COACH BUS & VAN SERVICES (TRANSPORTATION FOR OUT-OF-STATE & LOCAL TRIPS)

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting bids for comprehensive Coach Bus & Van Services, specifically for transportation requirements for various out-of-state and local recreational and cultural trips, events, and activities. The successful contractor will provide chartered transportation services, including both the necessary vehicles and qualified operators, to destinations within New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The scope of work mandates that buses and vans must be clean, orderly, and in excellent condition, equipped with properly functioning restrooms, heating, air conditioning, and TV/DVD systems. Vehicles must also offer adequate storage for luggage and equipment, safely accommodating full loads of passengers and their belongings. The contractor's personnel are expected to assist with baggage loading and unloading, ensuring safety and proper handling. Furthermore, the services require a versatile fleet capable of accommodating groups ranging from 5-15 passengers in vans up to 45-55 passengers in coach buses. The City expects the newest and highest quality vehicles from the contractor's fleet to be assigned to this contract, with strict adherence to vehicle security when unoccupied. Contractors must be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergency response and problem resolution, and provide a single managerial contact for coordination. The City will provide schedules one week in advance, requiring vehicles to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Drivers must carry cell phones for emergencies and possess familiarity with all specified destinations, abiding by all driving and parking regulations across the covered states. Prospective contractors must ensure that all drivers possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a passenger endorsement, as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, maintain a good driving record free of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses, and have passed a physical examination within the last twelve months. Key mandatory documentation includes a Proposal Guarantee in the form of a Certified Check, Cashier's Check, or Bid Bond for 10% of the bid amount (not exceeding $20,000), along with a Consent of Surety from a New Jersey-authorized surety company guaranteeing a 100% Performance Bond upon contract award. Bidders are also required to submit a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Affirmative Action Evidence (such as a Federal Approval Letter or a New Jersey Certificate of Employee Information Report, or by completing Form AA302), a Statement of Ownership disclosing all stockholders or partners owning 10% or more interest, a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) from the NJ Division of Revenue, and a Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form. A Public Works Contractor Registration Certificate is also listed as a required document. Further submissions include an Acknowledgment of Receipt of Change to Bidder Document, Statement of Bidders Qualifications, Qualification Affidavit, Acknowledgment and Statement of Organization, Certification of Bidder's Status... Debarred Contractors, Insurance Requirements, Construction Experience Record, Subcontractor Utilization Certification, and a Bid Document Submission Checklist. There are no mandatory pre-bid meetings or site visits specified; however, bid packets are available for download from the City’s website or for purchase at the Division of Procurement for a non-refundable fee of $75.00. All proposals must be submitted in quadruplicate, comprising one original and three copies, enclosed in a sealed envelope. The envelope must be clearly marked with the bidder’s name and the title "COACH BUS & VAN SERVICES (TRANSPORTATION FOR OUT-OF-STATE & LOCAL TRIPS)" on the outside, and addressed to the Purchasing Agent, City of East Orange, Division of Procurement, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. The absolute deadline for bid submission and public opening is Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 12:00 PM prevailing local time, at East Orange City Hall, City Council Chamber, 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018. Bids may be mailed or hand-delivered; however, bids sent by mail must be received prior to the stated deadline. Late bids will be returned unopened. Required bid security includes a Proposal Guarantee (Bid Bond, Certified Check, or Cashier's Check) of 10% of the total bid, not to exceed $20,000, payable to the City of East Orange, NJ. A Consent of Surety is also mandatory, guaranteeing a 100% Performance Bond upon contract execution. The official contact for this solicitation is Lisa L. Jackson, Q.P.A., who serves as the City of East Orange's Purchasing Agent within the Division of Procurement. General inquiries related to procurement can be directed to the Division of Procurement at (973) 266-5162.