Description
The Lakewood Board of Education is seeking a qualified private bus operator to provide full‑service student transportation for the 2026‑2027 school year. The contractor must supply appropriate school buses, qualified drivers and aides, and meet extensive safety, equipment, insurance, and reporting requirements. The award will be based on the lowest responsive per‑diem bids for each route, with strict adherence to deadlines and performance standards.
• Contract term: July 1 2026 – June 30 2027 (approximately 12 months)
• Bid deadline: September 10 2026 at 10:00 a.m.; no extensions permitted
• Required assets: National “Glossy Yellow” school buses (2017+ or 2015+ for wheelchair‑lift) with mandated safety equipment (GPS, DVR, radios, child‑alert, etc.)
• Staffing: CDL‑qualified drivers (P + S endorsements) and, where required, background‑checked aides; annual background and TB testing due by August 31 2026
• Financial assurances: 5 % bid guarantee (capped at $50,000), 100 % performance bond, $5 M liability insurance, workers‑comp coverage; monthly payments on the 30th of each month starting October 2026
• Reporting & penalties: Immediate accident reporting, bi‑annual vehicle inspections, and numerous monetary penalties for late reports, equipment failures, or safety violations.