C26FI103254072- Request for Proposals (RFP) Manufacture and Delivery of a Base Order of Thirty (30) Clean Battery-Electric Transit Buses with Six (6) Options to Purchase up to Two Hundred Twenty (220) Additional Buses and Associated Spare Parts

The Chicago Transit Authority and Pace Suburban Bus are soliciting proposals for the manufacture and delivery of clean battery-electric transit buses and associated spare parts. The procurement includes a base order of 30 buses, consisting of 20 for CTA and 10 for Pace, with six options to purchase up to 220 additional vehicles. Delivery requirements specify that pilot buses for both agencies must be delivered within 150 calendar days of the Notice to Proceed, with production bus deliveries capped at two per day or 10 per week. The contract includes specific maintenance standards, with CTA utilizing 6,000-mile inspections and Pace utilizing 3,000-mile inspections. Proposals are evaluated based on project approach, firm qualifications, the U.S. Employment Plan, and price, listed in descending order of importance. Qualified firms must demonstrate a track record of three similar projects valued at no less than 15 million dollars each within the last ten years and provide three years of audited financial statements. The contract mandates strict adherence to Buy America requirements and Build America Buy America standards, as well as the provision of performance bonds and comprehensive insurance. Submissions must be made electronically via the Bonfire hub portal by June 1, 2026, and all communications must be directed exclusively to the Senior Procurement Administrator to avoid disqualification.