Request for Proposals (RFP) (2026)
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Request for Proposals (RFP)
Seneca Transit System (STS) Bus Service
Seneca Nation of Indians
Department of Transportation
Seneca Allegany Administration Building
90 Ohi:yo’ Way
Salamanca, NY 14779
Issue Date: June 2, 2026
Proposal Due Date:
August 3, 2026
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 1 of 134
Table of Contents
Public Notice ...............................................................................................................................................4
Instructions to Respondents ......................................................................................................................6
Protest Procedures ...................................................................................................................................12
General Information ................................................................................................................................15
Additional Terms and Conditions ..........................................................................................................16
Material to be Submitted with Bid .........................................................................................................19
Section A:
Specifications ....................................................................................................................21
I.
Scope ...........................................................................................................................................21
II.
Contract Term .............................................................................................................................25
III.
Credentials ..................................................................................................................................25
IV.
Definitions...................................................................................................................................26
V.
Technical Specifications .............................................................................................................28
VI.
Operations and Procedures .........................................................................................................32
VII.
Personnel Requirements..............................................................................................................37
VIII.
Termination of Agreement ..........................................................................................................39
IX.
Insurance Requirements ..............................................................................................................40
X.
Fuel .............................................................................................................................................40
XI.
Rates & Schedule Requirements .................................................................................................41
XII.
Financial and Reporting ..............................................................................................................42
XIII.
Past Performance ........................................................................................................................43
XIV. Bid in Excess of Funding ............................................................................................................44
Section B: Required Services and Cost Information ............................................................................45
Basis of Award ........................................................................................................................................46
Exhibits ...................................................................................................................................................48
B-1: Bus Route Schedule ....................................................................................................................48
B-2: Bus Route Map ...........................................................................................................................49
B-3: Allegany Circulator Schedule .....................................................................................................50
B-4: Allegany Circulator Map ............................................................................................................51
B-5: Basis of Estimated Miles and Hours…………………………………………………………...52
B-6: Cost Pricing Form…………………………………………………………………………… 54
B-7: Proposal Evaluation Factors………………………………………………………………… 55
Appendix A: Bid/Proposal Performance of Contract with the Seneca Nation of Indians ...............58
Appendix B: Waiver of Immunity Pursuant to Section 103a .............................................................59
Appendix C: Certification of Bidder/Proposer Regarding Equal Employment Opportunity ........60
Appendix D: Iranian Energy Divestment Certification ......................................................................61
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Appendix E: Lobbying Certification ....................................................................................................62
Appendix F: Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, or Voluntary Exclusion Certification.............63
Appendix G: Legal Status Information ................................................................................................65
Appendix H: Non-Collusive Bidding and Ineligible Proposal Certification(s) .................................66
Appendix I: Bid/Proposal Form ...........................................................................................................68
Appendix J: Proposed Third-Party Lease and Service Agreement ..................................................69
Appendix K: Proposed Third-Party Agreement .................................................................................74
Appendix L: Seneca Nation Business License ...................................................................................104
Appendix M: Notification of Intent to Bid Form ..............................................................................108
Appendix N: Request for Clarification Form ...................................................................................109
Appendix O: Performance Measures .................................................................................................110
Appendix P: FY 26 Certifications & Assurances ..............................................................................111
Appendix Q: Seneca Nation Fuel Charge Process ………………………………………………… 133
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PUBLIC NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
SENECA NATION OF INDIANS
SENECA TRANSIT SYSTEM (STS) BUS SERVICE
Requests for Proposals are being solicited by the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI), Department of
Transportation (DOT), to retain a Third-Party Contract Operator of Fixed Route Deviation Seneca
Transit System (STS) bus service. Seneca Transit System bus service is subject to New York State
Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Rules and Regulations Part 975 Statewide Mass
Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA) Program. The Contractor will provide Inter-Territory and
Intra-Territory Bus Service between Irving, Salamanca, and Steamburg, New York, and the environs of
the Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories of the Seneca Nation of Indians and Cattaraugus and Erie
Counties. The Contractor will provide Circulator Bus Service on the Allegany and Cattaraugus
Territories as specified in the Request for Proposals.
The term of contract services sought under this procurement shall be from October 1, 2026, through
September 30, 2027, with an option to renew for up to three (3) one (1) year extensions.
A Pre-Bid/Proposal Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00am (EST) in the
Second (2) Floor Conference Room of the Seneca Allegany Administration Building, 90 Ohi:yo’ Way,
Salamanca, NY 14779. Additionally, the pre-proposal conference will be available via TEAMs. Link
provided below.
Pre-Bid/ Proposal Conference Meeting
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28361432165047?p=aUHSdsMVaf64omncK6
Meeting ID: 283 614 321 650 47
Passcode: QG2NC7yH
Dial in by phone
+1 929-352-2272,,811635237# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 811 635 237#
Bid/proposals will be accepted until Monday, August 3, 2026, no later than 2:00 p.m. (EST) at the
offices of the Seneca Nation of Indians Department of Transportation, Seneca Allegany Administration
Building, 90 Ohi:yo’ Way, P.O. Box 231, Salamanca, New York 14779. Bid/proposals must be
submitted on the provided Bid/Proposal Form. All bid/proposals must be sealed and clearly marked in
accordance with the requirements of the Instructions to bidders/proposers.
ATTENTION:
SENECA NATION OF INDIANS
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
SENECA TRANSIT SYSTEM (STS) BUS SERVICE RFP
TAMMY JIMERSON, TRANSIT ADMINISTRATOR
Instruction documents are on file at the Seneca Nation Department of Transportation Office, where
copies and clarifications of the proposal documents may be requested in writing (email, fax or hard
copy):
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Tammy Jimerson
Transit Administrator
Department of Transportation
Seneca Allegany Administration Bldg.
90 Ohi:yo’ Way
P.O. Box 231
Salamanca, NY 14779
P: 716-945-1790
F: 716-945-8113
E: tammy.jimerson@sni.org
All responses to the RFP must include executed copies of the required Certification and Bid/Proposal
Forms. Any responses not containing these items, or any submissions that are not postmarked by the U.
S. Post Office or received at the time and place designated in this RFP will not be considered.
An executed Non-Collusive Bidding Certification shall accompany each proposal. Failure to provide
this certification will result in not having the bid/proposal read. No Respondent may withdraw their
bid/proposal for a period of forty-five (45) days after opening.
The contract award will be made by the Seneca Nation after consideration of Proposal/Bid Evaluation
Factors, as listed in the Request for Bid/Proposal Document.
Questions concerning the Request for Proposal Specifications and Requests for Clarification are
required by Tuesday, June 30, 2026, no later than 4:00 pm (EST). Only questions and requests received
in writing (email, fax or mail hard copy) on the provided Request for Clarifications Form and addressed
to the contact below will be considered.
Tammy Jimerson
Transit Administrator
Department of Transportation
Seneca Allegany Administration Bldg.
90 Ohi:yo’ Way
P.O. Box 231
Salamanca, NY 14779
P: 716-945-1790
F: 716-945-8113
E: tammy.jimerson@sni.org.
The SNI DOT will attempt to respond to Requests for Clarification by Friday July 17, 2026. Only
requests submitted on the form provided and received by the time and date listed above will be
addressed. All responses to requests shall be in writing (email or fax or mail hard copy) and shall be
delivered to all respondents. If necessary, the SNI DOT will issue addenda(s) to modify conditions or
requirements of this RFP to bidder/proposer no later than Friday, July 24, 2026.
Prospective bidders/proposers are advised that the services provided under any contract arising from this
procurement may be financed, in part, by grants provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the contract award is subject to the
approval and availability of grant funding. In the event of withdrawal or reduction of said grant funds, a
reduction or termination of the services requested pursuant to this RFP may be required.
Required Federal Transit Administration and New York State Contract Clauses and Certifications are
included in the RFP Documents. All applicable laws, rules, and regulations shall apply to the contract
awardee, and to be executed by the successful bidder/proposer. Contract award related to this Request
for Proposal is subject to review and approval by NYSDOT.
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With respect to any agreement by the successful bidder/proposer in response to this Request for
Proposal, the Seneca Nation does NOT waive its sovereign immunity, and nothing contained herein
shall be construed as a waiver of the sovereign immunity of the Seneca Nation.
All potential respondents are notified that disadvantaged and women-owned enterprises are encouraged
to submit responses to this request. The Seneca Nation will ensure that respondents to this request, will
not be discriminated against based on sex, race, color, creed or national origin in consideration of an
award.
The Seneca Nation reserves the right to reject any or all bids/proposals, to waive any informality, and to
withdraw this solicitation at any time. The Seneca Nation is an equal opportunity employer.
INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS
SENECA NATION OF INDIANS
SENECA TRANSIT SYSTEM (STS) BUS SERVICE PROPOSAL
1. BID/PROPOSAL FORM
Bid/proposals shall be submitted in accordance with Section B appended to these Request for Proposal
Specifications or the bid/proposal will not be considered. Bid/Proposals must be typed or printed in ink.
Original autograph signatures in ink are required. Two (2) originals of bid/proposal and appendices shall
be provided. Facsimile or rubber stamp signatures will not be accepted. All blanks must be filled in with
the required information. If a bidder/proposer does not desire to submit a bid/proposal on a specific item
for which a bid/proposal is requested, the designation “N/B” or “No Bid” must be entered.
2. CHANGES
Any change in wording or interlineations by a bidder/proposer of the inquiry as published by Seneca
Nation shall be reason to reject the bid/proposal of such bidder/proposer, or in the event that such change
in the Request for Proposals is not discovered prior to entering into a contract, to void any contract entered
into pursuant to such bid/proposal.
3. INFORMALITIES
The Seneca Nation may consider any bid/proposal not prepared and submitted in accordance with the
provisions hereof to be informal and may waive any informalities or reject any and all bids/proposals.
The contract award will be made by the Seneca Nation after consideration of Proposal Evaluation Factors.
Conditional bids/proposals will not be accepted.
4. BID/PROPOSAL TIME
Any bid/proposal may be withdrawn prior to the above scheduled time for the opening of bids/proposals,
or authorized postponement thereof. Any bid/proposal received after the time specified will not be
considered. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder/proposer to ensure delivery of their bid/proposal to
the Seneca Nation Department of Transportation at the time and place specified herein, and the Seneca
Nation Department of Transportation shall have no liability or responsibility, therefore.
5. INVESTIGATIONS
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The Seneca Nation may make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the ability of the
proposer to perform the work, and the bidder/proposer shall furnish to the Seneca Nation all such
information and data for this purpose as the Seneca Nation may request. The Seneca Nation reserves the
right to reject any bid/proposal if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such bidder/proposer fails
to satisfy the Seneca Nation that such bidder/proposer is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of
the contract and to complete the work contemplated therein.
6. BIDDER/PROPOSAL ENVELOPE
Each bid/proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked as to the contents therein,
bearing on the outside the name and address of the bidder/proposer and clearly marked as “Seneca Nation
of Indians Department of Transportation, Seneca Transit System (STS) Bus Service Bid/Proposal, Attn:
Tammy Jimerson, Transit Administrator,” and the time and date of the opening should also be visible. If
sent by mail, the sealed envelope containing the proposal must be enclosed in another envelope labeled as
specified.
7. NON-COLLUSIVE CERTIFICATION
A Non-Collusive Bidding Certification shall be made by each bidder/proposer in the form provided and
shall be submitted as part of the bid/proposal. Bid/proposals submitted without Non-Collusive Bidding
Certifications will be considered irregular and may be rejected by the Seneca Nation. The required
certification is included in Appendix H.
8. CONTRACT AWARD
The contract award will be made by the Seneca Nation after consideration of Proposal Evaluation Factors.
9. EXECUTORY CLAUSE
This Executory Clause shall be part of any agreement entered into pursuant to this RFP:
“It is understood by all parties that in accordance with the provisions and specifications of this
Request for Proposal, the Bid/Proposal Specifications that are a part of this agreement shall be
deemed to be executory only to the extent of the monies available to the Seneca Nation and
appropriated therefore, and no liability on account thereof shall be incurred by the Seneca Nation
beyond the monies available and appropriated for the purpose thereof.”
10. DELIVERY SCHEDULE
Failure to meet the delivery schedule for the services as per the accepted bid/proposal may result in legal
action by the Seneca Nation to recover damages. Without limiting the foregoing, and in addition to other
remedies available, in the event that the contractor fails to perform in accordance with the terms of this
RFP and/or the contract awarded, the Seneca Nation may secure a substitute service provider, and deduct
the cost thereof from any sums then or thereafter due to the contractor from a contract for these services
or any other contract between the contractor and the Seneca Nation.
