99--Shuttle Service

The following are vendor questions and the Government's responses: QUESTION: In reading the request it is stated a vehicle: 3 "14-PASSENGER MINIMUM VEHICLES" TO BE PROVIDED. Regarding this vehicle: Does the contract have a preference or further specification? Does it distinguish between a "van" (single rear wheels), or a shuttle bus/minibus (dual rear wheels)? ANSWER: The Government does not have a preference between single rear wheels and dual rear wheels. Reason for or logic behind question: We offer both types of vehicles: 14 psg VANS, and 14 psg minibuses. The minibuses have dual rear wheels and many of our government contracts have required us to cease using the more traditional 14 psg van (14 passengers + a driver) because the United States DOT has declared them unsafe for more than 6 passengers and illegal to be used for transporting students. Will this concern and federal government safety issue have a bearing on this contract? ANSWER: Yes. This matter will be further researched which may result in bilateral modification of the resulting contract. QUESTION: We are able to offer 14 psg vans or 14 psg minibuses--we just need to know if this is an issue or concern and if there is a preference for a van or a minibus? ANSWER: The Government does not have a preference so long as the vehicle can transport at least 14 passengers. QUESTION: When the specification calls for a "14-PASSENGER MINIMUM" is there a desire or thought that a higher capacity vehicle would be better i.e. 20-25 psg, etc? ANSWER: No, the Government does not have an interest in a 20-25 person vehicle.