Explore Academy Student School Transportation RFP #2026-001 2026 - Albuquerque
Explore AcademySchool · Albuquerque, NM- Due
- May 28, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- May 4, 2026
- Contract term
- 1 year
- Primary contact
- Tina Kozlowski
- (505) 205-8353
The 30-second brief
Explore Academy is soliciting sealed proposals to establish a contract for student school transportation services for the 2026-2027 school year, covering approximately 20-21 daily bus routes (48-54 students per route) across Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Bernalillo areas. The contract term is for an initial one-year period commencing July 1, 2026, with the option for three annual renewal years. Proposals are due by May 28, 2026, at 11:59 AM MDT, following a mandatory intent to apply submitted by May 21, 2026. Vendors must demonstrate 3-5 years of relevant bus transportation experience, provide qualified drivers and support personnel (dispatch, maintenance, trainers, supervisors), and meet all New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) compliance, safety, GPS tracking, and insurance requirements.
20-21 AM/PM daily routes, Bus routing, Rostering, Student attendance tracking, GPS and cameras on all buses, Phone reception and dispatch service, Driver training, First aid and CPR training, Bus evacuation drills
Technical Specifications (Experience/Qualifications, Reliability, Proposed Services, Operational Plan) 20 pts, Organizational Experience 10 pts, Organizational References 10 pts, Required Deliverables 30 pts, Cost 20 pts, Financial Stability 10 pts
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Summary
Explore Academy is soliciting sealed proposals to establish a contract for student school transportation services for the 2026-2027 school year, covering approximately 20-21 daily bus routes (48-54 students per route) across Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Bernalillo areas.
The contract term is for an initial one-year period commencing July 1, 2026, with the option for three annual renewal years. Proposals are due by May 28, 2026, at 11:59 AM MDT, following a mandatory intent to apply submitted by May 21, 2026. Vendors must demonstrate 3-5 years of relevant bus transportation experience, provide qualified drivers and support personnel (dispatch, maintenance, trainers, supervisors), and meet all New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) compliance, safety, GPS tracking, and insurance requirements.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
6- Technical Specifications (Experience/Qualifications, Reliability, Proposed Services, Operational Plan) 20 pts
- Organizational Experience 10 pts
- Organizational References 10 pts
- Required Deliverables 30 pts
- Cost 20 pts
- Financial Stability 10 pts
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
9- 20-21 AM/PM daily routes
- Bus routing
- Rostering
- Student attendance tracking
- GPS and cameras on all buses
- Phone reception and dispatch service
- Driver training
- First aid and CPR training
- Bus evacuation drills
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
9- Signed Letter of Transmittal
- Response to Specifications
- Response to Contract Terms and Conditions
- Offeror’s Additional Terms and Conditions
- Signed Campaign Contribution Form
- Resident/Native American Resident Business Certificate or Resident Veteran Business Certificate
- Resident Veteran Business Preference Form
- Draft of Required NM PED Contract Document
- Reference Questionnaire forms (Appendix C)
REQUIRED STAFFING
5- Submit to
- Shared Google Folder provided upon completion of Intent to Apply submitted to [email protected]
- Duration
- 48 months
- Scope location
- Albuquerque, NM
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Explore Academy?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is May 28, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: Shared Google Folder provided upon completion of Intent to Apply submitted to [email protected]. For questions, contact Tina Kozlowski.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Explore Academy in NM, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Tina Kozlowski at (505) 205-8353. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What staffing is required for this project?
This solicitation outlines specific staffing requirements. The required roles include: Driver, Dispatcher, Maintenance Staff, Trainer, Supervisor. Proposers should demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience for each required role.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: 20-21 AM/PM daily routes, Bus routing, Rostering, Student attendance tracking, GPS and cameras on all buses, Phone reception and dispatch service, Driver training, First aid and CPR training, Bus evacuation drills. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Technical Specifications (Experience/Qualifications, Reliability, Proposed Services, Operational Plan) 20 pts, Organizational Experience 10 pts, Organizational References 10 pts, Required Deliverables..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Explore Academy?
All active and historical solicitations from Explore Academy are tracked and searchable. As a school agency, Explore Academy regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 1 year. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Signed Letter of Transmittal, Response to Specifications, Response to Contract Terms and Conditions, Offeror’s Additional Terms and Conditions, Signed Campaign Contribution Form, Resident/Native Ameri. Additionally, proposals should address staffing requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Review the full document from Explore Academy for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Albuquerque, NM. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.