11. TAXES
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No taxes are to be billed to the Seneca Nation. Bid/proposals shall not include any Federal, State or local
excise, sales, transportation, or other tax unless Federal or State law specifically levies such tax on
purchases made by a political subdivision.
12. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
The successful bidder/proposer shall comply with all laws, rules, regulations and ordinances of the Seneca
Nation, the Federal Government, the State of New York and any other political subdivision or regulatory
body which may apply to its performance under said contract.
13. SENECA NATION LAWS, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS
To the extent the Seneca Nation has adopted or enacted laws, ordinances, policies or regulations that
may be applicable, the Seneca Nation will work with the contractor to identify and to provide guidance
as to compliance with such applicable Seneca Nation laws, ordinances, policies and/or regulations.
Business License
The Contractor, including any subcontracted work, in performance of the agreement is subject to the
regulations and requirements of the Seneca Nation Business Code. The Contractor agrees to perform all
of its obligations under this agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Seneca Nation Business
Code as provided in Appendix L
14. NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT
In connection with execution of this contract, the contractor will not discriminate against any applicant
for employment because of age, race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The contractor shall
practice affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during
employment, without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Such actions shall
include, but not be limited to, recruiting and related advertising, layoff or termination, upgrading,
demotion, transfer, rates of pay and compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship.
The contractor will post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment,
notices setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.
15. CONTRACT ASSIGNMENTS
The bidder/proposer shall not assign, transfer, sublet, or otherwise dispose of this contract, or of its right,
title, interest or obligations in and under this contract, or its power to execute the same, to any other person
or corporation without the previous written consent of the President of the Seneca Nation, which consent
may be withheld for any reason.
16. ALTERNATE ITEMS
If services other than those specified in this RFP document are offered, the bidder/proposer must so state
and furnish at the time of the RFP opening, if so requested, and as part of their bid/proposal, a complete
description of the service offered, and a detailed explanation of the differences between the service
specified and the service offered. If in the opinion of the Seneca Nation, sufficient detail is not presented
as part of the sealed proposal to permit definite evaluation of any substitute service, the bid/proposal will
not be considered.
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17. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Any additional information which a bidder/proposer desires to add to the proposal shall be written on a
separate sheet of paper, attached to, and submitted with the formal sealed bid/proposal, to be read at the
formal RFP Opening.
18. HOLD HARMLESS
The successful bidder/proposer to whom the contract is awarded shall indemnify and hold harmless
Seneca Nation and its agents and employees from and against all claims, damages, losses or causes of
action arising out of, or resulting from, such contractor performance pursuant to this RFP.
19. BID/PROPOSAL VALIDITY
The bid/proposal is firm and irrevocable for a period of forty-five (45) days from the date and time of the
bid/proposal opening. If a contract is not awarded within the forty-five (45) day period, then a
bidder/proposer, to whom the bid/proposal has not been awarded, may withdraw bid/proposal by serving
written notice of his intention to do so upon the President of the Seneca Nation.
20. CONTRACT INTEREST
No official or employee of the Seneca Nation, who is authorized in such capacity, and on behalf of the
Seneca Nation, to negotiate, make, accept or approve or to take part in negotiating, making, accepting, or
approving a contract to be awarded in connection with this RFP shall become directly or indirectly
interested personally in such contract or in any part thereof. No officer or employee of, or for the Seneca
Nation, who is authorized in such capacity, and on behalf of the Seneca Nation, to exercise any
supervisory, administrative, or other function, in connection with a contract to be awarded in connection
with this RFP, shall become directly or indirectly interested personally in such contract or in any part
thereof.
21. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
The Common Grant Rules require each recipient to maintain written standards of conduct governing the
performance of its employees that are engaged in or otherwise involved in the award or administration
of third-party contracts.
a. Personal Conflicts of Interest. As provided in the Common Grant Rules and in the Federal
Transit Administration (FTA) Master Agreement, no employee, officer, agent, or board
member, or his or her immediate family member, partner, or organization that employs or is
about to employ any of the foregoing individuals may participate in the selection, award, or
administration of a contract supported with FTA assistance if a conflict of interest, real or
apparent, would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when any of those individuals
previously listed has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for award.
b. Gifts. The recipient’s officers, employees, agents, or board members may neither solicit nor
accept gifts, gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential
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contractors, or parties to subcontracts. The recipient may set minimum rules when the
financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal intrinsic value.
c. Violations. To the extent permitted by the Seneca Nation, Federal, State or local law or
regulations, such standards of conduct will provide for penalties, sanctions, or other
disciplinary action for violation of such standards by the recipient’s officers, employees,
agents, board members, or by contractors, subcontractors, or sub-recipients or their agents.
22. PRICE IS FIRM
The unit prices shall remain firm, and any other charges bid/proposal shall also remain firm, for delivery
of the services described in this RFP. Except as specifically stated in these RFP specifications, no cost
increase shall be charged for any reason whatsoever.
23. SINGLE PROPOSAL/TOO FEW PROPOSALS
In the event that only one bid/proposal, or if in the sole opinion of the Seneca Nation too few bid/proposals
are received to ensure a reasonable price, the Seneca Nation may request from the bidder/proposer a price
or cost analysis in such detail as to permit the Seneca Nation to determine and ensure a reasonable price
has been received. As result of this submission, the Seneca Nation will make the award by negotiation or
reject all bid/proposal(s).
24. IRANIAN ENERGY SECTOR DIVESTMENT:
1. Bidder/proposer hereby represents that said Bidder/Proposer is in compliance with New York State
General Municipal Law Section 103-g entitled “Iranian Energy Sector Divestment”, in that said
bidder/proposer has not:
a. Provided goods or services of $20 Million or more in the energy sector of Iran including
but not limited to the provision of oil or liquefied natural gas tankers or products used to
construct or maintain pipelines used to transport oil or liquefied natural gas for the energy
sector of Iran; or
b. Acted as a financial institution and extended $20 Million or more in credit to another
person for forty-five days or more, if that person’s intent was to use the credit to provide
goods or services in the energy sector in Iran.
2. Any bidder/proposer who has undertaken any of the above and is identified on a list created
pursuant to Section 165-a (3)(b) of the New York State Finance Law as a person engaging in
investment activities in Iran, shall not be deemed a responsible bidder/proposer pursuant to Section
103 of the New York State General Municipal Law.
3. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, every bidder/proposer submitting a bid/proposal
in response to this Request for Proposal must certify and affirm the following under penalties of
perjury:
a. “By submission of this bid/proposal, each bidder/proposer and each person signing on
behalf of any bidder/proposal certifies, and in the case of a joint bid/proposal, each party
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thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its
knowledge and belief, that each bidder/proposer is not on the list created pursuant to NYS
Finance Law Section 165-a (3)(b).”
The Seneca Nation will accept this statement electronically in accordance with the
provisions of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.
4. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, any bid/proposal that is submitted without having
complied with subdivision (a) above, shall not be considered for award. In any case where the
bidder/proposer cannot make the certification as set forth in subdivision (a) above, the
bidder/proposer shall state and shall furnish with the bid/proposal a signed statement setting forth
in detail the reasons therefore. The Seneca Nation reserves its rights, in accordance with General
Municipal Law Section 103-g to award the bid/proposal to any bidder/proposer who cannot make
the certification, on a case-by-case basis under the following circumstances:
a. The investment activities in Iran were made before April 12, 2012, the investment activities
in Iran have not been expanded or renewed after April 12, 2012, and the bidder/proposer
has adopted, publicized and is implementing a formal plan to cease the investment activities
in Iran and to refrain from engaging in any new investments in Iran; or
b. The Seneca Nation has determined that the goods or services are necessary for the Seneca
Nation to perform its functions and that, absent such an exemption, the Seneca Nation
would be unable to obtain the goods or services for which the bid/proposal is offered. Such
determination shall be made by the Nation in writing and shall be a public document.
c. The “Iranian Energy Sector Divestment” form which the proposer must complete to certify
compliance with this provision is included in Appendix D of the RFP.
25. SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY
With respect to any agreement entered by the successful bidder/proposer in response to this Request for
Proposals, the Seneca Nation does not waive its sovereign immunity, and nothing contained herein shall
be construed as waiving the sovereign immunity of the Seneca Nation.
26. CIVIL RIGHTS
Contracting with Small and Minority Firms, Women’s Business Enterprise, and Labor Surplus Area
Firms: In accordance with Executive Order No. 12432, as implemented by 49 C.F.R. § 18.36(e), the
Seneca Nation agrees to take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that small and minority firms,
women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are given the same opportunity to participate
as majority firms
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PROTEST PROCEDURES
SENECA NATION OF INDIANS
SENECA TRANSIT SYSTEM (STS) BUS SERVICE PROPOSAL
The following protest procedures have been written in compliance with the Federal Transit Administration
(FTA) Third-Party Contracting Requirements (Circular 4220.1E). Parties that wish to file a bid/proposal
protest should review these procedures in conjunction with FTA’s Circular 4220.1E. These procedures
also address complaints or appeals regarding the funding of unsolicited bid/proposal and other protests
unrelated to the solicitation process and contract award decisions. ESPA’s protest procedures will be
referenced in the Application Guidance so all interested parties shall know their rights under these protest
procedures.
I. PROTESTS PERTAINING TO THE CONTRACT SOLICITATION PROCESS OR
CONTRACT AWARD DECISION
The following procedures and time requirements shall be applied uniformly in processing all protests.
Protests may be made by active or prospective bidders whose direct economic interest would be affected
by a solicitation, proposed award, or award of a contract. Protests must be submitted in writing to:
Tammy Jimerson
Transit Administrator
Department of Transportation
Seneca Allegany Administration Bldg.
90 Ohi:yo’ Way
P.O. Box 231
Salamanca, New York 14779
P: 716-945-1790
F: 716-945-8113
E: tammy.jimerson@sni.org.
The Seneca Nation will consider all written protests made within the timelines stated in this policy. Any
protest not set forth in writing within the time limits specified in these procedures is null and void and
shall not be considered. Protest submissions should be concise, logically arranged, clearly state the
grounds for the protest, and must include at least the following information:
1. Name, address, and telephone number of protestor.
2. Solicitation or contract name and/or number.
3. A detailed statement of the legal and factual grounds for the protest, including copies of all relevant
documents or information.
4. A statement of relief requested.
Only written protests received within the timelines stated in these procedures will be considered. Upon
receipt of a protest, the Seneca Nation will notify the protestor that the protest has been received by mail
within five (5) working days. The Seneca Nation may request additional information from the protesting
party, which must be submitted in writing to the Seneca Nation within five (5) working days from the date
of the Seneca Nation’ request.
Within twenty (20) working days of receipt of a written protest, the Seneca Nation shall either:
1. Issue a final written decision which responds in detail to each issue raised in the protest and
includes a rationale for the decision rendered, or
2. Conduct, at the Seneca Nations’ discretion, an informal hearing to allow the interested
participating party(s) an opportunity to present their positions and supporting facts, documents,
justification, and technical information. The Seneca Nation will advise all interested party(s) of
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the final decision in writing no later than five (5) working days from the date of the informal
hearing.
The Seneca Nations’ decision shall be final. A request to reconsider such decision will only be allowed if
relevant data becomes available that was not previously known or if there has been an error of law or
regulation. Such a request for reconsideration must be made within five (5) working days after notification
of the Seneca Nations’ final decision.
Protests Before Proposal Solicitation
Bid/proposal protests alleging restrictive specifications or improprieties, which are apparent prior to
bid/proposal opening, must be submitted in writing to the Seneca Nation and must be received at least five
(5) working days prior to bid/proposal opening. Bid/proposal will not be opened until five (5) working
days after resolution of the protest unless the Seneca Nation determines that:
1. The items to be procured are urgently required;
2. Delivery or performance will be unduly delayed by failure to make award promptly; or
3. Failure to make award will otherwise cause undue harm to the Seneca Nation.
If the written protest is not received by the time specified, bids/proposals may be received, opened, and
awarded in the normal manner unless the Seneca Nation determines that it is in the best interest of all
concerned to delay any step.
