Request for Student Transportation Services

The Berlin Board of Education is seeking a qualified contractor to provide comprehensive student transportation services for K‑12, special‑education, private‑school, technical‑vocational, and extracurricular trips throughout the Town of Berlin, CT. The contract is for a three‑year term beginning July 1 2027, with an optional two‑year extension. The vendor must supply drivers, monitors, a modern fleet (no vehicle older than 10 years) equipped with GPS, two‑way radios, video surveillance, and stop‑arm enforcement, as well as handle route optimization, dispatch, maintenance, fuel management, insurance, and performance bonding. Pricing must be submitted as daily per‑bus rates with fuel adjustments and charter fees. The Board will evaluate proposals on experience, compliance, references, and price competitiveness. • Daily home‑to‑school and school‑to‑home bus service for all district students (including out‑of‑district placements). • Specialized door‑to‑door transportation for students with IEPs/504 plans, equipped with wheelchair lifts and safety harnesses. • Transportation for private‑school (St. Paul), technical‑vocational schools, and pre‑K programs. • Charters for athletic events, field trips, late‑bus routes, and summer programs. • Fleet requirement: ~21 Type I buses, 3 Type II buses, plus 12‑13 spare buses; all ≤10 years old, low‑emission or alternative‑fuel capable. • Mandatory safety equipment: GPS tracking, two‑way radios, digital video cameras, child‑check reminder systems. • Contractor must provide a local dispatch manager, driver recruitment & training program, performance bond (up to 100 % of annual contract value), and comprehensive insurance (minimum $1 M per coverage).