Student Transportation Services

The Board of Education of the City of Chicago, commonly known as the Chicago Public Schools (the "Board" or "CPS" or the "District") invites the submission of proposals ("Proposals") from organizations ("Proposers") that wish to provide daily route services to and from school and/or electric vehicle bus leasing (hereinafter defined) to the Board. The Board reserves the right to (i) select one or more Proposers to provide the Services (hereinafter defined) outlined herein; (ii) reject any and all Proposals; and (iii) identify any areas where a conflict of interest may require limitations on a Proposer.

This RFP is soliciting proposals from qualified yellow bus student transportation providers who are capable of meeting the Board's transportation needs and requirements.

The Board is seeking greater operational and cost efficiencies with regard to student transportation services for public and non-public students participating in one or more of the below listed programs:

• Special Education: provide transportation to ambulatory and non-ambulatory students attending CPS facilities within the City of Chicago
• Temporary Living: provide transportation for students in temporary living situations or otherwise qualified for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
• Alternative Schools: provide transportation to students from option or alternative school programs
• Other Needs: provide such other transportation needs as the Board determines it might need from time to time

For the 2026-2027 school year, the Board expects to contract for an estimated fifteen hundred (1,500) AM & PM daily Route and five-hundred (500) mid-day runs.

Proposer shall submit pricing for each of the eight (8) zones within the Chicago Public School districts.

The Board requires that proposed costs be honored for the initial term of three (3) years.

The Board intends to implement awards in the summer of 2027, but may grant awards before or after that date.

**Submission method:** Proposals are to be submitted electronically according to the instructions contained in the Submittal Requirements section of the RFP. Responses must be received no later than **November 16, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. Chicago Time** through https://cps.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

Proposals submitted past the advertised date and hour for the Proposal receipt will not be considered and will be rejected.

Questions must be received no later than **October 27, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. Chicago Time** via Bonfire (preferred) or through the following email: sburton18@cps.edu. No telephone calls will be accepted.

STS reserves the right to conduct a site visit of Proposer's facilities in order to view Proposer's operations and practices.

A performance bond and certificate of insurance (see *Attachment E*) are required.