Protests After Opening of Bid/Proposal Solicitation and Prior to Award
Protests against the making of an award may be made after bid/proposal opening and prior to award. Such
protests must be submitted in writing to the Seneca Nation and must be received by the Seneca Nation
within five (5) working days of the bid/proposal opening. If the Seneca Nation decides to withhold the
award pending resolution of the protest, the Seneca Nation will notify all bidders/proposers whose
bids/proposals might become eligible for award and offer them the option to extend or withdraw their
bid/proposal beyond the specified bid/proposal validity period. Awards will not be made until at least five
(5) working days after resolution of the protest unless the Seneca Nation determines that:
1. The items to be procured are urgently required;
2. Delivery or performance will be unduly delayed by failure to make award promptly; or
3. Failure to make award will otherwise cause undue harm to the Seneca Nation.
Protests After Award
Protests received after announcement of an award or after a contract has been executed will only be
considered if the Seneca Nation determines that the matter is in the public interest or the protest presents
clear and convincing evidence of fraud, misrepresentation, other illegality, or gross impropriety in the
selection of a bid/proposal. If a protest is under consideration, the Seneca Nation shall evaluate the
bid/proposal at issue a second time in its entirety and use the same proposal and rating factors applied in
the initial review of the bid/proposal.
The bid/proposal will be evaluated by a panel consisting of members designated by the Seneca Nation. If
a protest involving an executed contract is under consideration, the Seneca Nation will notify the selected
contractor of the protest and its basis and may, at its discretion, order the contractor to suspend all Seneca
Nation work activities. If the awarded contractor has not executed the contract as of the date the protest is
received by the Seneca Nation, the contract will not be executed until five (5) working days after resolution
of the protest unless the Seneca Nation determines that:
1. The items to be procured are urgently required;
2. Delivery or performance will be unduly delayed by failure to make award promptly; or
3. Failure to make award will otherwise cause undue harm to the Seneca Nation.
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II. APPEALS TO FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
A protestor may file an appeal with FTA under certain limited circumstances, after the Seneca Nation has
rendered a decision on a bid/proposal protest. FTA’s review of any protest will be limited to an alleged
failure by the Seneca Nation to have written protest procedures or alleged failure by the Seneca Nation to
follow such procedures. A protestor desiring to do so shall file its protest with FTA not later than five (5)
days after the final decision of the Seneca Nation is rendered under the Seneca Nation protest procedure.
In instances where the protestor alleges that the Seneca Nation failed to make a final determination on the
protest, the protestor shall file a complaint with FTA no later than five (5) days after the protestor knew
or should have known of the Seneca Nations’ failure to render a final determination on the protest.
Protests to FTA should be filed with the appropriate FTA Regional Office with a concurrent copy to the
Seneca Nation. The protest filed with FTA shall be filed in accordance with FTA Circular 4220.1E,
include the name and address of the protestor, identify the Seneca Nation solicitation or contract name
and/or number, contain a statement of the grounds for the protest and any supporting documentation, and
include a copy of the local protest filed with the Seneca Nation and a copy of the Seneca Nations’ decision,
if any.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
SENECA NATION OF INDIANS
SENECA TRANSIT SYSTEM (STS) BUS SERVICE PROPOSAL
Response Submission
All responses are to be mailed or delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked as to the contents
therein, bearing on the outside the name and address of the bidder/proposer and clearly marked as
“Seneca Nation of Indians Department of Transportation, Seneca Transit System (STS) Bus Service
Proposal,” Attn: Tammy Jimerson, Transit Administrator, 90 Ohi: yo’ Way, PO Box 231, Salamanca,
New York 14779. The Time: 2:00 p.m. and Date: August 3, 2026, of opening should also be visible.
Delay in mail delivery is not an exception; allowance for time of arrival should be made.
Pre-Proposal Conference
A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 am (EST) in the Second
Floor Conference Room of the Seneca Allegany Administration Building, 90 Ohi: yo’ Way, Salamanca,
NY 14779. Additionally, the pre-proposal conference will be available via a Zoom conference,
concurrently. We will communicate the proper media participation credentials before the Zoom
conference.
Discrepancies or Omissions/Questions or Clarifications
If the Proposer should find any discrepancies or omissions in the specifications, or if the Proposer
should have questions or require clarification concerning the specifications, the Proposer shall notify the
contact person cited below by Tuesday, June 30, 2026, no later than 4:00 pm (EST).
Tammy Jimerson, Transit Administrator Department of Transportation, Seneca Nation of Indians, in
writing at the following address by Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Only questions and requests in writing (email, fax or hard copy) on the provided Request for
Clarifications Form addressed to the contact below will be considered.
Tammy Jimerson
Transit Administrator
Department of Transportation
Seneca Allegany Administration Bldg.
90 Ohi: yo’ Way
P.O. Box 231
Salamanca, NY 14779
P: 716-945-1790
F: 716-945-8113
E: tammy.jimerson@sni.org.
The SNI DOT will attempt to respond to Requests for Clarifications by Friday, July 17, 2026. Only
requests submitted on the form provided received by the time and date listed above will be addressed.
All responses, written instructions, clarifications and/or answers, as applicable, shall be in writing (email
or fax) to all Proposers. Additionally, we will post all requests for clarifications and responses to
www.sni.org. Neither the Seneca Nation of Indians, nor the Transit Administrator will be responsible
for any oral instructions or interpretations of the meaning of the specifications or other contract
documents to any bidder/proposer by any other person or persons. If necessary, the SNI DOT will issue
addenda to modify conditions or requirements of this RFP to recipients no later than Friday, July 24,
2026.
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Forms
All responses are to be made out on the Proposal Forms attached hereto. All certificates must be
completed, signed and in compliance with the provisions of the General Municipal Law, and applicable
United States Government, New York State and Seneca Nation of Indians Laws.
Contract Award
As specified in Section B, the contract award will be made by the Seneca Nation after consideration of
Proposal Evaluation Factors.
The Seneca Nation reserves the right to reject any or all bid/proposals, any part of the bid/proposal, any
supplies or contractual services connected thereto, when deemed by the Seneca Nation to be in the best
interest of the public.
Upon acceptance of any bid/proposal, the successful bidder/proposer will, and by submitting a proposal
agrees to, execute a contract in accordance with these specifications and such other provisions as are
normal and customary in agreements to provide services to the Seneca Nation and as may be required by
the Seneca Nation of Indians, the State of New York, and the United States Department of Transportation.
Such contract will include the specifications contained herein together with such other provisions as are
normal and customary in agreements to provide services to a public jurisdiction. It is specifically
understood that every provision of the specifications contained herein will be deemed to be incorporated
into the contract. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the successful bidder/proposer does not
execute such a contract, this document shall be deemed to be the contract between the successful
bidder/proposer and the Seneca Nation of Indians, and the successful bidder/proposer execution and
submission of the Bid/Proposal Forms shall be deemed to be the execution of such contract, and such
contract shall be subject to the privacy of protected health care information as described in the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.
Responsible Contractor
A responsible contractor is a public transportation service provider who has demonstrated judgment and
integrity, is of good reputation, experienced in his work, whose record of past performance in the trade is
established as satisfactory and whose financial status is such that it provides no risk to the Seneca Nation
in its contractual relations. The successful bidder/proposer will allow the Seneca Nation or its designee to
inspect the proposer’s facilities to verify the bidder/proposer’s capacity to complete the contract.
Firm Bids/Proposals:
No bid/proposal may be withdrawn within forty-five (45) days after the actual date of the RFP opening.
This is in accordance with New York State General Municipal Law §105.
Copies of Bid/Proposals
Bidder/proposer who requests copies of the bid/proposal quotations must do so in writing, enclosing a
stamped self-addressed envelope for reply.
ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Routes
Proposals are requested to operate fixed-route, route deviation service. The bus routes along which the
bus service currently travels, the present stops that are required along that route, and the hours during
which the bus service is presently required to operate is as set forth in Section B. However, the routes
and the stops may be altered at any time and routes may be added and/or discontinued as well as changes
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to stop locations when in the view of the Seneca Nation it is in the Nation’s best interest to do so. It is
specifically the intent of the Seneca Nation that the bus service be continuous along the route during the
hours of operation.
Verbal Alterations to Specifications
These specifications are complete and shall be considered the entire description of the goods or services
upon which the Seneca Nation of Indians is seeking proposals in connection with this RFP. Only formal
written addenda can materially alter this set of RFP Specifications. No verbal statement made by a Seneca
Nation of Indians employee, any agent acting on behalf of the Seneca Nation of Indians or any other
person is binding, nor shall such statement be considered an official part of this RFP.
Ownership and Inspection of Files and Records
All files and/or records containing information gathered or generated in connection with the subject of
this RFP and/or related to it are, and shall always be, the property of the Seneca Nation Indians. The
Seneca Nation will have the right to inspect such files and records at any time or times and to make copies
or abstracts thereof. In addition, such files and records shall be subject to audit and inspection by
departments of the State of New York and/or the Federal government having appropriate jurisdiction. On
a reasonable request from the Seneca Nation, the contractor will make copies of specified portions of such
files and records and deliver those copies to the Seneca Nation. Upon the expiration of the term of the
contract, if the Seneca Nation so chooses, all such files and records shall be retained by the contractor
until instructed by the Seneca Nation otherwise, delivered to the Seneca Nation, or destroyed in
accordance with the Seneca Nation’s instructions.
Insurance Due Dates
Insurance requirements are as set out in this RFP. Any certificates of insurance or other forms of security
required by this bid/proposal are to be submitted to the Seneca Nation no later than ten (10) normal
business days following the date of notification of award (documents must be received by the close of
business, 5:00 p.m. on that day).
Submittal of Formal Proposal
The formal Proposal must be submitted on the original form.
Operating Authority
Private bus companies need to obtain operating authority from NYSDOT and a Seneca Nation Business
License. Information about operating authority and applications may be obtained by calling the NYSDOT
Registration and Permitting Bureau at (518) 485-2448.
Bus Inspection
Buses operated by a third-party must be inspected by NYSDOT. It is the responsibility of the Operator to
complete all necessary inspections. Inspections are scheduled and conducted through one of NYSDOT’s
Regional Offices. The Operator shall notify the Seneca Nation in advance of vehicle inspections and
provide copies of all updated records.
System Safety Plan
NYSDOT rules and regulations require operators receiving STOA to submit a system safety plan for
approval within 180 days of service commencement. Contact the NYSDOT Motor Carrier Safety Bureau
at (518) 485-2448 for further information. The Operator shall provide a copy of all approved plans and
programs to the Seneca Nation.
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Accessible Service
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires fixed route public transportation systems to be
accessible to individuals with disabilities, provide complementary paratransit to individuals with
disabilities that are 3/4 of a mile from the fixed route and unable to reach the fixed routes stops, and
accommodate passenger needs through alternative schedule formats and stop announcements. The
paratransit requirement can also be met by deviating 3/4 of a mile with the fixed route vehicle to pick up
any passenger requesting service. This is known as route deviation service. A passenger requesting route
deviation service must call for the reservation by the end of regular business hours two days before the
ride is needed.
The regulations can be found in 49 CFR Parts 27, 37, & 38 and are available at the Federal Transit
Administration's (FTA) web site www.fta.dot.gov
Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
FTA Certifications & Assurances also require operators to have a drug and alcohol testing program in
place as required by the Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR Parts 40, 653 & 654. The drug and alcohol
regulations are also available on FTA's web site at www.fta.dot.gov. The Operator shall provide a copy
of all approved programs and plans to the Seneca Nation.
Federally Required Clauses and Standard Clauses for New York State Contracts
A respondent to this Request for Proposals that is awarded the contract to provide STS transit services is
required to sign a third-party contract detailing the terms and conditions of the contract and the transit
services that will be provided pursuant to the agreement. The respondent to this Request for Proposals
that is awarded the contract to provide STS transit services is required to sign a lease and service
agreement to lease vehicles owned by the Seneca Nation that will be used in the provision of STS transit
services under this contract. The third-party contracts for the operation of transit services and the lease
and service agreement shall incorporate Federally Required Contract Clauses and Standard Clauses for
New York State Contracts by reference. For reference, the Federally Required Contract Clauses and the
Standard Clauses for New York State Contracts are included in Appendix K, the sample third-party
agreement, of this contract document. The Federally Required Contract Clauses and the Standard
Clauses for New York State Contracts will be included in the third-party agreement and the lease and
service agreements that will be signed by the contractor and the Seneca Nation.
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MATERIAL TO BE SUBMITTED
Except as otherwise noted below, ALL PROPOSALS SUBMITTED MUST INCLUDE THE
FOLLOWING:
1.
Bid/Proposal Performance of Contract with Seneca Nation of Indians (Appendix A).
2.
Waiver of Immunity (Appendix B)
3.
Certification of bidder/proposer regarding Equal Employment Opportunity (Appendix C)
4.
