corrective action required, and all other recommendations or findings communicated to the Contractor by the Registry of Motor Vehicles or other inspection agency shall be filed by the Contractor with the Lowell Public Schools' Transportation Director, 155 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852, within three (3) business days of their receipt by the Contractor. In addition, the City reserves the right to inspect any or all vehicles at any reasonable time. Vehicles deemed not in compliance with applicable laws and/or the equipment specifications set forth in this document may not be used to provide transportation under this contract and must be replaced or repaired.

The successful bidder(s)(s) shall provide and install a GPS management solution in each of the vehicles (regular, emergency, and spare) use in performance of this contract. The successful bidder(s) shall provide and install all necessary software and ensure continuous connection to the GPS solution from the Lowell Public Schools Transportation Department for the duration of the contract at no additional cost to the Lowell Public Schools.

The successful bidder(s) shall supply and install in all vehicles to be used under the terms of this contract a video system equal to or exceeding the specifications of the "Harrier" digital video system supplied by Zen-tinel. Each van used in performance of this contract shall have a camera installed at the expenses of the successful bidder(s). The camera shall be located in the front ceiling of the bus, centered above the driver, scanning the front and middle rows and sections of the van. The digital video system selected is subject to the final approval of the Lowell Public Schools before installation to ensure conformity with all specifications.

Cameras and hard drives shall be used only in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Lowell Public Schools. All video images and audio recordings are the sole property of the Lowell Public Schools. No video may be viewed prior to being turned over to an authorized representative of the Lowell Public Schools.

OPERATORS

Operators of all vehicles used in the execution of this contract shall be not less than twenty-one (21) years of age. All such drivers must be holders of valid "7-D Operators" license as defined in Chapter 90 Section 8A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In addition to the required annual medical examination, each operator who has indicated a medical history of heart disease, diabetes, or seizure disorder or who is currently under the care of a physician for any medical or psychiatric disorder shall obtain from his/her attending physician certification that the condition will not interfere with his/her ability to perform all of the duties and responsibilities as a school bus driver. The contractor shall annually provide certification that the requirements as set forth in this paragraph have been met.

In the interest of maintaining the safety and well-being of each transported student, each operator must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency, spoken and written, to provide assistance to students and to responding emergency personnel in the event of an emergency situation. Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) is strongly encouraged.

The City of Lowell reserves the right to bar any person from the operation of any vehicle used to fulfill this contract when, in its opinion, doing so is in the best interests of the City of Lowell and/or the transported students. Further, the City of Lowell reserves the right to require any operator to undergo a further physical examination, at the sole expense of the contractor, by a doctor of medicine selected by the City of Lowell.

The Operator shall be responsible for maintaining order among the passengers at all times. Students disobeying instructions of the operator or monitor shall be reported to the principal of the student's school immediately for disciplinary action, but no later than the next school day following the incident.

It shall be the responsibility of the operator to ensure that the safety of the passengers is not jeopardized during boarding and disembarking.

All drivers shall be properly attired and neatly groomed at all times while operating or serving on any vehicles carrying students. This shall include clean clothing in good repair and evidence of good and generally accepted personal hygiene. No persons evidencing alcohol or drug usage shall be allowed to operate any vehicle under contract to the School Department. Inappropriate language or graphics may not be worn or otherwise displayed on a person's clothing or body at any time. The wearing of body piercing devices other than lobe mounted earrings is forbidden.

The City of Lowell or its duly authorized representative specifically and particularly reserves the right to promulgate, implement and change as the City of Lowell may deem appropriate a program of random testing for drugs and other controlled substances which may affect the safety of students to be transported. Such program of random testing shall apply to any of the carriers' personnel whose work performance may affect or endanger the health or safety of the students. The carrier agrees to cooperate fully in any such program and to secure the full and prompt cooperation and compliance of any of its employees or personnel who may be affected hereby. The fees for such a testing program are to be billed to the School Department at cost.

No person who is currently employed by the City of Lowell may be employed by the contractor in the performance of this contract.

No person may be assigned to a vehicle prior to the successful completion of a Criminal Records Background (CORI) check by the Lowell Public Schools. All drivers shall submit sufficient information to the school department through their respective employers to facilitate such checks including a signed release of the information.

OPERATION

The City of Lowell reserves the right to rearrange or adjust routes and schedules when it is in the best interest of the Public Schools to do so.

