School Bus Contract FY26

Amendment / Modification

This amendment replaces "Attach 1 - PWS" with "Attach 1 - PWS_Bus 1May26".

• Attachment 1: Performance Work Statement
  • From: Attach 1 Performance Work Statement (Dated 17 Mar 2026, URL 73322022)
  • To: Attach 1 - PWS_Bus 1May26 (Dated 01 May 2026, URL 74536843)

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged. No impact on proposal deadlines or submission requirements is indicated beyond the updated attachment.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide and maintain school buses for the transportation of students at Ellsworth AFB, ensuring safe and convenient transport for approximately 250-350 children in grades K-12.

• Provide scheduled school bus transportation Monday through Friday, between 0700 and 1630, aligning with the school year.

• Buses must arrive at schools no earlier than 15 minutes before and no later than 5 minutes before the official start time.

• Buses must pick up students within 10 minutes following official dismissal time.

• Prepare and submit bus route schedules for approval annually.

• Provide sufficient buses and replacement buses to meet demand.

• Operate buses during snow and ice conditions unless schools are closed.

• Service areas include Rushmore Heights Housing Area, Prairie View Housing Area, and Black Hills Estate.

• Timely pick-up/delivery of students: 3 or fewer valid defects per month.

• Route schedule provision: Initial schedule on time, updated schedules within 3 days of changes.

• Accident reporting: 0 incidents per month.

• Condition of buses: 3 or fewer valid defects per month.

• Aligns with the school year at Ellsworth AFB, SD.

• Personnel: Contract Manager required, with an alternate. Employees must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English and conduct themselves professionally. Drivers must meet South Dakota CDL requirements and base traffic regulations.

• Security: Childcare Background checks and State Criminal History Checks are mandatory for contractor personnel with regular contact with children. Employees must possess base identification and abide by installation security regulations. Weapons, firearms, and ammunition are prohibited.

• Vehicle Equipment: Buses must be equipped with on-board communication and live HD video streaming equipment. Audio/visual recording equipment is required for all buses.

• Maintenance: Contractor must have a formal preventative maintenance program and perform daily safety and maintenance inspections. Maintenance and repairs are the contractor's responsibility and performed off-base.

• Confidentiality: Strict protection of student, family, and operational information is required.

Amendment / Modification

• Added "Attach 5 - Questions and Answers" to the List of Attachments.

• List of Attachments

• No changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements were indicated.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding the School Bus Contract FY26.

• Parking and Staging: No government-provided parking or administrative/office space will be available for the contractor. Vehicles will be staged in the Dakota's club parking lot prior to scheduled pick-ups.
• Special Needs Transportation: While there are no contract requirements for wheelchair lift buses or bus aides, the presence of a bus aide is heavily recommended for vehicles transporting first and second graders due to disciplinary actions.
• ADA-Accessible Buses: Currently, there are no students identified with special needs or disabilities requiring ADA-accessible buses.
• Routes: There are currently three school bus routes running, with no plans to deviate from the current schedule.
• Video Streaming Infrastructure: Building 104 has working computers with secure internet access for remote viewing and archiving of camera footage. Internet, cellular data plans, and video streaming are considered part of the operating cost of the buses.
• Background Checks: Tier 1 Clearance for drivers and substitute-drivers can take up to 6 months. A Childcare background check, required for each driver and substitute, can take up to 3 months.
• Base Access: Each driver and substitute-driver will require a 1-year visitor pass, which includes a background and criminal history check.
• Incumbent Contractor: An incumbent contractor is currently providing school bus services at Ellsworth AFB. The previous contract number is FA469021D0010.
• Funds Availability: Award is anticipated before the school year start date (approx. August 24, 2026). If delayed, a contract action will be in place to ensure continuity.
• Offer Evaluation: Offers will be evaluated on total value across all CLINs (Base Year, Option Years 1-4, and 6-Month Extension).
• Subcontractor Experience: Subcontractor work experience can be included on the form, with the exception of registration details in SAM.gov.

These clarifications provide specific details on operational requirements, personnel qualifications, and administrative processes, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals. Key areas clarified include parking, special needs, video streaming, security clearances, and evaluation criteria.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire used by the 28th Contracting Squadron for the competitive selection of a source for School Bus Services. It is designed to gather information from organizations that have had direct experience with offerors to evaluate their ability to perform on the proposed effort.

• Contract Identification: Details about the contract being reviewed, including contractor name, cage code, contract number, type, program title, description of work, period of performance, and dollar value.
• Customer/Agency Identification: Information about the customer or agency for whom the work was performed.
• Respondent Identification: Details about the individual completing the questionnaire.
• Performance Information: A rating scale (Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable) and specific questions to assess the contractor's performance in areas such as management, personnel, quality control, schedule adherence, responsiveness, and overall performance. It also includes questions about cure notices and willingness to award future contracts.

This questionnaire is critical for potential bidders as it directly relates to the evaluation criteria for the School Bus Services opportunity. Responses will be used to assess the offeror's past performance, which is a key consideration in the proposal evaluation. Bidders should ensure that their past performance is accurately represented and that they provide contact information for organizations that can provide favorable feedback.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire used as part of the source selection process for the "School Bus Services" opportunity (FA4690-26-Q-0017). It is designed to gather feedback from organizations that have had direct experience with offerors to evaluate their past performance and ability to meet the requirements of the proposed effort.