Iranian Energy Divestment Certification (Appendix D)
5.
Lobbying Certification (Appendix E)
6.
Debarment Suspension, Ineligibility or Voluntary Exclusion Certification (Appendix F)
7.
Legal Status Information (Appendix G).
8.
Non-Collusive Bidding/Ineligible Proposal Certification (Appendix H).
9.
Bid/Proposal Form (Appendix I).
10.
Name and contact information for a person at a bank who can verify the bidder/Proposer’s financial
stability. (Section A)
11.
Provide three (3) references from previous or current contracts, whereby the Respondent has provided
or is providing similar fixed-route, route deviation, bus services, to the services requested in this
Request for Proposal document, to a municipal organization. (Section A)
12.
FCC Radio License Number(s). (Section A). To be submitted by the successful bidder/proposer not
later than ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the Transportation Services.
13.
List of certified drivers. (Section A) To be submitted by the successful bidder/proposer not later than ten
(10) days prior to the commencement of the Transportation Services.
14.
Certificate of Insurance (Section A). To be submitted by the successful bidder/proposer within ten (10)
business days following the date of notification of award.
15.
Information in response to Evaluation Factors. The bidder/proposer to this Request for Proposal is
requested to provide information that will demonstrate the firm’s capabilities and responsiveness to the
listed Proposal Evaluation Factors by which proposals will be evaluated. Information submitted shall be
limited to 20 pages.
16.
Certifications and Assurances – As a recipient of Federal Transit Administration funding, the Seneca
Nation is subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Federal
Transit Administration Certifications and Assurances. If a third-party contractor to the recipient of FTA
funding is the transit operator, a separate Third-Party Agreement between the contractor and the
municipality is required to pass federal funds to a third-party contractor. Federal regulations also require
a recipient and contractor to sign applicable Federal Certifications and Assurances, Third-Party Lease
and Service Agreement for capital equipment, Section 5333(b) Labor Documentation & Warranty, and
Title VI/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Assurance. The FTA FFY 2026 Certifications and
Assurances are provided in Appendix P.
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17.
List of Backup Vehicles. (Section A). The respondent’s proposal shall provide a list of backup vehicles
that will be used to provide scheduled STS service if SNI-owned vehicles are not available for service
due to routine maintenance, inspection, or repairs. The List of Backup Vehicles is a Proposal
Evaluation Factor.
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION A
SECTION A
BID/PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS
SENECA NATION OF INDIANS
SENECA TRANSIT SYSTEM (STS) BUS SERVICE PROPOSAL
DURING THE PERIOD FROM OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027
I.
SCOPE
A. The Seneca Nation of Indians (“Seneca Nation” or “Nation”), a Sovereign Nation, requires thirdparty contract operated vehicles to operate fixed route with route deviation public transportation bus
service, as described below, as a “sponsored” bus operation subject to New York State Department
of Transportation Rules and Regulations Part 975 Statewide Mass Transportation Operating
Assistance (STOA) Program. The bus service will operate between Irving, Salamanca, and
Steamburg New York, and the environs of the Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories of the Seneca
Nation of Indians and Cattaraugus County, on the days and during the hours shown on Section B.
The route and stops are set forth on Section B. The contractor will be required to use fuel provided
by the Seneca Nation of Indians at Seneca Nation Enterprise locations on Seneca Nation Territories
for the operation of the bus route. Hourly rates sought under this proposal should not include a cost
for fuel. As currently operated, the route requires one (1) vehicle for each round trip, as specified
below, but is subject to change based on the route needs, corrections or modifications.
B. It is to be specifically noted that the route and the stops may be altered at any time, and routes may
be added and/or discontinued as well as changes to stop locations when in the view of the Seneca
Nation it is in the Nation’s best interest to do so in order to meet the evolving needs of the current
and projected future passengers.
C. Service will be “curb to curb.”
D. It is intended that ridership on the vehicles will include the public.
E. Fares will be paid by the passengers by means of passes or other collectable items issued by
individual departments or agencies of the Seneca Nation or other municipalities or institutions, with
which, the Seneca Nation consummates an agreement for carriage of associated riders on the public
transportation service operated by the Nation.
F. The Seneca Nation will determine the fare schedule. The Nation at its sole discretion may alter this
fare schedule. Cash fares collected by the third-party contract operator of the service are collected
for the purpose of contributing towards the cost of this service, or to such other use as may be
determined by the Nation. As policy, exact change only is required for cash fares, but if available,
change can be provided.
G. Each day, at the time and at the place designated by the Transit Manager, the Contractor will give
all fares collected (whether passes or other collectable items issued by individual departments or
agencies of the Seneca Nation or other municipalities or institutions, or in cash) to the Seneca Nation
consistent with Seneca Transit System fare collection and cash management policies and procedures.
H. The Operator shall follow all policies, practices, procedures and terms and conditions for as may be
directed by the Seneca Nation regarding fare collection and management, security for and disposition
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION A
of fares and other service revenue, passes, transfers, transfer systems and interconnections between
different transportation agencies. The Seneca Nation will periodically validate and reconcile bus
revenues from cash and pass fare collections by location and fare product. Any discrepancies and
variances within ±1% will be identified and a summary of the discrepancies will be provided to the
operator. Discrepancies due to the operator are subject to be charged against the operator’s contract.
I. In accordance with the requirements of the ADA, the vehicle(s) that will be used to provide this
public transportation bus service will be wheelchair compliant and equipped to accommodate
individuals who are wheelchair bound. If the vehicles used to provide the regularly scheduled transit
service are not equipped with wheelchair lifts, the operator will provide a complimentary wheelchair
equipped vehicle to transport eligible individuals consistent with ADA regulations.
J. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires fixed route public transportation systems to be
accessible to individuals with disabilities, provide complementary paratransit to individuals with
disabilities that are 3/4 of a mile from the fixed route and unable to reach the fixed routes stops, and
accommodate passenger needs through alternative schedule formats and stop announcements. The
paratransit requirement can also be met by deviating 3/4 of a mile with the fixed route vehicle to
pick up any passenger requesting service. This is known as “route deviation service”. Individuals
must request route deviation service at least two days (48 hours) in advance to the third-party
operator of this public transportation service. The operator will make the best effort to return to the
published route schedule after accommodating a route deviation service request. However, a
Personal Care Attendant identified through advanced trip reservations, as attending to the needs of
a person with a disability or disabilities as defined by 49 CFR Part 37.123 will not be charged a fare.
K. It is specifically noted that the service contemplated in the RFP is anticipated to be funded by State
Transit Operating Assistance (STOA) and federal grants provided to the Seneca Nation, along with
funding provided by the Seneca Nation. Work performed under this agreement is subject to the rules
and regulations of the STOA program.
L. The Seneca Nation owns six (6) Lot G buses funded by the Federal Transit Administration,
NYSDOT and the Seneca Nation as described below, which are currently providing STS service.
The Operator shall be required to lease the vehicles for use through a Third-Party Lease Agreement
(Appendix J). If a Seneca Nation-owned bus is damaged by the third-party contract operator during
the provision of scheduled STS service and is not available to provide future scheduled STS service,
the third-party contract operator will be required to provide an acceptable and comparable transit
vehicle for future STS service at the billable hourly rate of Seneca Nation-owned buses.
FLEET
Year
of
Mfg.
2022
Make
FORD
Model
E450
VIN
1FDFE4FNXNDC37399
Current
Odometer
151,022
Vehicle
Length
30 FT
Seats
16
W/C
2
Bike
Rack
Y
Fuel
Type
UNL
Condition
Adequate
2022
2022
2024
FORD
FORD
FORD
E450
E450
E450
1FDFE4FN1NDC37405
1FDFE4FN5NDC37407
1FDFE4FNXRDD23270
146,230
166,385
34,119
30 FT
30 FT
25 FT
16
16
16
2
2
2
Y
Y
Y
UNL
UNL
UNL
Adequate
Adequate
Excellent
2024
FORD
E450
1FDFE4FN7RDD32069
104,102
25 FT
16
2
Y
UNL
Good
2024
FORD
E450
1FDFE4FN8RDD32484
68,722
25 FT
16
2
Y
UNL
Excellent
M. It is specifically noted that except as otherwise provided in this contract or lease of property or
equipment to perform the work herein described, the Operator must have prior written approval of
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION A
the Seneca Nation to use, move or relocate buses for any other reason or purpose. The contractor
shall be responsible for fueling, maintenance, cleaning, inspections, licensing and repairs and all
costs associated with same for Nation-owned vehicles. The Nation reserves the right to ensure that
vehicles are being maintained properly and are in safe operating conditions. Therefore, the Nation
may inspect vehicles at any reasonable time and may bar a vehicle from service until the problem(s)
are corrected. Vehicles leased to the contractor by the Nation are to be used solely for the provision
of this service. Personal usage and/or use for any other purpose are strictly prohibited. Smoking,
eating or drinking in Seneca Nation-owned vehicles is also prohibited.
N. As currently operated, Seneca Nation owned buses providing transit services are stored on Nation
land at the terminal end of each route in locations designated by the Seneca Nation (Seneca One
Stop, Irving NY and Steamburg Community Center, Steamburg, NY). Spare Seneca Nation buses
shall be stored by the Operator in a safe and FTA and NYSDOT compliant facility in a location
approved by the Nation.
O. As specified in Section B, the Seneca Nation requests Proposers to provide an hourly rate to operate
the specified public transportation services utilizing vehicles owned and provided by the Nation and
to provide services utilizing vehicles provided by the contractor between the period October 1, 2026
and September 30, 2027. Additionally, Proposers are requested to provide hourly rates to provide
the bus service as follows:
1) Using Seneca Nation-owned vehicles using fuel purchased from the Seneca Nation
2) Using Contractor-owned vehicles (16-passenger) using fuel provided by the Seneca
Nation
P. Additional Bus Routes or Service. The Seneca Nation of Indians intends to evaluate the need for
additional bus routes, such as a new Cattaraugus Territory Circulator bus route, and transit service
coordination opportunities with other public transportation services operating in region. If the Nation
determines, in its sole discretion, that the addition of additional transit route(s) is desirable during
the estimated contract period, the Nation reserves the right to supplement this agreement to provide
extra transit services and utilize the hourly rates established in Section B. On occasion(s), such as
the annual Seneca Nation “Pow Wow,” the Contractor may be requested to provide special transit
services. On such occasions, The Nation will provide a minimum of three (3) days’ written notice to
the Contractor to describe the special service and any coordination of special event services.
Q. The Seneca Nation is responsible for marketing and public outreach as well as the production of
schedules, marketing and other promotional materials. The Operator shall comply with reasonable
request by the Nation to distribute notices, schedules and other promotional materials to passengers
in connection with the services provided. This may include requests for the Operator’s personnel to
distribute and collect survey forms and participate in special events such as displaying service
vehicles. The Operator must refer all media requests to the Seneca Nation and may not provide or
distribute any information not produced by or without prior approval by the Nation. The Seneca
Nation shall have sole authority to determine size, shape, design and content of any and all schedules,
marketing and other promotional materials in both electronic and printed media.
R. A degree of flexibility will be required by the Operator as the transit program continues to develop
and expand as a fixed route with route deviation public transportation bus service. Proposed
expanded services include the development of transit facilities, bus shelters and Intelligent Transit
Systems.
S. The Transit Manager of the Seneca Transit System, or the designated representative of the Seneca
Transit System, will conduct monthly performance meetings with senior management of the thirdSeneca Transit System (STS)
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION A
party contract operator to discuss operating issues, including third-party contract operator training
of staff performing contract services, concerning the operation of the Seneca Transit System. The
monthly meetings will be hosted by the Manager of the Seneca Transit System at the Seneca
Allegany Administration Building at 90 Ohi:yo’ Way in Salamanca, New York. The contractor will
be required to develop, provide, and discuss STS operations reports including monthly fuel
consumption and usage, including individual bus mileage, monthly maintenance records, including
compliance with reporting requirements detailed in the STS Transit Asset Management System plan,
passenger behavior incidents, on-time schedule adherence, dispatching issues, ridership statistics,
including reconciliation of variations to the contractor's operators' recording of passengers in
comparison to on-board vehicle software passenger counts. The reconciliation of monthly ridership
reports will be used to verify the accuracy of STOA quarterly passenger reporting. The contractor
will be advised by the Manager of the Seneca Transit System of the need to provide any other
reporting information at the monthly performance meetings. If discussion of an issue or issues at a
monthly reporting meeting does not result in resolution of said issue, the Manager of the Seneca
Transit System or another duly designated representative of the Seneca Nation reserves the right to
contact corporate offices to resolve said issue.