Route schedules shall be maintained in such a manner that students and parents may anticipate that pickup or drop off will occur within five minutes of the scheduled time.

The contractor will provide sufficient vans on a daily basis to meet all regular bus route needs and assignments.

Vans will operate at all times that schools are open.

All vehicles shall be cleaned by sweeping or vacuum cleaning daily, and shall be maintained free of noxious odors and poisonous gases at all times. In addition, those vehicles, within which a possible exposure to blood borne pathogens has occurred, shall be disinfected in accordance with guidelines set out in 29 CFR Part 1910.1030 or as it may be amended from time to time.

The interior and exterior surfaces of all windows shall be maintained in a clean and safe condition, weather conditions permitting. Under no conditions shall vehicles be operated when the operator's vision is impaired by conditions of the glass surfaces to the point where the safety of the passengers is placed in jeopardy.

Windows may be opened in the vehicle when weather conditions permit.

Operators shall report complaints by students or parents of students to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee promptly through the bus company's designee.

The operator shall place the safety of student passengers above any other consideration at all times and shall not leave vehicles unattended when students are in the vehicle except for an emergency involving a radio failure and then only if the students are safer in the vehicle than in the surrounding environment.

In accordance with Chapter 90, Section 7L of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts no operator shall allow the number of passengers riding in the vehicle at any one time to exceed the number of seats, nor shall that operator drive that vehicle until each passenger is seated.

The operator shall complete the assigned route for that vehicle. No additions or deletions to the scheduled stops may be made without written permission of the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

The temperature of the bus interior shall be maintained at a minimum average of fifty- five (55) degrees Fahrenheit when the vehicle is occupied.

There will be no smoking, eating or drinking by operators or monitors while transporting students to and from school or during any other school trips. Further, the use of profane or immoral words or language is not permitted. These rules shall apply to the students as well.

Only those persons authorized by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall be transported by the vehicles while performing contracted work.

No one but the operator shall occupy the driver's seat.

The operator shall not leave his/her vehicle unattended with the motor running.

No fueling of the vehicle shall take place while the vehicle is occupied by passengers.

The contractor shall employ sufficient supervisory personnel to ensure that all driver and monitor employees are properly and adequately supervised at all times.

INSURANCE

The contractor shall maintain in effect insurance coverage for property and Massachusetts Automobile liability, naming the City of Lowell as beneficiary, as follows:

The CONTRACTOR warrants that the services encompassed in Paragraph 1 to be rendered hereunder, are of the quality necessary for the use intended; that it will furnish the CITY with a Certificate of Insurance in the sum of One Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars for any one person and One Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars for any one accident; and Property Damage coverage of not less than One Hundred Thousand ($100,000) Dollars for each vehicle used. This coverage shall include an endorsement for abuse and molestation, including coverage for negligence arising from employment, training, supervision, investigation, and reporting in regard to incidents of abuse and molestation. The CONTRACTOR shall agree to include the CITY as a named insured on said Certificate of Insurance for General Liability, Automobile Liability, Umbrella Liability and Excess Liability coverage."

Written evidence of insurance coverage, including the name of the insuring company, policy numbers, and amounts of coverage shall be presented to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee on or before the first day of July and January in each year of the contract.

All policies shall be written so the City of Lowell shall be notified of cancellation or addition of "restrictive amendments" by Registered Mail or by FAX not later than 20 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation or amendment.

The contractor shall carry Worker's Compensation coverage for all employees working under the provision of this contract. Evidence of sufficient Worker's Compensation coverage to satisfy statutory requirements, shall be filed with the contract and shall remain in effect during the entire term of the contract.

PRICING, PAYMENTS AND BILLING

The contractor shall submit a bill(s) to the School Transportation Department no later than the tenth (10th) of each month.

In case of dispute regarding the mileage between any two cities Google Maps will be used as the authoritative reference.

No assignment or subletting of the contract or work, nor assignment of money due or to become due shall be made without the written consent of the Director of School Transportation or his/her designee.

If the contractor is unable to furnish transportation for any given day, the contractor shall reimburse the Public Schools for any and all additional costs required to furnish alternate transportation.

REPORTS

The contractor shall immediately make a verbal report to the Director of School Transportation or his/her designee in the event of an accident involving any vehicle actually transporting pupils at the time of the accident. The verbal notification shall be followed by, in not more than twenty-four (24) hours, a written report of the accident detailing the names and addresses of the operator and monitor, all of the circumstances leading up to the accident, the accident itself, the names and addresses of other parties, if any, involved in the accident, and the names and addresses of the injured, if any. In addition, the contractor shall include a copy of the official police report of the accident. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that the report is received in hand within the time deadline specified above using whatever means is necessary.

