The School Board of Sarasota County, Florida, intends to establish firm fixed pricing for a period of one (1) year for charter bus services as needed and required by various schools within the School District of Sarasota County. Transportation needs as required for athletic teams, field trips, and other extra-curricular activities shall be by companies which meet the state requirements for transporting students as specified in Florida Statutes 1006.25 and 1012.45. All charters will be contracted for a minimum of five (5) hours; vehicles assigned to these minimum hour trips must remain available at all times for passenger service. On site bus requirements for trips over the 5-hour minimum and less than 10 hours shall be determined by the contracting school. Vehicles must remain with the passengers on extended trips of 10 hours or more or for trips of any duration beyond a 150-mile radius of the Contractor’s nearest depot or station. On all extended/overnight trips, the Contractor must plot the trip from the school to the destination point(s) and develop clear and precise directions/route itineraries for each driver in usable form and must provide at least one copy for the school. Vehicles must arrive at the school a minimum of 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Should a trip be late due to poor Contractor scheduling or interrupted due to mechanical or fuel problems, or for any other reason for which the Contractor is responsible which causes 25% or more of the scheduled performance to be missed, the Contractor will refund 100% of the charter fee. In addition to the charter fee, if 50% or more of a scheduled performance is missed due to the above-named deficiencies, the Contractor will be held liable for 100% of the performance admittance fees, registration fees, etc. In the event that extra food or lodging becomes necessary due to breakdowns or mechanical problems, or due to the inability of the Contractor to perform this service, the Contractor will be liable for any and all costs associated with these extra accommodations for students and staff. The above language prevails for disputes occurring as a result of default of the terms of these specifications. A Contractor who fails to pay said liquidated damages within fifteen (15) days after notification that liquidated damages are due shall lose eligibility to transact business with the district for a period of not less than one (1) year. Thereafter, the contractor may request to be reinstated to the active bidders’ list. An adequate number of spare vehicles must be maintained to ensure continuity of service in the event of breakdowns or mechanical failure. In the event of any incident of mechanical breakdown of the bus or a traffic accident, the driver(s) is to immediately contact the school principal. Transport requirements will be within Sarasota County and outside Sarasota County. Students and staff from more than one school may be transported on one bus; more than one pick-up and drop-off site may be required. Some trips may require storage of large quantities of equipment underneath. Some trips may require restroom facilities.
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