T. The Transit Manager of the Seneca Transit System, or the designated representative of the Seneca
Transit System, will conduct quarterly driver meetings with the third-party contract operator. At
these meetings, the Transit Manager will meet with the drivers assigned to each Seneca Transit
System bus route and review topics related to the operation of said services. The third-party contract
operator will work with the Transit Manager to schedule the quarterly driver meetings. Each
quarterly driver meeting will occur before the end of the operating quarter and will be scheduled at
least thirty days prior to the end of any operating quarter.
U. Records and reports should be consistent with Federal Transit Administration and NYSDOT as well
as all other reports required by the Seneca Nation. In addition, the Operator may be required to
provide additional statistical information as requested by the Seneca Nation to assist with program
objectives and compliance with grant and legislative requirements. All reports shall be submitted in
a format and on a schedule approved by the Nation.
V. By submitting a Proposal, the Proposer understands and accepts the required scope of work and
understands the Seneca Nation’s Seneca Transit System’s objectives and requirements. Any items
the Proposer is unable to satisfy, has concerns with or is not included in the Proposal must be
specifically called out, clearly identified and described as part of the Proposal at the time of
submission.
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SPECIFICATIONS
II.
SECTION A
CONTRACT TERM
A. The initial contract period shall be from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027
B. The Seneca Nation of Indians shall have three separate and consecutive options to extend any contract
awarded in connection with the proposals submitted for additional periods of one (1) year each at a
price to be negotiated as follows: For any optional extension period, the contract amount will increase
annually by an amount equal to the lesser of:
1.A five percent (5%) increase; or
2. The percent “annual” increase in the Consumer Price Index – All Urban
Consumers, US City Average (CPI-U), Expenditure Category – under Public
Transportation, under Intracity Transportation, use Intracity Mass Transit index,
for the most recent 12-month period for which a number has been published at the
time of execution for the contract extension period
C. Each option shall be exercised in writing and shall include the extension period, dates, percentage of
increase, calculated adjusted rates and backup documentation of CPI-U information, and such option
period shall commence upon the expiration of the immediately preceding contract period.
D. In the event the Nation exercises its option to extend the contract period, all the terms and conditions
of the contract shall apply.
III.
CREDENTIALS
Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified statement of the Proposer, or in the case of corporations,
by its Officers, showing the following:
A. The name of a bank as reference to the financial stability of the Proposer, and the name, address, and
telephone number of a person at such bank who can provide such reference.
B. Each proposer shall identify an organizational flow chart identifying persons, individual titles, contact
information, and responsibilities to provide the services requested in this Request for Proposal
document. The list of persons provided in response to this Request for Proposal shall include regional
and corporate offices that are responsible for the performance of the contract services requested in this
Request for Proposal document. The Contractor shall provide the Manager of the Seneca Transit
System with any changes to the organizational chart and responsibilities immediately as such changes
occur. Changes to the organizational chart shall include notification of any corporate sale of contract
assets or entities affecting the performance of this contract.
C. A list of public transportation contracts, whereby the Proposer operated similar Federal Transit
Administration and NYSDOT subsidized public transportation service to that which is requested in
this Proposal, with which the Proposer has had transportation contracts, and the name, address, and
telephone number of a contact who can evaluate the bidder/proposer performance of such contract.
D. A Certificate of Operating Authority to act as a contract carrier of passengers for the New York State
Department of Transportation. The apparent winning Proposer, upon being notified of the Seneca
Nation’s intent to award the contract, shall immediately apply for any necessary amendments to their
operating authority to provide the intended service. If the apparent winning proposer does not
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currently have a Certificate of Operating Authority, upon being notified of the Seneca Nation’s intent
to award the contract, the apparent winning proposer shall immediately apply for a Certificate of
Operating Authority to provide the intended service. Failure to be granted authority will be a basis for
disqualifying the proposer from being awarded the contract.
E. An executed copy of the FTA FY 2026 Certifications and Assurances of the Proposer (Appendix P).
IV.
DEFINITIONS
Whenever, in this RFP, the following terms, phrases, pronouns or abbreviations are used, the intent and
meaning shall be interpreted as follows:
A. “ADA” shall mean the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as that act may be amended.
B. “Addendum” shall mean additional contract provisions, if any, issued in writing by the Seneca Nation
prior to the receipt of bids/proposals.
C. “Agreement” shall mean the written agreement between the Seneca Nation and the Contractor
covering the Service. The terms “Agreement” and “Contract” shall have the same meaning and may
be used interchangeably.
D. “Bid/Proposal” or “Proposal” or “Response” shall mean the completed Proposal submitted in the
prescribed form(s) setting forth the price for the Services to be performed and the information
submitted in response to the requested Proposal Evaluation Factors, by which, responses will be
evaluated to determine the highest rated bid/proposal.
E.
“Bonds” shall mean, performance, and/or Payment Bond and other instruments of security furnished
by the Contractor in accordance with the Bid/Proposal or Agreement.
F.
“Contract” or “Contract Documents” shall mean each of the various parts of the Agreement referred
to in this document. This term shall refer to the Contract as a whole or severally.
G. “Contractor” or “Successful Bidder/Proposer” (whether a corporation, partnership, individual or any
combination thereof, and its, or his or her successors, personal representatives, executors,
administrators and permitted assignees) shall mean the individual, organization, company or agency
awarded the bid through this procurement. The Contractor is sometimes herein referred to as the
“Third-Party Contract Operator”.
H. “Contract Price” shall mean the total monies payable to the Contractor under the Contract.
I.
“Seneca Nation” or “Nation” shall mean the Seneca Nation of Indians, a Sovereign Nation.
J.
“Seneca Transit System (STS)”, “Transit Manager”, “Transit Administrator” or “Director” shall
mean Seneca Nation of Indians Department of Transportation staff representative responsible for
third-party contract management of this agreement to provide public transportation service.
K. “Driver” shall mean any person who operates a vehicle used in connection with the services, and shall
include a regularly scheduled driver, a substitute driver or a spare driver unless otherwise specified.
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L.
SECTION A
“Modification Agreement” shall mean a written order to the contractor, signed by the Seneca Nation,
authorizing an addition, deletion, or revision of the services or an adjustment in the contract price
issued after execution of the Agreement.
M. “Notice” shall mean a written notice. Notice shall be served upon the contractor either personally or
by leaving the notice at the Contractor’s residence or with the Contractor’s agent in charge of
providing the Services, or addressed to the Contractor at the residence or place of business given in
the Bid/Proposal and deposited in a postpaid wrapper in any post box regularly maintained by the
United States Postal Service.
N. “Notice of Award” shall mean the written notice given by the Seneca Nation to the Successful
Respondent to this Request for Proposals.
O. “Notice to Proceed” shall mean the written notice given by the Seneca Nation to the Contractor of
the date for the commencement of the services.
P.
“Route” shall mean the path of a vehicle from the location of its first scheduled stop to the location
to the same point. In addition, the route will be the path defined on the bus schedule, as that schedule
may be altered from time-to-time.
Q. “Route-Deviation” shall mean the type of scheduled public transportation service operated by the
Seneca Transit System. Route deviation service is defined by the Federal Transit Administration and
the New York State Department of Transportation as fixed-route transit service which, as specified
in the STS Paratransit Policy, may deviate upon request up to ¾ mile from the fixed route to pick up
or drop off a passenger.
R. “RFP” shall mean and refer to this Request for Proposals.
S.
“Proposal” shall refer to the offer submitted in the prescribed forms setting forth the prices for the
Services to be performed and the information provided to permit the evaluation of factors, by which,
the proposal will be evaluated.
T.
“Technical Specifications” shall mean the portion of these specifications dealing with the technical
requirements of the services to be performed under the Contract, including materials, equipment
services, workmanship, qualifications and licensing.
U.
“Operator” shall mean the Contractor. When used, this term is a descriptive of the services provided
by the Contractor.
V. “Bus” shall mean, as the context requires, a vehicle capable of seating 16-18 adult passengers (all
seating capacities stated are “adult passengers”), and conforming to all Federal, State and local laws
and regulations, and all Seneca Nation policies as set forth in this document. All buses used in
performance of the services described herein shall be wheelchair accessible.
W. “Vehicle” shall mean and refer to any bus, including spare or replacement therefore, used for the
rendering of the services, and which meet or exceed the Technical Specifications.
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V.
SECTION A
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Service Requirements
A. Service Area: The overall service area for the services in connection with the operation of the public
transportation bus route between Irving, Salamanca, and Steamburg New York, and the environs of
the Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories of the Seneca Nation of Indians and Cattaraugus County.
B. Accidents, Incidents and Complaints: It is expected that the Successful Proposer will render the
services in a safe, efficient and courteous manner. In this regard, the Seneca Nation will institute
specific procedures for the reporting of accidents and incidents. It is expected that the Successful
Proposer will report all such matters to the Nation. In addition, the passengers to be transported may
report complaints and incidents to the Seneca Nation Transit Manager. If such matters are reported,
the Successful Proposer will cooperate fully in the resolution of such matter, and if the Nation requires
the reassignment of a driver as part of such complaint resolution, such reassignment shall be made
with due dispatch.
C. Service Exclusivity: The vehicles assigned by the Contractor to provide the service described in this
RFP with respect to the route shall always be for the exclusive use of the Nation during the hours set
forth in Section B or such greater or lesser number of hours as the Nation may designate from time
to time. Seneca Nation owned buses are to be utilized for Seneca Nation services only. The operator
will make the best effort to use Seneca Nation buses for Seneca Nation services unless a Nation bus
is not available, at which time the operator will provide additional buses as needed.
D. Changes in the Route: The Seneca Nation will have the right to make changes in route, at any time,
and from time to time. The route and the stops may be altered at any time and routes may be added
and/or discontinued as well as changes to stop locations when in the view of the Seneca Nation it is
in the Nation’s best interest to do so. The Contractor will be notified of such changes and will institute
them as of the date specified in such notice. No change in the route will require the vehicle to run
outside of the service area described in this RFP.
E.
Bus Schedules: The Seneca Nation has created schedules showing the stops the bus will make and
the times at which the bus is scheduled to arrive at those stops along the three routes. The current
Schedule of Operations is included in Section B. Such schedules may be adjusted as required by
changes in the route or stops designated by the Nation. The Seneca Nation will have the right to
make changes to the schedule, at any time, and from time to time when in the view of the Nation it is
in the Nation’s best interest to do so depending on need and ridership. Notwithstanding the foregoing:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
The vehicle will be required to stop and pick up passengers who flag the vehicle down
along its designated route (flag stop), provided it is safe to do so;
The vehicle will be required to stop when an onboard passenger so requests, and permit the
passenger to deboard (flag stop), provided it is safe to do so; and
The Seneca Nation Transit Manager shall make the final determination as to designated
stops the vehicle will make; and
As defined by the RFP, individuals can request route deviation service two (2) days in
advance to the Third-Party Contract Operator. The Operator will make the best effort to
return to the published route schedule after accommodating a route deviation request.
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F.
SECTION A
Number of Vehicles Required: As currently operated, each route requires one (1) vehicle for each
round trip in each direction, as specified below, but is subject to change based on the route needs,
corrections or modifications. The Seneca Nation owns six (6) 16-18 passenger (Lot G) buses
equipped with two wheelchair tie-downs funded by the Federal Transit Administration, NYSDOT
and the Seneca Nation. The Operator shall be required to lease the vehicles for use through a ThirdParty Lease Agreement (Appendix J). The vehicle(s) will be leased for $1.00 per year. The operator
is required to purchase and use Seneca Nation fuel available at Seneca Nation Enterprise locations
on Seneca Nation Territories for the operation of Seneca Nation owned buses. Seneca Nation owned
buses are to be utilized for Seneca Nation services only. The Operator will make the best effort to
use Seneca Nation buses for Seneca Nation services unless a Nation bus is not available, at which
time the Operator will use a bus from its List of Backup Vehicles to ensure that the Service described
in this RFP is not interrupted.
G. Backup Vehicles. In response to this Request for Proposal, the respondent’s proposal shall provide a
list of backup vehicles that will be used to provide scheduled STS service if SNI-owned vehicles are
not available for service due to routine maintenance, inspection, or repairs. Consistent with the
vehicle detail requested under Equipment Requirements, Paragraph H., the list of backup vehicles
provided in response to this RFP will be evaluated consistent with the RFP Proposal Evaluation
Factors, Exhibit B-7, detailed on page 58 of 100.