The contractor shall submit any information required to complete Massachusetts Department of Education reports.

H. NA

I. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

This contract will be subject to the availability of funding for school transportation and may be terminated or the number of vehicles may be reduced by the City of Lowell in the event that such funding is not available.

In the case of failure on the part of the contractor to execute the work as per agreement, the City of Lowell reserves the right to terminate the contract, satisfying its wants through another contractor. The City of Lowell may collect from the original contractor any difference in cost as a result of such failure on the part of the original contractor.

A contract may be terminated for any other reason, which the Public Schools feels, is in the best interests of the City of Lowell.

Exercise of the rights herein specified shall not impair or affect the City's right to recover the damages for breach of contract.

J. OTHER

The employment of drivers is the responsibility of the contractor for the length of the contract.

The contractor assumes all risks of loss or damage to vehicles which are used to fulfill the contract.

Compliance with any and all applicable Federal, State or Local laws, or regulations whether or not specifically referred to in this specification shall be considered a part of this specification and are the sole responsibility of the contractor.

The requirements of all of the specifications as set forth above shall be considered to be a part of the contract with the successful bidder(s).

SECTION FOUR

REFERENCES

Bidder(s)s shall provide the City of Lowell with at least three references (must be from the current school year) for clients of similar scope and size to this IFB. Bidder(s) shall not list the City of Lowell as a reference.

Contact

Company Name

Address

Phone

Brief Description of project

Contact

Company Name

Address

Phone

Brief Description of project

Contact

Company Name

Address

Phone

Brief Description of project

SECTION FIVE

ITEM LIST & PRICE SHEET

The Contractor must submit pricing on the attached price sheet. Rates should reflect the full cost of transportation per vehicle, with the understanding that half shall be billed to the City of Lowell and half to another district in cases where the cost of transporting a student is shared. In cases where the vehicle is shared with multiple communities, the cost of the vehicle shall be divided per student, per community. The low bidder(s) will be determined based on the estimated trips per year. However, the City makes no guarantee that the entire estimated amount of the contract will be expended in any given year. Payment will be based on actual students transported.

All unit prices must remain constant for the entire three (3) year contract term. Multiple contracts for all 504 Student Transportation will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder(s) beginning with the lowest grand total price.

Extraneous numbers, prices, comments, etc., appearing elsewhere on this shall be deemed to have no effect on the prices offered in the designated locations. No oral, telegraphic, telephonic or facsimile bids will be considered. Bid prices/fees are final and all inclusive. No extra charges shall be billed to the City. Any other services, prices or the like that is offered or modification to this sheet by the vendor that was not asked for in this IFB will be considered conditional and may result in the rejection of your bid.

Purchases will be put into effect in the form of a purchase order executed by the City of Lowell Director of Procurement after bids have been awarded. The City of Lowell will not be responsible for any goods delivered, or services performed, without an authorized purchase order from the City of Lowell.

Bids submitted that are conditional, modified or otherwise different than what is listed below as estimated by the City may be rejected as non-responsive.

Estimated needs reflected below are ESTIMATES ONLY and apply to all years for the purposes of bidding. In any given year during the contract term, the City may need to increase or decrease any of the estimated needs stated below. Any increase/decrease will be at the unit prices specified on this bid form.

BASIS OF AWARD: IFB 27-07

In accordance with the Specifications, and under the terms and conditions mentioned above, I (We) hereby offer to furnish and deliver to departments described above the following services which shall in all respects meet the attached specifications, as required during the terms contained within:

The BASIS OF AWARD WILL BE THE LOWEST RATE FOR ALL RESPONSIVE AND RESPONIBLE BIDDERS

GRAND TOTAL $_________________________

add the totals for all three years

If the trip from the student home to the student school and the return trip from the student school to student home in total is between 1 -20 miles, then that is also the rate to be invoiced for the trip. All trips are round trip.

If the round trip is 6 miles, then the 7-12 miles rate is to be used. Companies can only bill for trips when the student is in the vehicle. From student home to student school & from student school to student home.

In any given year during the contact term, the School may need to increase or decrease the number trips. Any increase/decrease will be at the unit prices specified on this bid form. The City/Schools will AWARD to all responsive and responsible bidders and use the rate per vehicle to assign schedules, in each mileage category.

