FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Tarleton State University is seeking a qualified vendor to provide professional driver and transportation services for its football equipment trailer, with services required for all scheduled away games, postseason events, and other designated activities across Texas. The contract is performance-based, with no guaranteed minimum volume, and will operate on an as-needed basis beginning June 30, 2026, without a fixed end date. The vendor must ensure safe, timely, and reliable transport under F.O.B. destination terms, bearing full responsibility for the trailer until accepted at the delivery point. Compliance with Department of Transportation regulations, federal and state laws including OSHA and ADA, and specific insurance requirements naming Texas A&M University as an additional insured are mandatory. Drivers must hold appropriate commercial licenses, and the vendor is expected to provide two drivers for long-distance trips. Equipment must be well-maintained with a robust contingency plan for failure, and all services must align with the university’s operational schedule, including last-minute changes due to postseason events. The evaluation for award is based on a best-value trade-off approach, with service approach and reliability carrying the highest weight at 25 points, followed by qualifications and experience at 20 points, staffing and driver qualifications at 15, equipment and contingency planning at 15, pricing at 15, and compliance and risk management at 10. Pricing, while important, is not the deciding factor. Vendors must submit a signed Execution of Offer, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Felony Conviction Notification, Insurance documentation, and an understanding of the 2026 anticipated schedule. The vendor must certify compliance with labor, civil rights, environmental, and safety laws, and must not engage in bribery, conflicts of interest, or illegal inducements. Indemnification, alcohol-and drug-free workplace policies, and good faith efforts to use Historically Underutilized Business subcontractors are required. Proposals must be submitted in hard copy and optionally via Jump Drive by June 16, 2026, with no late submissions accepted. Invoicing must be itemized, include the purchase order number, and be submitted to the university’s designated address, with payment due within 30 days of receipt. Contract administration will be handled by the Procurement & Contracts Department, though no named Contracting Officer’s Representative or technical representative is specified.