School bus lease

The Avon Public Schools has issued a solicitation for a three-year lease of five Type C conventional school buses, each accommodating 77 passengers, with the lease starting on July 1, 2025, and concluding on June 30, 2028. Additionally, the district seeks to purchase one 7D school bus/van and one 7D wheelchair-accessible school van, both to be available by late August 2025. The buses must meet detailed specifications emphasizing safety, durability, and compliance with federal and Massachusetts state regulations. The 77-passenger buses are to be powered by diesel engines with a light-colored paint for leak inspection, equipped with advanced safety features such as hydraulic disc brakes with ABS, LED lighting, heated mirrors, and comprehensive safety equipment including fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and child check systems. Interior features include fire-retardant seats with adjustable driver seats, rubber flooring, and modern communication systems like Bluetooth-enabled radios. The buses are also required to have specific lettering, signage, and reflective markings to meet regulatory standards, along with warranties covering five years of bumper-to-bumper coverage. The 7D vans, both standard and wheelchair accessible, are designed for school transportation with features such as full-sized RWD configurations, vinyl bucket seats, and modern safety and communication systems including backup alarms, cameras, and FMVSS226-compliant windows. The wheelchair van includes a fully automatic Braun Millennium lift, space for two wheelchairs, and specialized flooring with securement tracks and tie-downs. Both vehicle types must adhere to strict Massachusetts 7D inspection requirements, including emissions standards, safety equipment, and proper lettering with school and regulatory markings. The specifications also mandate full undercoating, heavy-duty suspension, and compliance with all federal and state transportation regulations, ensuring the vehicles are safe, reliable, and suitable for student transportation needs. The contract emphasizes passing all inspections upon delivery and includes detailed requirements for wiring, signage, safety features, and accessibility to ensure operational readiness and regulatory compliance throughout the contract term.