MPA 164 Bus Services

The State of Rhode Island is seeking licensed and qualified suppliers to establish a Master Price Agreement (MPA 164) for bus transportation services, including both school and coach buses, for in-state and out-of-state trips. This IDIQ-style contract allows various state agencies to issue task orders via a mini-bid process to pre-qualified vendors. The initial contract term is approximately three years, starting January 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027, with the possibility of two optional one-year renewals based on performance and funding. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Ocean State Procures portal by October 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Evaluation is based on the relative merits of the proposals, focusing on price, vendor qualifications, expertise, and availability, with a specific requirement to include at least one quote from a certified Minority, Women, or Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise during the mini-bid process. The State reserves the right to award based on cost alone or the best interest of the State. Vendors must adhere to strict formatting guidelines and provide comprehensive certifications regarding conflicts of interest, integrity, and legal compliance. Special requirements include tiered cyber and privacy liability insurance coverage ranging from 5 million to 20 million dollars depending on the criticality of the services and data handled. Additionally, vendors must comply with Rhode Island affirmative action requirements based on contract value and workforce size. Payment is managed through the Division of Purchases, with a 1 percent administrative fee withheld from invoices.