The Proposer shall provide a list of backup vehicles and vehicle characteristics, including make,
model, year, condition, wheelchair accessible, etc. that will be used to provide STS service if Seneca
Nation-owned vehicles are not available for service or if additional busses are needed to provide
service. Contractor supplied backup vehicles used to provide services described in this RFP shall not
exceed a five (5) year age service period at the time of use for STS services. Additionally, the List of
Backup Vehicles will be submitted by the successful bidder/proposer to the Seneca Nation of Indians
not later than ten (10) days prior to the commencement of the Transportation Services.
Consistent with STS policy to operate fixed-route, route deviation service to satisfy FTA ADA
service requirements, contractor supplied vehicles should be wheelchair accessible. If the contractorsupplied vehicle is not wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair ride is requested by an STS passenger,
the Contractor must dispatch a wheelchair equipped vehicle to accommodate the wheelchair rider
need within the reservation time and distance ¾ mile limit of STS route deviation policy.
H. Any vehicles used to provide the services requested under this Request for Proposal shall comply
with the applicable requirements of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, New York
State Department of Transportation and the Vehicle and Traffic Laws of the State of New York, as
well as Seneca Nation statutes, rules and regulations governing or pertaining to the public
transportation of passengers on type of vehicle to be used.
Equipment Requirements
A. The Contractor shall lease available vehicles from the Seneca Nation as the primary service vehicles
for this program. Currently, the Nation owns (6) Lot G buses, and four (4) buses are needed for daily
operation of peak STS service requirements. At any such time that any Nation owned bus must be
pulled from service for regular maintenance, repair or other needs, and a spare Seneca Nation-owned
bus is not available for service, the Nation shall be notified, and a suitable backup vehicle shall be
provided by the Contractor from its list of backup vehicles. The replacement of major components
on Seneca Nation-owned buses such as engines and transmissions must be reviewed and approved
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by the Transit Manager prior to replacement. The source of funds to replace such major components
must be confirmed by the Transit Manager before the replacement of the component is initiated.
B. All vehicles used by the Successful Proposer must be inspected and registered as required for vehicles
providing the specific services described herein. Such inspection shall be maintained as current, and
the vehicle(s) shall always display a current inspection and registration sticker. The Successful
Proposer must be able to supply vehicles (and substitute Vehicles, if necessary to maintain continuous
service) meeting Federal, State and Seneca Nation requirements as of the date of the Commencement
of Services. No less than ten (10) days prior to the Commencement of Services, the Contractor will
provide the Seneca Nation Transit Manager with the VIN number(s), registration number(s) and
date(s) and inspection date(s), with respect to vehicles to be used in connection with the services
described in this RFP (including any spare or substitute vehicles). The Contractor will provide the
Seneca Nation Transit Manager with the same information with respect to any vehicles added as
available for the services.
C. All vehicles and vehicle equipment required by this RFP shall be maintained by the Contractor in
good repair and in a condition satisfactory to the Seneca Nation. Contractor shall assume all
responsibility for the proper maintenance of vehicles including all coordination with the manufacturer
of the vehicles if necessary to keep the vehicles in safe and good operating condition. Proper
maintenance of the vehicles shall include routine inspection and replacement of windshield wiper
blades, with Bosch Envision or approved equal quality wiper blades, to assure safe operation of transit
vehicles. All items requiring negotiating and processing all vehicle warranty claims through the
manufacturer including collection of any monies, extended warranties or credits shall be handled
through the Seneca Nation Transit Manager.
D. For all vehicles, preventative maintenance inspections and servicing shall occur not less than every
6,000 miles or 30 days, whichever is less. The contractor shall specify the preventative program for
all vehicles used in this service.
E.
All vehicles used in the performance of the Services must be equipped with a seat belt cutter, “lockdowns” for wheelchairs, a standard first-aid kit, at least 3 flares and/or reflectors and a fire
extinguisher which complies with all applicable rules and regulations for that type of vehicle. The
bus shall be wheelchair accessible.
F.
Re-grooved or recapped tires of any type are not acceptable in the performance of the Services.
G. The Seneca Nation has the right to inspect each vehicle used to provide the services described in
this RFP and all maintenance records concerning those vehicles. As requested by the Nation, the
Contractor shall provide the Nation with copies of the maintenance records for each such vehicle.
H. The Seneca Nation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to inspect and reject temporarily or
permanently by notice to the Contractor, any vehicle the Contractor utilizes which the Nation deems
unacceptable. In the event any revenue vehicle is rejected temporarily by the Nation because of
deficient vehicle condition or appearance, the Contractor is responsible for providing a compliant
vehicle at no additional cost to the Seneca Nation until the condition is corrected.
I.
The Contractor shall dispatch a spare vehicle in the event of a vehicle breakdown. The maximum
allowable response time from the moment of a trouble call is received until a substitute vehicle
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arrives will be established by the Seneca Nation. Proposals shall state the estimated time Proposers
will need to provide a substitute vehicle.
J.
No vehicle used to provide services shall be used to display any advertisement, political or
otherwise, without the express written authorization of the Nation. Notwithstanding this:
i.
ii.
In the event the Contractor can sell space for non-political advertising on the vehicle(s),
the Contractor will promptly notify the Seneca Nation Transit Manager and provide details
concerning same. The Transit Manager’s decision concerning whether to permit such
advertising shall be final;
In the event the Seneca Nation Transit Manager can sell space for non-political advertising
on the vehicle(s), the Contractor shall place such advertisements as directed; and
K. The Contractor will install and maintain an FM mobile two-way radio, mobile phone or other
means of communication acceptable to the Nation in all vehicles used to furnish services hereunder.
In the event a mobile two-way radio is used, a copy of the Transporter’s FCC radio license number
as proof of authority to operate the radio will be supplied prior to the commencement of the
services hereunder.
L.
All vehicles as well as back-up and/or substitute vehicles used in connection with the services
discussed in this RFP shall carry signage that clearly identifies such vehicle as providing service for
the Seneca Nation. Such signage shall be in a form and size to be approved by the Seneca Nation
Transit Manager and shall be prominently displayed on the front and sides of the vehicle(s). In this
regard, promptly after the Contractor receives the Notice of Award, it will present such signage to
the Seneca Nation Transit Manager for approval.
M. The Seneca Transit System uses the Passio Go automated vehicle locator. Passio Go is a GPS based
system. All Contractor drivers employed to provide STS public transportation services must be
trained in the use and operation of the Passio Go system or any other future automated vehicle
locator and/or passenger counting system that may be purchased for use in the operation of the
Seneca Transit System. The Contractor will be required to install and maintain the current Passio
Go GPS equipment in all vehicles used to furnish services hereunder. Such GPS capability shall
enable the Contractor to record the location and time of each stop along each route. Such records of
stops and times shall be made available to the Nation at monthly performance meetings or upon
request.
N. The Contractor will install and maintain on-board camera equipment in all vehicles used to furnish
services hereunder until such time the Seneca Nation installs owner-supplied and operated cameras.
Such cameras shall enable the Contractor to record transit operations while in service. Such records
shall be made available to the Nation upon request. Any contractor supplied on-board security
cameras and monitoring system shall be similar or an “approved-equal” in operation and capability
as Drive Cam. Contractor shall supply any security monitoring records, video, pictures, audio
and/or data at the Nation’s requests.
O. The Seneca Nation provides free Wi-Fi services on all current vehicle routes. The Seneca Nation
shall provide all Wi-Fi equipment for use by the Operator and public in compliance with Nation
policies and procedures.
P.
All Seneca Nation-owned buses are equipped with digital variable message boards (VMB).
Message boards shall be programed by the Operator with information provided and/or approved by
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the Seneca Nation Transit Manager and shall be in use by the Operator during service. The VMB
information and operation of may be altered at any time when in the view of the Seneca Nation it is
in the Nation’s best interest to do so.
Q. The Contractor shall operate and maintain all Seneca Nation furnished facilities and equipment in
first-class condition for their intended purposes throughout the Agreement term. Nothing contained
in the Agreement shall affect the Seneca Nation’s absolute ownership of, and title to, the Nation’s
equipment; such ownership and title being hereby expressly reserved to and retained by the Nation.
R. The Contractor will cooperate with the Nation in maintaining an accurate inventory of all Nationowned and Contractor-owned equipment. The Contractor, at their expense, shall repair or replace
any facility or equipment item accidentally or willfully damaged, sabotaged, misused or lost.
Failure to make said restoration will result in correction by the Nation with reimbursement by the
Contractor. All Seneca Nation facilities, equipment and records shall immediately be returned to
the Nation upon term or termination of the Contract.
S.
Buses in service shall be stored at the terminal point of the current route on Seneca Nation lands;
however, storage locations may be altered at any time when in the view of the Seneca Nation it is in
the Nation’s best interest to do so. Storage of Seneca Nation owned buses not in service shall be
the responsibility of the Contractor at a facility and location approved by the Nation.
VI.
OPERATIONS AND PROCEDURES
A. On-time service shall be defined as service within a ten-minute window of the scheduled arrival
time at each stop. The Operator shall immediately notify the Seneca Nation Transit Manager of any
service issues or delays resulting in scheduled services being impacted by ten (10) minutes or more
so that public notifications can be provided by the Transit Manager through available STS media
outlets. If possible, the Operator will provide advanced notification of delays or issues that will
impact on the service schedule and routes.
B. Effective communication between the Operator and the Seneca Nation is a critical component of
operating the STS. The Contractor shall coordinate and manage all necessary program activities
such as operating the services, dispatch, vehicle maintenance, management personnel, providing
driver and other personnel training, administrative staff and support including but not limited to
ridership data collection and reporting, accident and incident reporting, accounting and budgeting
functions, revenue management and maintenance of communication equipment. It is understood
that as the Seneca Nation continues to develop policies, develop methods to maximize service
efficiency, integrate Intelligent Transit Systems into the service, construct new facilities, advance
marketing/promotions/public outreach, manage customer complaints and implement programs
necessary to the success of the STS, the Contractor will work with the Seneca Nation Transit
Manager in an integrated and seamless fashion to ensure adequate training with system technology,
including new and improved technology, and compliance and level of service.
C. The Contractor will designate a point of contact for all communications and service coordination
with whom the Seneca Nation Transit Manager will coordinate.
D. The Contractor shall identify any unions associated with their service operations. A copy of the
labor agreement shall be provided to the Seneca Nation upon award. The Contractor shall work
with the Nation to develop a management and communications policy to establish lines of
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communication when handling any transportation or transportation related services to ensure
compliance with STS program goals and objectives.
E.
F.
All vehicles used in connection with the services discussed in this RFP shall be kept in excellent
mechanical condition and shall be kept clean inside and out. All Seneca Nation owned vehicles
shall be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected as a minimum in the following manner.
i.
The Successful Contractor shall coordinate a weekly and monthly schedule for cleaning
the exterior of the bus upon award. The Seneca Nation will provide, at the Contractor’s
option, access to Nation fleet facilities on each territory to wash the exterior of the bus.
Weekly cleaning will consist of removal of general light washing to remove excess debris
and dirt from the windows, windshields, mirrors, lights and body of the vehicle to provide
a safe and visually appealing appearance. Monthly cleaning will consist of a more
thorough cleaning providing a safe and “like new” appearance.
ii.
The Contractor shall provide adequate staff and cleaning equipment, products, supplies and
materials necessary to perform the cleaning services including supplying all cleaning
equipment, supplies and materials necessary for daily, monthly and quarterly cleaning. All
materials shall be in conformance with the manufacturer’s recommendation so as not to
cause damage to products or surfaces or void warranties. The Operator shall maintain a
cleaning checklist/log.
iii.
All buses in service shall be cleaned daily. Daily cleaning includes the following activities:
sanitize and disinfect all hard surfaces accessibly by the public, ensure that all aisles and
areas under seats are free of all debris and dust, ensure all trash receptacles are empty and
clean, spot clean any visible stains from cloth seats, remove graffiti from all surfaces, clean
driver’s area (dashboards, instruments, windows, mirrors), and clean any debris and visible
stains from the inside of all windows and mirrors (such that they are streak free).
iv.
All buses in service shall be cleaned monthly. Monthly cleaning includes the daily list plus:
sweep and mop floors, clean all interior windows and doors, vacuum seats and driver area,
clean walls and window frames.
v.