In the event the lowest bidder can not accommodate additional students, the City/Schools will request service from the next bidder and so on until all student needs are met or there are no other vendors to request service from.

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

Telephone Number:______________________

Email Address: _________________________

Signature of Authorized Company Officer: ___________________________________

Print Name and Title of Signatory: _________________________________________________

SECTION SIX

PREVAILING WAGE STATEMENT

[You don't often get email from pwadonotreply@notice.mass.gov. Learn why this is important at

] This Official Notice is sent in response to your request of the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) to determine the rate of pay for school bus drivers to be included in the upcoming contract for school bus transportation. Under G.L. c. 71, 7A, DLS is required to set the rate for school bus drivers based on the wages established in any operative collective bargaining agreements within the municipality. It has been determined that no operative collective bargaining agreements exist within the towns for the contract referenced above. Therefore, in this case, no rate can be set by DLS. A copy of this Notice should be made available to all prospective bidder(s)s to affirm that no rate of pay can be prescribed pursuant to G.L. c. 71, 7A. THIS IS A SYSTEM-GENERATED EMAIL. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. TO CONTACT DLS REGARDING PREVAILING WAGE MATTERS CALL DLS AT 617.626.6953

SECTION SEVEN

STATEMENT OF BIDDER(S)'S QUALIFICATION

This form must be completed and submitted with the bid.

This statement is to certify that _______________________________ has been in the business

(Company name)

of (Service(s) provided)

for a period of ________ years. We, ________________________________, have the ability to

(Company name)

perform the type, magnitude and quality of work within the scope of for the services specified herein. This company ____ has ____ has not been involved in any bankruptcy proceedings within the last five years. (If the company has been involved in bankruptcy proceedings, please give a detailed description below.) This company _______________has not undergone a name change within the last two years. (If the company name has changed, please provide a detailed description below.) This company can provide evidence of financial solvency.

Contractor Ability/Description:

Bankruptcy proceedings:

Name change information:

I certify to the best of my knowledge that all information above is true and correct.

Authorized Signature Position in Company

_______________________________

Date

SECTION EIGHT

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION FORM FOR HOMELESS/STUDENT TRANSPORTATION: This form must be completed and submitted with your bid. Bids submitted without this form may be considered as non-responsive and may result in rejection of your bid.

Equipment Description List

Year of Manufacture: _____________________ Make : ______________________

Model : __________________________ VIN: _____________________________

Bus#: ________________________________ License Plate #: ____________________

Present Condition: ______________________ Present Mileage: ___________________

Miles Per Gallon: _______________________ Seating Capacity: ___________________

Seating Capacity w/Car Seat or Booster Seat: __________________________________________

Year of Manufacture: _____________________ Make : ______________________

Model : __________________________ VIN: _____________________________

Bus#: ________________________________ License Plate #: ____________________

Present Condition: ______________________ Present Mileage: ___________________

Miles Per Gallon: _______________________ Seating Capacity: ___________________

Seating Capacity w/Car Seat or Booster Seat: __________________________________________

Year of Manufacture: _____________________ Make : ______________________

Model : __________________________ VIN: _____________________________

Bus#: ________________________________ License Plate #: ____________________

Present Condition: ______________________ Present Mileage: ___________________

Miles Per Gallon: _______________________ Seating Capacity: ___________________

Seating Capacity w/Car Seat or Booster Seat: __________________________________________

Year of Manufacture: _____________________ Make : ______________________

Model : __________________________ VIN: _____________________________

Bus#: ________________________________ License Plate #: ____________________

Present Condition: ______________________ Present Mileage: ___________________

Miles Per Gallon: _______________________ Seating Capacity: ___________________

Seating Capacity w/Car Seat or Booster Seat: __________________________________________

Year of Manufacture: _____________________ Make : ______________________

Model : __________________________ VIN: _____________________________

Bus#: ________________________________ License Plate #: ____________________

Present Condition: ______________________ Present Mileage: ___________________

Miles Per Gallon: _______________________ Seating Capacity: ___________________

Seating Capacity w/Car Seat or Booster Seat: __________________________________________

Year of Manufacture: _____________________ Make : ______________________

Model : __________________________ VIN: _____________________________

Bus#: ________________________________ License Plate #: ____________________

Present Condition: ______________________ Present Mileage: ___________________

Miles Per Gallon: _______________________ Seating Capacity: ___________________

Seating Capacity w/Car Seat or Booster Seat: __________________________________________

Duplicate the above form as needed

CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION

The undersigned hereby certifies that the Bidder shall comply with Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Laws, G.L. c. 268A and with the City's Conflict of Interest terms stated in Article 33 of these Contract Documents.

