Inmate Transport Services Solicitation

The County of San Benito, hereinafter referred to as "County", invites responses to a Request for Proposals from qualified contractors to provide secure inmate transportation and related custody services on an as-needed basis. Services include in-state and interstate transportation to and from county jails, state prisons, medical offices, hospitals, and other locations designated by the County, including security at hospitals and medical appointments.

The selected contractor shall provide trained personnel, secure vehicles, equipment, dispatch coordination, and documentation necessary to perform these services. The County does not guarantee a minimum number of transports, hours, or contract expenditures.

Transportation and custody

Upon County request, the contractor shall accept custody of inmates designated by the Sheriff’s Office and transport them safely and punctually between authorized locations. The scope includes in-state and interstate transportation and hospital or medical appointment security requested by the County. The contractor shall not expand, reroute, subcontract, or otherwise change an assignment without County authorization, except when immediate action is necessary to protect life or safety.

Personnel serving as transportation officers shall satisfy applicable California Penal Code sections 831.6 and 832 requirements before transporting inmates. The contractor shall comply with applicable federal and state requirements and the Sheriff’s Office written policies provided for the assignment.

Dispatch and delivery

The contractor shall designate an account representative and provide a continuously available dispatch or emergency contact while assignments are underway. Proposals shall state operating hours, service area, routine scheduling lead times, urgent response capability, staffing capacity, and procedures for multiple simultaneous requests. [...] The contractor shall provide adequate backup personnel and vehicles to maintain service.

Inmate welfare and security

The contractor shall provide humane treatment, safe seating and restraints, access to drinking water, and reasonable restroom breaks. For transport exceeding six hours, the contractor shall provide at least one meal suitable for the inmate’s documented dietary needs. [...]

Personnel clearance and equipment

All personnel who enter the jail, transport inmates, or provide inmate security are subject to Sheriff’s Office clearance before assignment and throughout the contract. [...] The contractor shall furnish and maintain its own secure vehicles, restraints, communications equipment, safety equipment, and other supplies.

Implementation and transition

The contractor shall submit a startup plan describing staffing, clearances, dispatch procedures, policy orientation, vehicle readiness, communication with County staff, and the proposed commencement schedule.

Records, invoices and audit

The contractor shall keep records of requests, pickup and delivery times, custody transfers, personnel, routes, mileage, meals, incidents, and charges. Monthly, itemized invoices shall be submitted for services provided during the previous month.

Submission

Proposals must be received by 11/17/2026 at 5:00 PM PST through https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/cosb. Paper, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered proposals will not be accepted. Submit questions through the solicitation’s Questions and Answers feature.

Evaluation (maximum points)

• Responsiveness and completeness of proposal: 10
• Company background and capacity: 10
• Experience with comparable transportation and security contracts: 20
• Service approach staffing and implementation plan: 20
• Cost proposal: 40
• Total: 100

The County may conduct discussions or site visits with offerors reasonably susceptible of award, typically no more than the three highest ranked.

Contract term and payment

The proposed initial term is two years beginning 1/1/2027, with two optional one-year extensions by written mutual agreement and required approval. Payment will use approved rates and documented invoices within the contract monetary limit of **$50,000.00** per Fiscal year.

Insurance (proposed minimums)

• Commercial general liability on an occurrence basis: $2,000,000 per occurrence
• Automobile liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage
• Workers compensation: California statutory limits
• Employers liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease