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 opportunity. Quotes are due May 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM MDT.
Purpose & Scope
This solicitation seeks a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract to provide and maintain school buses and drivers to transport approximately 250-350 children to and from Box Elder, South Dakota. Services include scheduled transportation Monday through Friday, 0700-1630, during the school year, covering Rushmore Heights, Prairie View, and Black Hills Estate housing areas. Key requirements include operating during adverse weather, monitoring school closures, and providing transportation for make-up days.
Key Requirements
- Transportation: Safe and convenient school bus services for K-12 students.
- Bus Operations: Adherence to strict schedules (arrival 15 min prior to 5 min before school start, pick-up within 10 min of dismissal).
- Equipment: Buses must be equipped with audio and visual recording equipment, and live HD video streaming capabilities (on buses and at a base reception point).
- Personnel: Drivers must meet South Dakota Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements, speak English, and pass childcare background checks.
- Maintenance: Contractor must have a formal preventative maintenance program.
- Compliance: Adherence to federal, state, and local traffic laws, base regulations, and federal wage determinations (Service Contract Act).
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), Size Standard: $30,000,000.00
- Period of Performance: Multiple periods outlined, starting July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031, including a base year and four option years, plus a potential six-month extension.
- Place of Performance: Ellsworth AFB, SD.
- Funding: Contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds; no legal liability until funds are made available.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes Due: May 8, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to 2d Lt Christian Depollar (christian.depollar.2@us.af.mil) and SSgt Jayna Clements (jayna.clements@us.af.mil).
- Quote Structure: Four parts: Cover Page, Volume I (Past Performance), Volume II (Technical Capability), and Volume III (Price).
- Evaluation Factors: Past Performance and Technical Capability are more important than Price.
- Required Documents: SF1449, Performance Work Statement, Wage Determination, Past Performance Questionnaire (completed by a reference and submitted with quote), and a completed Price Schedule Excel document.
- Eligibility: Small Business contractors must have an active SAM registration and CAGE Code.
- Questions Due: April 27, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT, via email to christian.depollar.2@us.af.mil.
Contacts
- Primary: 2nd LT Christian Depollar (christian.depollar.2@us.af.mil, 605-385-1725)
- Secondary: Jayna Clements (jayna.clements@us.af.mil, 605-385-1741)