School Bus Services Sources Sought
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 Department of the Air Force is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified vendors for School Bus Services at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. This market research aims to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for a possible future acquisition. Responses are due February 6, 2026.
Purpose
This is a Sources Sought announcement for market analysis only; no award will be made from this notice, and no solicitation is available at this time. The Air Force seeks to identify sources capable of providing school bus services for approximately 250-350 K-12 students at Ellsworth AFB. All responses will inform the acquisition strategy for a potential future requirement.
Scope of Work
The requirement, as detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), includes providing and maintaining necessary school buses and personnel for safe and convenient transportation. Services are required Monday through Friday, approximately 0700 to 1630, aligned with the school year. Key responsibilities include:
- Adhering to specific morning arrival and afternoon pickup windows.
- Preparing and submitting bus routes and schedules for approval, serving Rushmore Heights, Prairie View, and Black Hills Estate housing areas.
- Ensuring buses accommodate all students and providing transportation on make-up days and during crisis operations as directed.
Performance Standards & Special Requirements
- Performance: Timeliness (3 or fewer valid defects/month), timely schedule updates, accident reporting, and bus condition.
- Personnel: Requires a Contract Manager. All personnel must be proficient in English, conduct themselves professionally, and drivers must meet South Dakota CDL requirements. Childcare background checks are mandatory for personnel with regular child contact.
- Vehicles: Buses must meet federal and state regulations, undergo annual SD Highway Patrol inspection, and be equipped with audio/visual recording and on-board communication. Live HD video streaming is also required. A preventative maintenance program is essential.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Aligned with the school year, including a base year and option years (as per PWS).
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: February 6, 2026
- Published: January 23, 2026
- Place of Performance: Ellsworth AFB, SD (57706)
Submission Requirements
Interested parties are invited to submit a complete capabilities package, including:
- Company name, address, POC, phone, email, website, and CAGE Code.
- Business size and socioeconomic status (e.g., Small Business, 8A, HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB).
- Positive statement of intent to bid as a prime contractor.
- Joint Venture, Partnering Agreement, or Mentor-Protégé information (if applicable).
- Listing of government contracts held over the last three years.
- If small business, intent to submit as prime.
- Most critical criteria distinguishing capabilities. Responses should be submitted electronically to CHRISTIAN.DEPOLLAR.2@US.AF.MIL and JOSHUA.JOHNSON.233@US.AF.MIL with the reference "School Bus Services 5 Year IDIQ." No phone inquiries will be accepted.