The questionnaire is divided into four sections:

• Section 1: Contract Identification: Gathers details about the contract being reviewed, including contractor information, contract type, description of work, period of performance, and dollar value.
• Section 2: Customer or Agency Identification: Collects information about the customer or agency that received the services.
• Section 3: Respondent Identification: Gathers information about the individual completing the questionnaire.
• Section 4: Performance Information: Asks specific questions about the contractor's performance, with a rating scale (Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable) and space for supporting information. It also includes questions about whether the contractor would be awarded another contract.

This questionnaire is critical for bidders as it directly relates to the evaluation of their past performance, which is a key consideration in the proposal evaluation process. The feedback provided by previous customers will influence the source selection decision. Bidders should be aware that their past performance will be assessed based on responses to this questionnaire.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide and maintain the required number of school buses to transport students safely and conveniently to and from school at Ellsworth AFB.

• Provide scheduled school bus transportation Monday through Friday, between 0700 and 1630, starting on or about the first day of school and ending on or about the last day of school.

• Buses must arrive at schools no earlier than 15 minutes prior to and no later than 5 minutes before the official school start time.

• Buses must pick up students within 10 minutes following the official school dismissal time.

• Prepare and submit a proposed bus route and schedule to the Contracting Officer for approval at least 30 days prior to the start of each school year.

• Provide sufficient buses of adequate size for all students, with a sufficient number of replacement buses available.

• Operate buses during snow and ice conditions unless schools are closed.

• Monitor school closings and early dismissals.

• Provide transportation for school make-up days.

• Bus service areas include Rushmore Heights Housing Area, Prairie View Housing Area, and Black Hills Estate.

• 3 or fewer valid defects per month for timely pick-up/delivery and condition of buses.

• Provide initial schedule on time and updated schedules within 3 days of changes.

• 0 incidents per month for submission of accident reports.

• Duration: Throughout the school year, with potential for option years.

• Place of Performance: Ellsworth AFB, SD.

• Personnel must meet South Dakota Commercial Driver's License requirements.

• Drivers must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

• Contractor personnel must conduct themselves professionally and refrain from inappropriate language/actions.

• Buses must be equipped with audio and visual recording equipment.

• Vehicles must meet federal and state regulations and pass annual South Dakota Highway Patrol inspection.

• Contractor must have a formal preventative maintenance program.

• Contractor must provide a contract manager responsible for performance.

• Security requirements include Childcare Background checks for personnel with regular contact with children.

• Compliance with base traffic regulations and prohibition of weapons/firearms/ammunition on installation.

• Live HD video streaming equipment is required to be installed on buses and at a reception point on base.

• Confidentiality of student and operational information must be maintained.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (FA469026Q0017) is for School Bus Service for student transportation to and from Ellsworth AFB and Douglas School District. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 485410, with a size standard of $30,000,000.00.

• Bus Service: For EAFB Children to Douglas School District.

• Video Streaming: For EAFB Children to Douglas School District.

• Internet Service: For Video Streaming.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Multiple periods are outlined, starting from July 1, 2026, and extending through June 30, 2031, with various option periods.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated in the provided pages, but the size standard for NAICS 485410 is $30,000,000.00.

• Offer Due Date: May 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to christian.depollar.2@us.af.mil and jayna.clements@us.af.mil in .pdf or Word format.

• Evaluation Factors: Quotes will be evaluated based on the following factors, with Past Performance and Technical Capability being more important than Price:

  1. Volume I - Past Performance
  2. Volume II - Technical Capability
  3. Volume III - Price

• Quote Preparation: Vendors must submit a four-part quote: Cover Page, Volume I (Past Performance), Volume II (Technical Capability), and Volume III (Price).

• The acquisition is 100% set aside for Small Business.

• The solicitation includes various FAR and DFARS clauses, including those related to payment, subcontracting limitations, and representations.

• Attachments include a Performance Work Statement (PWS), Wage Determination, Past Performance Questionnaire, and Price Schedule.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work on federal contracts in specific geographic areas.

• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles (e.g., Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Automotive Electrician, Computer Operator, Firefighter, etc.) along with their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing. Specific details on Health & Welfare benefits are provided, including rates for regular hours and those related to Executive Order 13706.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining their requirements and how they apply to contractors.
• Vacation and Holidays: Details the minimum paid vacation and holiday entitlements for employees.
• Hazardous Pay Differential: Specifies 8% and 4% differentials for work involving specific levels of hazard.
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for providing uniforms and reimbursement for cleaning costs.
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not explicitly listed in the determination.

This wage determination is crucial for bidders as it dictates the minimum labor costs associated with performing the contract. Bidders must factor these wage rates and fringe benefits into their pricing proposals to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to penalties. It helps bidders understand the baseline labor costs for various roles that may be involved in fulfilling the contract requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 4, the Price Schedule for Solicitation FA4690-26-Q-0017. It outlines the pricing structure for school bus services, including transportation, video streaming, and internet service, over a base year, four option years, and a six-month extension.

• Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs): Details specific services such as "School bus transportation services," "Video streaming for Ellsworth AFB school bus service," and "Internet Service for video streaming."
• Service Periods: The schedule covers a Base Contract, Option Year 1, Option Year 2, Option Year 3, Option Year 4, and a Six (6) Month Extension (IAW FAR CLAUSE 52.217-8).
• Quantities and Units: Specifies quantities in "Days" or "Months" for each service.
• Pricing: Provides columns for "UNIT PRICE" and "TOTAL," which are to be filled in by the bidder. The provided data shows a "0.0" for the base unit price, indicating that bidders must submit their proposed pricing.

Bidders must use this price schedule to submit their proposed costs for providing school bus services as described in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). This document is critical for developing a compliant and competitive proposal, as it dictates how pricing should be structured and submitted for each CLIN across the contract period, including potential option years and extensions.