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Francis Marion University - Spring 2027 Semester Charter Bus Transportation - IFB-2497 (2026)

Francis Marion University, Florence, SC·Higher Ed

18 days until submission deadline — October 19, 2026

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Sep 25, 2026
Posted Date
Oct 19, 2026
Submission Deadline
Primary Contact
Jennifer Hester · (843) 661-1161
Contract Term
0 years
Duration
5 months
Scope Location
Florence, SC
Submission Address
Francis Marion University, Purchasing Office, P.O. Box 100547, Florence, SC 29502-0547

SUMMARY

Francis Marion University is seeking bids from qualified contractors to provide charter bus transportation services for athletic teams, including men's and women's basketball, softball, baseball, tennis, and acrobatics and tumbling. Each successful contractor shall furnish all buses, drivers, fuel, maintenance, and materials necessary for trips originating from Florence, SC to various destinations across South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee. Services include local travel at destinations, handling of passenger baggage, and compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Bidders must meet a minimum $5,000,000 insurance coverage requirement, maintain a satisfactory FMCSA safety rating, and provide buses not older than fifteen years equipped with proper climate control and seating. The submission deadline is October 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST, with questions due by October 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. Award will be made on a lot-by-lot basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Lowest responsible and responsive bidder, lot-by-lot basis

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

SIGNED Cover Page and Page Two, Bid Submission from Section VIII. Bidding Schedule, Open Trade Representation Form, Vendor Application Form, W-9 Form, Non-Resident Taxpayer Form, Drug Free Workplace Act Affidavit, passenger protocol requirements, USDOT Company Snapshot, most recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report, proof of current operating authority

18
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Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this solicitation, answered from the record.

How do I respond to this Bid from Francis Marion University?

Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 19, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: Francis Marion University, Purchasing Office, P.O. Box 100547, Florence, SC 29502-0547. For questions, contact Jennifer Hester.

What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?

This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Lowest responsible and responsive bidder, lot-by-lot basis" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.

Where can I find more RFPs from Francis Marion University?

All active and historical solicitations from Francis Marion University are tracked and searchable. As a higher ed agency, Francis Marion University 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 0 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.

Is this solicitation still open for submissions?

Based on the posted deadline of October 19, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.

What documents are required to bid on this Bid?

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 Cover Page and Page Two, Bid Submission from Section VIII. Bidding Schedule, Open Trade Representation Form, Vendor Application Form, W-9 Form, Non-Resident Taxpayer Form, Drug Free Workplace A. Review the full document from Francis Marion University for the complete list.

Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this Bid?

Most government agencies, including Francis Marion University in SC, 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 Bid 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 Jennifer Hester at (843) 661-1161. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.

What is the scope of this project?

This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Florence, SC. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.

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