GHTD RFP #01-027 Joint Procurement Paratransit Vehicles

The Greater Hartford Transit District (GHTD) is soliciting proposals under RFP #01-027 for the purchase and delivery of various paratransit vehicles to serve the District and other participating agencies in Connecticut. The procurement includes fully accessible standard cutaway chassis minibuses with lifts, Ford Transit type buses with lifts, low floor wheelchair accessible buses, and ADA lowered floor minivans with side entry ramps. These vehicles must be designed for durable, frequent stop-and-go operation in both urban and rural environments and must be fully ADA compliant. The contract requires the use of the heaviest duty available suspension, drive train, and engines to ensure maximum reliability. The evaluation process is based on a weighted scoring system: 30 points for experience and qualifications, 30 points for technical product design and performance, 20 points for technical approach and production schedules, and 20 points for the cost proposal, where the lowest bidder receives maximum points. Awarded contractors must adhere to strict quality assurance standards, including onsite inspections at manufacturing facilities and comprehensive pre-delivery testing for road performance, electrical load, and water leaks. Deliveries to the GHTD are Free On-Board (FOB) Destination to East Hartford, Connecticut. Compliance requirements are extensive, incorporating Federal Transit Administration (FTA) terms, 2 CFR 200, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contractors must comply with the Davis-Bacon Act, the Copeland Anti-Kickback Act, and equal employment opportunity laws. Required documentation includes a firm production schedule within 60 days of pre-production and the provision of comprehensive repair and parts manuals. Proposals must be submitted in a specific binder format with a page limit of 80 double-sided pages, using 12-point font. Pricing for vehicles and optional equipment must remain firm for 180 days.