School Bus Contract FY26
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The 28th Contracting Squadron at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota, has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ), FA469026Q0017, for school bus transportation services for students in grades K-12. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a Firm Fixed Price contract. The services will support Ellsworth Air Force Base, transporting approximately 250-350 children to and from Box Elder, South Dakota. Quotes are due by May 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide and maintain the necessary school buses and drivers for scheduled transportation, Monday through Friday, between 0700 and 1630, throughout the school year. Services include transporting students to and from the Douglas School District, covering areas such as Rushmore Heights Housing Area, Prairie View Housing Area, and Black Hills Estate. Buses must arrive at schools no earlier than 15 minutes prior and no later than 5 minutes before official start times, and pick up students within 10 minutes of dismissal. Special requirements include operating during snow/ice conditions, monitoring school closings, and providing transportation for make-up days. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) details requirements for personnel (CDL, English proficiency, background checks), vehicle standards (audio/visual recording, live HD video streaming, inspections, preventative maintenance), and a contract manager.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 485410 (Passenger Motor Charter Service) with a $30,000,000 size standard.
- Period of Performance: Multiple periods outlined, starting July 1, 2026, and extending through June 30, 2031, with various option periods.
- Funding: The contract is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds; no legal liability arises until funds are made available and the contractor is notified.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to christian.depollar.2@us.af.mil and jayna.clements@us.af.mil. Submissions must include a four-part quote: Cover Page, Volume I (Past Performance), Volume II (Technical Capability), and Volume III (Price). Vendors must also complete the Price Schedule Excel document (Attachment 5) and have a reference submit the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 4). Evaluation factors prioritize Past Performance and Technical Capability as more important than Price. Offerors must be registered and active in SAM.gov and include their CAGE Code.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Questions Due: April 27, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT
- Quotes Due: May 8, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT
- Primary Contact: 2nd LT Christian Depollar (christian.depollar.2@us.af.mil)
- Secondary Contact: SSgt Jayna Clements (jayna.clements@us.af.mil)
Attachments
- Attach 1 - SF1449: Solicitation document with line items, dates, provisions, and clauses.
- Attach 2 - Performance Work Statement (PWS): Detailed scope of work, performance standards, and special requirements.
- Attach 3 - Wage Determination: U.S. Department of Labor wage rates and fringe benefits.
- Attach 4 - Past Performance Questionnaire: Form for evaluating past performance.
- Attach 5 - Price Schedule: Excel document for proposed pricing.