All buses in service shall be cleaned quarterly. Quarterly cleaning includes the monthly
list plus: sanitizing/disinfecting ceiling, sidewalls, light covers, designation signs,
partitions, header and dash areas including instruments, wipe down all seat frames, clean
all vents of dust and debris, steam clean all cloth seats (free from gum, soiling and stains),
re-seal any surfaces per the manufacturer and clean wheel chair areas and step wells
including deploying lift and clean platform.
The Operator shall comply with reasonable request by the Nation to distribute notices, schedules
and other promotional materials to passengers in connection with the services provided. The
Seneca Nation is responsible for marketing and public outreach as well as the production of
schedules, marketing and other promotional materials therefore the Proposal should not include any
costs for production of materials.
G. Notwithstanding the establishment of designated stops along a designated route, the vehicle is
required to stop when flagged down by passengers along the route and allow such passengers to
board, and the vehicle shall be required to stop when requested by a passenger on board, and permit
that passenger to debark, provided it is safe to do so.
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H. The Contractor shall have capable and courteous personnel who are responsible for taking
information requests, accurately managing schedules, properly handling complaints and customer
service requests and response to telephone inquiries regarding transportation services.
I.
The Contractor shall have a dispatcher on duty and able to receive and respond to calls from the
Seneca Nation Transit Manager, Driver(s) of the vehicle(s), and the public, at all times during
transportation hours to include evenings and weekends. The contractor shall identify the process
of handling all calls both during and outside of service hours as part of this RFP. The process of
handling calls should include establishing schedule policies and procedures. Notwithstanding this,
such dispatchers shall be available to receive calls and always respond to the Transit Manager not
less than from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Saturdays.
Emergencies and Accidents
J.
In any and every event in which a vehicle is involved in an accident, breaks down, or is otherwise
prevented from continuing on-time service, the Contractor will immediately dispatch a spare
vehicle to ensure that the services hereunder continue with the least possible delay. In addition, the
Contractor will notify the Seneca Nation Transit Manager of such accident, breakdown, or other
delay, providing the Transit Manager with all information concerning same both by telephone
(within one (1) hour) and in writing (by close of the next business day). Further, in the event such
delay results from an accident, the Operator will follow the procedure set forth in this RFP. In any
event, prompt dispatch of a spare vehicle means that the spare is dispatched within one-half hour of
the occurrence. A fully investigate incident/accident report outlining the details and all
documentation shall be provided within 72 hours of the incident/accident.
K. The Contractor shall be responsible for the handling and resolution of all operational emergencies
and contingencies in addition to enforcement of policies established by the Seneca Nation which are
subject to revision and addition when in the view of the Seneca Nation it is in the Nation’s best
interest to do so. The Successful Contractor shall provide a copy of their Operations Policies and
Procedures upon award. Emergencies include, but are not limited to, the following: hazardous
conditions, in-service failures, wheelchair lift failure, passenger disturbances, medical assistance to
passengers and accidents.
L.
The Seneca Nation Transit Manager will provide the Contractor with accident and emergency
procedures to be followed by the Operator’s drivers and staff. Prompt communication with the
Transit Manager is mandatory for all accidents occurring while passengers are on board, or in
connection with passengers boarding or leaving a vehicle, and all other accidents. The following
procedures shall be followed:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
When the severity or nature of the accident requires, or when emergency services are
required for passengers and/or the driver or passengers of another vehicle, the driver or
dispatcher shall contact 91l and request police and ambulance service.
The Contractor shall immediately notify the Transit Manager of the location, extent of
the accident, the names of the passengers involved, and a description of the
accident/injuries.
The Contractor shall immediately dispatch a replacement vehicle.
The vehicle and the driver in the accident shall remain at the accident site until released
by the police.
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v.
vi.
SECTION A
The Contractor shall prepare accident/emergency reports for the New York State
Department of Motor Vehicles, New York State Department of Transportation, and the
Nation within twenty-four (24) hours, utilizing approved State and/or Nation forms.
The Contractor shall follow all requirements for notification of bus accidents in
accordance with the requirements of the New York State Public Transportation Safety
Board and the required System Safety Plan.
M. During hazardous road conditions or emergencies, the Seneca Nation Transit Manager may choose
to authorize the Alternate Schedule in accordance with STS policies and procedures.
N. The Contractor shall provide the Seneca Nation all required safety data necessary to complete
NYSDOT 5311 Annual Report on an annual basis at least Thirty Days (30) prior to report
deadlines. This shall include
i.
ii.
iii.
Total Incidents (Fatality, injury or property damage in excess of $25,000)
Total Fatalities (Loss of life)
Total Injuries (Requires immediate medical attention)
Fares
O. The Contractor will ensure that the driver of the vehicle collects a fare from each passenger riding
on the vehicle. All fares collected shall be for the sole use and benefit of the Nation and will be
accounted for by the Contractor as provided in this RFP. It will be the obligation of the Contractor
to ensure that all fares collected are accounted for to the Seneca Nation Transit Manager as
provided in this RFP. If the rider does not have the proper fare, the driver will not allow the rider to
board the bus.
P.
Fares may, at the election of the Nation, be in the form of passes, receipts, tokens, transfers and/or
cash. Regardless of the nature of the fare, it will be in the form of some item that can be verified or
collected by the driver of the vehicle. The Contractor will be provided with copies of acceptable
items that may be used in payment of the fare. Drivers shall verify the validity of all passes. If
passes are invalid, not stamped or fraudulent, the driver will confiscate the pass, and the Operator
shall immediately notify the Transit Manager.
Q. The amount of the fare shall be determined from time to time by the Nation in its sole discretion. In
accordance with ADA requirements, route deviation fares will be two times the regular fare.
R. As provided in the RFP, each day at the end of each shift in accordance with STS policies and
procedures, the Contractor will submit over all fully completed, sealed fare collection bags
containing all accounted for fares and/or passes collected to the shift Supervisor at the Seneca One
Stop on each territory for weekly collection by the Seneca Nation Transit Manager.
S.
Records shall be maintained by the Contractor and shall remain available for inspection and/or
copying during the term of the contract and thereafter until instructed by the Nation that such
records are to be delivered to the Nation or destroyed in accordance with the Nation’s instructions.
Drivers’ Duties
T.
It shall be the duty of the driver to supervise the passengers for the duration of the route.
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U. The drivers must present a neat appearance and must maintain a polite, professional and courteous
attitude toward the public and all passengers. Drivers must wear name tags clearly displaying their
names while performing their duties. Drivers shall work on a schedule that will ensure a consistent
and overall high quality of service. Because the Seneca Nation of Indians provides a public service,
and such appearance and attitude will encourage public use of the Nation vehicle(s), this is of the
essence of the agreement, and the Contractor shall specifically instruct the drivers of this
requirement. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be sufficient ground to request the
removal of a driver. The Seneca Nation shall have the right to demand removal from the program,
for reasonable cause, of any personnel furnished by the Contractor. The Nation must be notified
promptly of new hires or reassignments of program personnel.
V. Drivers must be trained in all operational procedures relating to the system. Training must include
techniques for dealing with the public in a helpful and courteous manner, basic information about
the route and the Seneca Nation, and sensitivity and empathy training directed towards the needs of
elderly and disabled passengers, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Contractor shall describe how it will maintain an ongoing employee safety and training program.
W. Vehicle drivers shall be trained to operate all types of vehicles, wheelchair lifts, ramps, and systems
to secure wheelchairs, as well as other equipment which may be expected to use in fixed-route,
route deviation services. This requirement pertains to all vehicle drivers, both regularly assigned
and relief vehicle drivers.
X. In accordance with Seneca Nation and New York State laws, drivers shall not smoke on the vehicle
at any time. Drivers shall not eat or drink any liquid, be under the influence of a controlled
substance or medication, or perform any act, or conduct themselves in any manner that may impair
the safe operation of a vehicle.
Y. No driver shall disembark from the vehicle when passengers are inside, except in case of
emergencies; and in such cases before leaving his/her seat, the driver shall stop the motor, leave the
transmission in park, set the auxiliary brake, and remove the ignition key. Passengers are required
to disembark during fueling.
Z.
Prior to the start of any route, the driver shall perform a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle in
accordance with the procedure established by the New York State Department of Transportation.
The driver will perform a post-trip inspection of the vehicle, also.
AA. The driver shall immediately report to their supervisors any accident that occurs in connection with
the vehicle while transporting passengers or otherwise. Such report shall be made immediately by
means of the telecommunications equipment on the vehicle. The Contractor shall be required to
submit a written report to the Nation on a form prescribed by the Nation, which complies with the
requirements of Article 19-A of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law and in a format
mutually agreed upon by the Nation and the Operator. This statement must be written and signed by
the driver and supervisor and must include the names of all passengers on the vehicle at the time of
the accident.
BB. Drivers and driver assistants shall comply with the Seneca Nation procedures and communications
in the event of snow and emergency days, vehicle emergencies and other potentially catastrophic
weather concerns.
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CC. The driver shall ensure that a proper fare, whether it is a pass or other collectable item issued by
individual departments or agencies of the Seneca Nation, or other municipalities or institutions,
with which, the Seneca Nation consummates an agreement for carriage of associated riders on the
public transportation service, or in cash, is received from each rider. If a proper fare is not provided
or proper pass is shown, the driver will not permit the rider to board the bus.
DD. The Contractor shall operate vehicles with due regard for the safety, comfort and convenience of
passengers and the public. The Seneca Nation will set performance standards for its services.
Contractor and the Seneca Nation Transit Manager shall meet periodically to evaluate performance
of the system based upon these standards. If the standards are not fulfilling their intended purpose,
they will be adjusted based upon recommendations made by Contractor with the concurrence and
final decision by the Transit Manager. Should it be found that the Contractor’s performance has
contributed to Contractor’s failure to achieve these standards, Contractor shall take all reasonable
actions requested by the Transit Manager to correct deficiencies in performance. Should
deficiencies persist, the Nation may choose to terminate the contract. The Transit Manager shall
maintain the right to terminate the contract, as set forth herein, based on the Contractor’s failure to
meet the established standards. Circumstances beyond the control of the Contractor, causing the
Contractor to fail to comply with the stated performance requirement, will be considered as just
cause on the part of the Nation not to terminate the contract.
EE. Service should be provided as scheduled or according to any adjusted schedule established by the
Nation, including route modifications required because of special events or a declared emergency.
The Contractor will not be held responsible for the failure to provide on time service due to weather
or traffic conditions, unavoidable vehicle malfunctions, and/or naturally occurring disasters.
FF. The Contractor shall provide services in as outlined by this RFP and in compliance with the
Performance Measures outlined in Appendix O. Repeated failures to resolve any identified issues
or to comply with expectations for service may result in termination of the contract by the Seneca
Nation.
GG. The Seneca Nation in collaboration with the Contractor shall establish an incentive program to
promote, but not limited to, driver safety, completed paperwork/record keeping, customer
satisfaction and performance. Once performance measures have been accepted and policy
established, Operator personnel demonstrating compliance with standards and exceptional and
consistent performance shall be awarded incentive amounts paid to the Contractor for distribution
directly to Contractor’s employees on an equitable basis.
VII.
PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
A. The Seneca Nation will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, ethnicity,
color, religion, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or national origin. Preference
will be given, however, to enrolled Members of the Seneca Nation, then to other Indian applicants
in accordance with the exemption authorized by Section 703 (I), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964.
B. Each driver shall be properly licensed for the type of vehicle being used before the start of
employment. A list of all certified drivers and license numbers license class and endorsements with
license expiration date will be provided to the Nation before any driver begins to provide service
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hereunder. Such list shall be updated upon each change and submitted to the Nation. Article 19-A
of the Vehicle and Traffic Law outlines the requirements applicable to drivers.
C. The Contractor shall ensure that the drivers provide the Nation with safe transportation, and shall
ensure that the drivers meet the following minimum qualifications:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
No more than one (1) moving violation during the past five (5) years
Not be subject to outstanding warrants for arrest,
Thorough knowledge of the service area
Sensitivity to passengers’ needs including assisting passengers upon their request
Able to handle complaints and problems as required.
No moving violations during the past twelve (12) months.
Under no condition will an applicant be accepted as a driver if he or she (a) has been
convicted of a felony; or (b) has been convicted of a drug or alcohol offense; or (c) if
there has been a finding of child abuse/maltreatment.
The Contractor shall maintain records concerning the Drivers’ qualifications and
clearances with respect to the matters described in sections (i) through (iii) above. The
Nation shall be entitled to audit such records and make copies thereof.
