Purchase of one (1) 2026 - 14 passenger minibus

The Town of Smithfield is soliciting proposals for the purchase of one 2026 14-passenger minibus for the Smithfield School Department, with a required delivery date prior to June 30, 2027. Vendors must provide a detailed vehicle description of all options and include a separate line item cost for the installation of an ADA-compliant wheelchair lift as an alternate. The vehicle must meet specific safety and visibility standards, including multiple emergency exits, a roof escape hatch, a factory-integrated backup camera and alarm, and powered heated exterior side mirrors with wide-angle blind-spot attachments. Proposals are due by October 30, 2026, and must be signed in ink, consisting of one original and three copies. Evaluation is based on a 100-point scale, weighted by pricing (35 points), company information and years in business (20 points), submission of required documents (20 points), status with the Rhode Island MPA or Government Purchasing Co-op (20 points), and whether the business is located in Smithfield (5 points). The Town Council will select a firm based on the evaluation committee's recommendation, subject to final action by the School Committee. Successful bidders must provide a certificate of insurance within five days of the award and certify they are not debarred or suspended from government participation. Additionally, the procurement mandates that MBEs and WBEs certified by the State of Rhode Island be awarded a minimum of 15 percent of the total project dollar value.