This is a public tender notice from the Lakewood Board of Education for Student Transportation Services for the **** school year. Sealed bids are due by 10:00 AM on Monday, April 20, 2026, and will be opened at the Lakewood Board of Education offices. Specifications and bid forms can be obtained from the purchasing office. Bidders must comply with affirmative action requirements. The contract term is for the **** school year, with potential for renewal. The successful bidder will be considered an independent contractor. Detailed provisions cover accident reporting, background checks for drivers and aides, insurance requirements, vehicle specifications, and penalties for non-compliance. A bid guarantee of 5% of the annual contract cost (not to exceed $50,000) is required. A performance bond equal to the annual contract amount will be required of the successful bidder. Bidders must submit a business registration certificate. The notice also outlines requirements for child abuse and neglect reporting, antidiscrimination provisions, and driver abstract record submissions. There is no pre-bid meeting scheduled.
The bid opening date is Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:00 a. m. Sealed bids must be received by this time.
The bid notice states that payment to contractors shall be made on or about the 30th day of the month, in monthly installments, beginning in October, provided an invoice and supporting documentation are submitted on a timely basis. Payment for the month of June will be made starting June 30th and continuing through July 15th.
The bid notice states that the Lakewood Board of Education intends to award a contract for transportation as soon as possible after the date set for the opening of bids. In the event of a tie bid for a route, the award will be based on the lowest cost for an aide, or if that also results in a tie, on the lowest increase/decrease adjustment cost. If all costs are the same, the award will be based on a coin toss.
Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of ****, c. 127 N. J. A. C. 17:27, affirmative action. Additionally, all bidders must submit a copy of their business registration certificate and a statement of ownership disclosure. Drivers must possess a valid CDL license with P and S endorsements and undergo criminal history background checks and tuberculosis testing.
The bid notice details a comprehensive list of penalties for transportation contractors for various infractions, including failure to report accidents, late arrivals, commingling of routes, equipment failure, missed pickups, unauthorized passengers, service failures, improper use of electronic equipment, and failure to report student absences. Penalties range from monetary fines to potential breach of contract and cancellation.
There will be no pre-bid meeting scheduled for bid ****.
The contractor may dispute penalties by serving notice of appeal upon the superintendent within 30 days of the penalty being served.
