Student Transportation Services - 2026-2027 School Year

Passaic City School District - Transportation has issued invitation for bid, solicitation BID 03T-27.

Summary of Student Transportation Services 1. Introduction This document outlines the scope of services for providing safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation to and from school. The goal of the transportation service is to ensure the well-being, safety, and timely arrival of students at their educational institutions. The contractor must demonstrate a commitment to operational excellence, student care, and full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 2. Service Overview The student transportation program shall include, but is not limited to, the following key components: Routes and Stops Design efficient and effective transportation routes. Establish strategically located stops to minimize travel time and ensure accessibility for all students. Vehicle Fleet Provide a well-maintained fleet of vehicles with all required safety features. Ensure vehicles are suitable for general and special needs student populations, including those requiring accessibility accommodations. Trained Staff Employ only licensed, experienced, and well-trained drivers. Ensure drivers and aides are equipped to maintain a safe and positive environment while transporting students. Safety Measures Enforce strict safety protocols, including mandatory seatbelt usage (where applicable), regular safety inspections, emergency procedure training and compliance with traffic and transportation regulations 3. Service Details Transportation Routes Develop optimized routes to ensure timely pick-ups and drop-offs. Adjust routes as necessary to accommodate changes in student enrollment or traffic patterns. Daily Operations Operate on all scheduled school days, in accordance with the district’s academic calendar. Align operations with delayed opening, early dismissal, and weather-related schedules as directed by the district. Vehicle Fleet Specifications Vehicles must include: GPS tracking Two-way communication systems Digital video recording systems Air conditioning First aid kits Provide a variety of vehicles (buses and vans) to support different ridership needs and capacities. Driver and Bus Aide Requirements Employ certified drivers and bus aides who: Meet all state and federal licensing requirements Have undergone background checks and medical clearances Are trained in student behavior management and emergency response Safety and Compliance Maintain a regular schedule of vehicle servicing and cleanliness. Conduct safety inspections and maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal transportation regulations. Student Support and Accessibility Ensure vehicles are equipped and staff are trained to accommodate students with disabilities. Adhere to all applicable accessibility laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Insurance Requirements Maintain insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the district’s requirements for: Vehicle liability Passenger liability Property damage Workers' compensation Data Privacy and Confidentiality Ensure compliance with applicable data privacy laws and protect the confidentiality of student records and communications. Communication Channels Establish efficient and responsive communication channels to support coordination between: The transportation contractor Parents and guardians School administration and the transportation department Promptly address inquiries, changes, delays, or emergencies. 1.2. Background The Passaic Board of Education is committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services for its students. Contractors responding to this bid must meet or exceed the following qualifications and standards: State Certification and Licensing The transportation provider must possess a valid Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). A valid Motor Carrier License is also required. Insurance and Financial Responsibility Contractors must carry all insurance coverage as specified by the Passaic School District, including: Automobile liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage Minimum coverage of $5,000,000 Combined Single Limit for coach and yellow school buses Vehicle Safety Requirements All buses must comply with New Jersey state laws and regulations regarding school transportation. Vehicles must undergo regular safety inspections and adhere to strict maintenance schedules. Buses must meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for school buses. Driver Qualifications Drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with proper endorsements (P and S endorsements required). Drivers must successfully complete: Criminal background checks Medical examinations Drug and alcohol testing (as per state and federal law) A state-approved school bus driver training program Training Programs Contractors must provide ongoing training that includes: Student behavior management Emergency protocols and preparedness Defensive driving techniques General saf

Responses are due October 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT.

Questions must be submitted by October 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT.

Commodity categories: Automobiles, School Buses, Suvs, And Vans (Including Diesel, Gasoline, Electric, Hybrid, And All Other Fuel Types); Bus Transportation Services, School.

Contact: Vanessa Rivera, Transportation Manager (vrivera@passaicschools.org, (973) 470-5500 Ext: 5556).

5 documents are attached to the notice: Passaic Schools Addresses and Calendar; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity Language; Sample Bid Bond; BID 03T-27 Route Descriptions.

The full solicitation document, addenda and the question-and-answer thread are on the agency's OpenGov portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/passaicschools/projects/304195. Responses are submitted electronically there, and a free vendor account is required before you can upload one.