PAX Buses - Sources Sought

773d Force Support Squadron (FSS), JBER, Alaska Page 1 SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS Requirement Title: Procurement of Three (3) 14-Passenger Commercial Buses Requiring Activity: 773d Force Support Squadron (FSS), Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska Project Objective: The contractor shall deliver three (3) brand-new, current model year 14-passenger commercial buses suitable for transporting youth safely in cold-weather conditions at JBER. 1. SCOPE & GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS These salient characteristics describe the minimum acceptable physical, functional, and performance requirements of the vehicles. Items delivered under this contract must meet or exceed all specifications outlined below to ensure safe, year-round operation within the sub-arctic climate of Anchorage, Alaska. 2. DIMENSIONS, CAPACITY & MANEUVERABILITY To support the Child and Youth Program (CYP) with transport using standard division staff, the vehicle must meet the following configuration limits: • Passenger Capacity: Must accommodate a minimum of fourteen (14) ambulatory passengers plus one (1) driver (Total 15 seats). • CDL Exemption: The passenger configuration must ensure the vehicle does not require the driver to possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) under state or federal regulations. • Wheelbase: Approximately 158 inches to balance cabin room and maneuverability on municipal/base roads. • Overall Exterior Dimensions: • Maximum exterior height: 113 inches. • Maximum exterior width: 96 inches. • Interior Headroom: A minimum of 76 inches of interior headroom to allow adult staff to stand comfortably. 3. ENGINE, CHASSIS & PERFORMANCE The vehicle must be capable of carrying full loads over hilly terrain and snow-packed roads: • Engine Type: Heavy-duty 7.3L Gasoline V8 engine (Ford Premium or equivalent). • Transmission: Torqshift 6-speed automatic transmission with electronic overdrive capabilities. • Chassis Package: Ford E450 Shuttle Bus Package (or equivalent) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 14,500 lbs. • Axles & Springs: • Front GAWR: Minimum 5,000 lbs with heavy-duty front springs. -- 1 of 3 -- SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS | Procurement of Three (3) 14-Passenger Commercial Buses 773d Force Support Squadron (FSS), JBER, Alaska Page 2 • Rear GAWR: Minimum 9,600 lbs. • Rear axle ratio: 4.56 non-limited slip. • Tires: Dual rear wheels configuration (six wheels total) equipped with premium all-season radial tires (LT225/75RX16E, Hankook or equivalent). 4. CLIMATE CONTROL & WINTERIZATION PACKAGE (ALASKA CLIMATE READY) Due to extreme sub-zero temperatures at JBER, the buses must include advanced insulation and heating: • Auxiliary Cabin Heating: Minimum 42,000 BTU auxiliary rear cabin heater equipped with an under-body shut-off valve. • Engine Block Heater: Must include a factory-installed engine block heater. • Heavy-Duty Alternator: Extra heavy-duty alternator with a minimum rating of 210 Amps to support active heater loads and accessories. • Dual Batteries: Heavy-duty dual batteries rated at a minimum of 78 Amp, 750 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) each. • Primary Air Conditioning: Standard front dash air conditioning. • Auxiliary Air Conditioning: Minimum 67,000 BTU auxiliary rear cabin air conditioning system (minimum total system performance rating of 82,000 BTU combined). 5. BODY & STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY • Galvanized Steel Structure: 16-gauge galvanized (zinc-coated) insulated steel roof bow construction for rollover protection. • Side Impact Barriers: Minimum 16-gauge steel interior side panels and a 3/16" L-shaped incorporated seat rail running the full length of the body to protect passengers during side-impact events. • Insulation: High-efficiency insulation (R6 Value or equivalent) utilizing a minimum of 1.5-inch fiberglass throughout the entire body structure, roof bows, electrical panels, and caps to prevent condensation and cabin heat loss. • Undercoating: Standard premium body undercoating (modified wax or equivalent) to prevent galvanic corrosion from Alaska road salts. 6. SAFETY, DRIVER ASSISTANCE & VEHICLE ACCESS • Safety Controls: Built-in electronic stability control, hill start assist, and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS). • Visibility: • Heated, power-adjustable remote exterior mirrors (Velvac or equivalent). • High-visibility "More-View" blind-spot glass near the passenger entrance (minimum 411 sq in). • Access Door: Electrical outward-opening passenger entrance door (minimum 32-inch opening) with low-step entry and LED stepwell lighting. • Emergency Exits: -- 2 of 3 -- SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS | Procurement of Three (3) 14-Passenger Commercial Buses 773d Force Support Squadron (FSS), JBER, Alaska Page 3 • Interlocked rear emergency door with gas shock retainers and an integrated ajar buzzer. • A minimum of two (2) push-out tinted emergency exit windows on side walls. • Safety Equipment: Back-up camera with mirror-integrated screen, back-up safety horn (minimum 112 dBA), multi-state medical/first-aid kit, 5 lb dry chemical fire extinguisher, and roadside warning triangles. 7. PASSENGER CABIN & INTERIOR • Seating Model: Seven (7) Freedman 35" High-Back double seats (or equivalent) in Level 4 Repel cloth (Rock Gray or equivalent) to maximize durability and cleanup efficiency. • Seat Belts: Retractable three-point (3-point) seat belts for all fourteen (14) passenger positions. • Armrests: Retractable armrests installed on the aisle-side of all passenger seats. • Flooring: Anti-skid fully sealed grey rubber flooring without metal covings. • Entertainment/Comm: AM/FM radio with Bluetooth capability and a USB input, integrated with central ceiling speakers. 8. WARRANTY & FOB DELIVERY TERMS • Delivery: Free On Board (FOB) Destination to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, AK 99501. • Inspection: A positive pressure water infiltration test must be performed by the manufacturer prior to delivery to ensure proper water seal of all joints and gaskets. • Warranty: Standard manufacturer's…