BIDDER'S NAME:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

TITLE:

DATE:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ADDENDA

The Bidder acknowledges all addenda.

ADDENDA NUMBER DATE ISSUED

______________________ ______________________

______________________ ______________________

______________________ ______________________

______________________ ______________________

AFFIDAVIT OF NON-COLLUSION

It shall be understood that any bid submitted to the City is made without collusion with any other bidder submitting a bid on the same commodity/service, and is in all respects fair and without fraud.

STATE OF: Date:

COUNTY OF: S.S.: ______________________

The undersigned being duly sworn, deposes and says that he/she is the

(Sole Owner; Partner, President, Treasurer,

or Other Duty Authorized Official of a Corporation)

of

(Name of Firm as Appearing in Submitted Proposal)

and works in

(City/Town)

and certifies under penalties of perjury that this proposal is in all respects bona fide, fair and made without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this paragraph the word "person" shall mean any natural person, joint venture, partnership, corporation or other business or legal entity.

(Signature and Title of Person Making Affidavit)

Sworn to before me this day of , 20

Notary Public: My commission expires:

IN WITNESS WHEROF, the undersigned certifies, under the pains and penalties of perjury that:

It is in compliance with all of the provisions, and shall remain in compliance with the provisions for the life of any Contract resulting from this solicitation. That the bidder is qualified to perform any such Contract and possess, or shall obtain, all requisite licenses and permits to complete performance; shall maintain all unemployment, workers' compensation, professional and personal liability insurance policies sufficient to cover its performance under any such Contract; and shall comply with relevant prevailing wage rates and unemployment laws.

To the best of its knowledge and belief has paid all local taxes, tax titles, utilities, motor vehicle excise taxes, water and wastewater bills to the City of Lowell as required by law.

To the best of its knowledge and belief has filed all State tax returns and paid all State taxes required by law, and has complied with reporting of employees and contractors, and withholding and remitting of child support (MGL c.62C, s.49A).

Pursuant to MGL c.30B s.10 (or c.30 s.39M), this bid or proposal has been made in good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this paragraph, "person" shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation, union, committee, club or other organization, entity or group of individuals.

___________________________________ ___________________________________

Signature of Person Signing Bid or Proposal BY: Corporate Officer (Type/Print)

___________________________________ ___________________________________

Corporate Name (Full Business Name) BY: Corporate Officer (Sign)

___________________________________ ___________________________________

Social Security or Federal Tax ID# State of Incorporation/City of Business (DBA)

Registration

Approval of a contract, or other agreement, will not be granted unless the applicant signs this certification form. You're Social Security number or Federal Tax Identification number will be furnished to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) to determine weather you have met tax filing or tax payment obligations. The City of Lowell is required to furnish a list to the DOR at the end of its fiscal year, showing the vendors to whom more than $5,000 is paid during the twelve months, ending June 30. Providers who fail to correct their non-filing or delinquency, will not have a contract or other agreement issued or extended. This request is made under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws, c.62C, s.49A.

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY

At a duly authorized meeting of the Board of Directors of (insert name of corporation)

Held ______________________ at which all the Directors

Were ______________________

Present or waived notice, it was voted that _______________________________________ (name)

_____________________________Of this corporation, be it he or she, hereby is (corp. office)

authorized to execute bid documents, contracts and bonds in the name and on (corp. office)

behalf of said corporation, and affix its Corporate Seal thereto, and such execution of any bid

document or contract or obligation in this corporation's name on its behalf under seal of the

corporation, shall be valid and binding upon this corporation.

ATTEST: __________________________

(Clerk or secretary)

Place of Business: ______________________________

I hereby certify that I am the clerk/secretary of the ___________________________________

(Name of Corporation)

And that ________________________________

(Name)

is the duly elected ______________________________________________ of said corporation,

and _______________________________________________________________________

(Corp. office)

that the above vote has not been amended or rescinded and remains in full force and effect as of

the date set forth below.

ATTEST_____________________

(Clerk or secretary)

Date:*

* This date must be on or before the date of the Contract