Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Specific Requirements: a. Qualifications of Offeror 1) All offerors shall be primarily engaged in the Charter Bus Transportation Services business and shall have been actively engaged in this field for a period of not less than 2 years. 2) Norfolk Public Schools reserves the right to inspect the offeror's vehicles and facility, including maintenance facilities, to perform such investigation as may be deemed necessary to ensure that competent personnel and management will be utilized in the performance of the contract. 3) No contract will be awarded except to responsible offerors fully capable of performing the work contemplated. Before the award of contract, any offeror may be required to show that they have the necessary facilities, experience, ability, and financial resources to perform this work on time and in a satisfactory manner. b. Vehicle Requirements 1) The Offeror shall list the variety and quantity of available fleet vehicles, including but not limited to full size buses (each providing minimum seating for 47-55 passengers); minicoaches and motor coaches. Full size buses shall be “Suburban or intercity coach” style accommodations (built on a “heavy” chassis as defined in the bus industry), with lavatory facilities, heat and air conditioning, tinted glass (preferable), overhead or underneath baggage or parcel racks storage, adequate headroom (a minimum of 74 inches preferable) and other features normally associated with comfortable suburban or intercity passenger service. The entry door’s height should be as low as is practical to permit easy boarding by elderly and handicapped passengers. In their proposal, the Offeror may also provide other types of vehicles such as motor coaches and mini-coaches. Except for Certified type A School buses, 12-15 passenger vans or sport utility vehicles are not permitted for the transportation of school children as specified by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard and Regulations Title 49, CFR part 571, specific to school buses. 2) Each vehicle shall be equipped to meet all applicable federal and state Highway Specifications, Interstate Commerce Commission specifications and state specifications, safety standards, emission requirements, and handicap provisions. Buses may have a front destination sign above the windshield. 3) The Offeror shall state if any of their vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts to allow persons with wheelchairs to easily board the bus. 4) Each vehicle shall be maintained in good working condition, to include but not be limited to properly functioning reclining seats, overhead bins that close, and operable interior lights, if applicable. Buses should not be more than ten (10) years old. Overall appearance, interior and exterior, must be clean, in good repair, and free of unpleasant odors. c. Operational Requirements 1) The Contractor shall be responsible for paying all toll charges, licenses, fees, taxes, parking fees, violation fines, fuel, and other operating costs incurred by the Contractor as a part of providing these services. There shall be no adding on charges of any kind. 2) All vehicles shall be equipped with two-way radios, cellular telephones, or similar equipment that will enable communication with the Contractor’s administrative and maintenance facility. 3) Drivers shall not operate any personally owned communication device while driving. Texting while driving is specifically prohibited. 4) Drivers shall not smoke at any time while on the bus or while providing any other services under this contract. Drivers may smoke when on authorized breaks outside of the bus and away from children. All Norfolk Public School campuses are tobacco free. No smoking is allowed on any NPS grounds. 5) The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all other functions necessary for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the vehicle service that are not specifically discussed herein. 6) Norfolk Public Schools district has the right to revise or cancel trips due to snow emergency or other weather conditions, within (8) eight hours’ notice prior to the first pick-up, without financial penalty.