D. All Drivers shall have a Class B (with an S endorsement) or C (with an N1 endorsement) NYS CDL
license (depending on the vehicle to be driven) with a P endorsement. Drivers will be appropriately
licensed for the Vehicle being driven.
E.
A written record from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles with respect to each
Driver must be submitted to the Nation.
F.
At all times during the contract period, all drivers shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
G. The Successful Proposer shall submit to the Nation a list of all drivers who will provide Services
hereunder, their license expiration date and a list of all their accidents and violations incurred in the
past three (3) years. Such list shall be updated upon each change and submitted to the Nation.
H. All drivers will operate vehicles at safe and reasonable rates of speed.
I.
Each driver of a vehicle shall be responsible for complete control of his/her vehicle and the
passengers being transported therein.
J.
The Seneca Nation Transit Manager and the Seneca Nation reserve the right to reject or require
replacement of drivers who are provided by the Contractor without being limited to considerations
of social and driving records. In this regard, the Contractor will ensure that it receives periodic
reports from the local police department and/or State and/or Federal law enforcement agencies
concerning the lack of convictions of drivers for felonies or child or other abuses. With respect to
child abuse clearances, in accordance with the provisions of New York State Social Services Law
§424-a, the Contractors shall screen all drivers and monitors through the child abuse registry, and
the Contractors shall maintain a record of submissions and clearances. Such reports shall be
requested received by the Contractor no less than annually.
K. The Operator shall register with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles’ Driver Certification Unit
as a contract holder with the Seneca Nation Transit Manager.
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L.
VIII.
SECTION A
The Contractor and their drivers are subject to Federal Transit Administration Drug and Alcohol
Testing requirements. These requirements are included on FTA’s web site at www.fta.dot.gov.
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
A. Termination for Convenience – This Agreement may be terminated by either party upon no less
than ninety (90) days written notice, without cause. Said notice shall be delivered by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, or in person with proof of delivery.
B. Termination by Reason of Withdrawal of Funding − At the Nation’s sole discretion, this Agreement
may be terminated by the Nation in the event that all or any of the Federal, State, or local funding of
the Service is withdrawn or terminated.
C. Termination or Suspension – If the contractor, before completion, discontinues the project services,
or if for any reason, the commencement, prosecution, or timely completion of the project by the
contractor is rendered improbable, impossible, or illegal, or if the contractor defaults or fails to
perform the work in accordance with this Agreement, the Nation, by written notice to the
contractor, may terminate any or all of the Seneca Nation’s obligations under this Agreement or
may suspend any or all of its obligations under this Agreement until the event or condition resulting
in such suspension has ceased or been corrected.
D. Upon receipt of any such notice or termination or suspension, the contractor shall promptly carry
out the actions required by such notice which may include any or all of the following: (1)
termination or suspension of project activities and such other action as the Nation deems necessary;
and (2) furnishing a status report of the project activities and a proposed schedule, plan, and budget
for terminating or suspending the project.
E.
If the contractor fails to furnish, within a reasonable time, a schedule, plan, and budget for the
termination or suspension of the project, the termination or suspension shall be carried out in
accordance with such terms and conditions as the Nation may impose.
F.
Events of Default
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Failure of the contractor to provide the services in a manner which enables the Nation and
the contractor to remain in substantial compliance with the requirements of applicable
Federal and State laws, rules and regulations, and with requirements of local ordinance
and related rules and regulations
Willful falsification of data supplied to the Nation during operations, including by way of
example but not by way of exclusion, dispatch data, response time data, financial data, or
falsification or deliberate omission of any other data required under this Agreement.
Deliberate and unauthorized scaling down of operations to the detriment of performance
after notice to the contractor of the termination of the Agreement through competitive
award of this service to another organization.
Willful attempts by the contractor to intimidate or otherwise punish employees who desire
to interview with or sign contingent employment agreements with competing Proposers
during a subsequent Proposal cycle.
Chronic and persistent failure of the contractor’s employees to conduct themselves in a
professional and courteous manner, and to present a professional appearance.
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vi.
vii.
viii.
IX.
SECTION A
Failure by the contractor to furnish key personnel of quality and experience.
Failure by the contractor to cooperate with and assist the Nation in its takeover of the
contractor’s operations after a breach has been declared and confirmed by the Nation, as
provided herein, even if it is later determined that such breach never occurred or that
cause of such breach was beyond the contractor’s control.
Abuse of the contractor’s position to enhance the organization’s profits, directly or
indirectly through an outside business entity, at the expense of the Nation, by way of such
practices as bias in trip assignment, receiving commissions, discounts, kickbacks, or other
consideration from third parties.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
A. Each proposer must have the following minimum insurance coverage. If a proposer’s policy does
not strictly comply with these insurance specifications, then he/she must submit a Certificate of
Insurance verifying that coverage meets or exceeds the following:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Comprehensive General Liability – $2,000,000 aggregate; $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Automotive Liability Insurance – Primary coverage of $1,000,000.00 for each person and
$1,000,000.00 for each accident.
Property Damage - $1,000,000.00.
Excess Umbrella Liability Coverage - $2,000,000.00.
(Insurance Requirements for this contract is Classification “F”)
Seneca Nation shall be included as an additional insured on all Certificates of Insurance. These Certificates
(Acord 25 form) shall be included as part of the sealed response to this RFP. There must be a certification
attesting that the policy will not be canceled or allowed to expire without 60 days prior notice to the Seneca
Nation of Indians. Insurance certificates must show the expiration date of the policy. The policy should
cover the duration of the entire term of the Contract. The Successful Proposer shall provide the Nation
with a copy of all relevant policies clearly stating that the Seneca Nation of Indians has been added as an
additional insured.
B. The Successful Proposer will take out and maintain, during the life of this contract, adequate
Workers’ Compensation Insurance, at not less than statutory rates, for all of the employees who will
be engaged in work under this contract in compliance with the Compensation Law of the State of
New York. A copy of this insurance, on form C 105.2, shall be submitted to the Seneca Nation of
Indians prior to onset of the contract (listing of this insurance on the Acord 25 form is not
adequate).
C. The Successful Proposer will take out and maintain, during the life of this contract, adequate
Disability insurance, at not less than the statutory rate, for all employees who will be engaged in
work under this contract. A copy of this insurance, on form DB-120.1, shall be submitted to the
Seneca Nation of Indians Prior to onset of the contract (listing of this insurance on the Acord 25
form is not adequate).
X.
FUEL
A. The Seneca Nation shall provide fuel for the operation of vehicles used in the provision of
transportation services. Fuel can be obtained from the Seneca Nation Enterprise fuel stations
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(Seneca One Stop) at locations on both the Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories of the Seneca
Nation. In response to this RFP, the Seneca Nation requests hourly prices for the operation of the
service using Seneca Nation fuel for Seneca Nation-owned buses, as well as Contractor-owned
wheelchair-equipped 16 passenger bus using Seneca Nation fuel. If the Contractor needs to use
either a Seneca Nation-owned vehicle or a Contractor-owned vehicle to provide service and it is not
possible to fuel said vehicle with Seneca Nation fuel as described by the RFP, the successful bidder
will have the option of providing their own fuel for the operation of that vehicle used in the
provision of transportation services. The Seneca Nation reserves the right to approve the use and
expenditure reimbursement for the use of contractor-purchased fuel in the provision of scheduled
STS services. The Contractor will provide copies of fuel expenditure receipts and a written
explanation and justification for the use of contractor-purchased fuel to the Manager of the Seneca
Transit System for the purpose of review and approval of documentation prior to reimbursement for
contractor purchased fuel. With the approval of the Transit Manager, the contractor will be
reimbursed for the purchase of fuel used in the delivery of scheduled STS services.
B. The purchase and use of Seneca Nation fuel shall NOT be reflected in the hourly rate using Seneca
Nation-owned buses or Contractor-owned buses. The Seneca Nation shall provide a monthly
allocation of fuel at specified locations for the Contractor’s use. The Seneca Nation reserves the
right to review the monthly fuel usage associated with the provision of scheduled STS services to
determine if the monthly fuel usage is reasonable for the number of hours and miles of STS services
provided. If requested, the Contractor may be requested to justify the monthly fuel usage if the
amount reported appears unreasonable.
C. Seneca Nation fuel shall be utilized only for service along routes. Seneca Nation fuel shall not be
used for any services outside of the service routes including but not limited to maintenance
activities, vehicle replacements, etc. Fuel use by the Contractor shall be in accordance with the
Seneca Nation Fiscal policy.
XI.
RATES AND SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS
D. Respondents to this Request for Proposals shall provide hourly rates to provide public
transportation bus service between the Village of Irving, the City of Salamanca, and the Village of
Steamburg and the environs of the Cattaraugus and Allegany Territories of the Seneca Nation of
Indians and Cattaraugus County and the Allegany Territory Circulator service during the term
October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. These bus services will operate Monday through
Saturday, except for specified holidays. Hourly rates should provide detail as to their derivation
(maintenance, insurance, administration…). The successful bidder will supply a monthly invoice to
the Seneca Nation detailing hourly rate as well as the hours of service provided in a particular
month. The Seneca Nation will make every attempt to remit payment in a timely manner. In the
event an invoice is contested, for any reason, the Seneca Nation and the successful bidder will be
required to provide notice and reason for the contest within sixty (60) calendar days of the invoice
date. If, after sixty calendar days, neither party provides notice of contest then all future challenges
to the invoice will be invalid.
E.
The desired public transportation service is specified in the Schedule of Operations in Section B.
F.
Respondents to this RFP are requested to provide hourly rates to provide scheduled Seneca Transit
System services using Seneca Nation-owned vehicles and contractor-owned vehicles when Seneca
Nation-owned vehicles are not available to provide scheduled Seneca Transit System services. The
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hourly rates submitted in response to this RFP shall include all costs associated with the operation
of the vehicles to provide scheduled Seneca Transit System services including maintenance, wages,
fringe benefits, service, administration, overhead, G&A, insurance, fee/markup, etc.
G. In that the services operated by the third-party contract operator for the Seneca Transit System enter
into the Buffalo Urbanized Area, bus operators employed by the third-party contract operator
selected in response to this Request for Proposal will be paid an hourly wage that is competitive
with the hourly rates for bus operators that are employed to provide public transit services in the
Buffalo Urbanized Area, within the entire service area of the Seneca Transit System, and other
regional transit operations. Respondents to this RFP are expected to research the hourly rates paid
to bus operators in the Buffalo Urbanized Area as well as other regional transit operations to
include a competitive hourly rate for bus operators in the proposal as submitted. The hourly rates
proposed by respondents to this RFP will include the requested competitive hourly rates. Responses
to this Request for Proposal should indicate the specific hourly rates that will be paid to bus
operators under the contract that will be awarded in response to this RFP and demonstrate the
competitive nature of the proposed hourly rates. The hourly rates that will be paid to bus operators
and supporting justification will be included within the Proposal Evaluation Factors as detailed in
Exhibit B-7.
H. The pricing form to identify the requested hourly rates is detailed in Section B.
I.
The contract award will be made by the Seneca Nation after consideration of proposal evaluation
factors. The Nation reserves the right to amend awarded services by increasing or decreasing hours
or days of service in accordance with the hourly rates provided by the Respondent in Section B.
J.
All passengers riding on the vehicles are to board and be discharged at designated stops. However,
the vehicle is required to stop when flagged down by passengers along the route and allow such
passengers to board, and the vehicle is required to stop when a passenger on board requests, and
permit that passenger to debark, provided it is safe to do so.
K. As indicated in this RFP, the Contractor will be responsible for collecting cash and other fares,
sorting the different fares as instructed, summarizing the fares received, and reporting all fares
received to the Nation. Specifically, the only sum to be received by the Contractor under this RFP
is the daily rate to be paid for the operation of the Vehicle.
L.
The preliminary schedule of operation is as set forth in Section B. However, the Nation and the
Transit Manager reserve the right to alter the schedule and to increase or decrease the number of
days on which the vehicles are to be run, to increase or decrease the number of hours of operation
on any given day, and to alter the routes and/or the stops.
XII. FINANCIAL AND REPORTING
A. Contractors must bill on Seneca Nation of Indians vouchers, as applicable.
B. All invoices with respect to services hereunder shall be presented not later ten (10) days after close
of the month during which such services were performed.
C. Each day, at the time and at the place designated by the Transit Manager, the Contractor will give
all fares collected (whether passes or other collectable items issued by individual departments or
agencies of the Seneca Nation or other municipalities or institutions, or in cash) to the Seneca
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Nation consistent with Seneca Transit System fare collection and cash management policies and
procedures.
D. Statistical Reporting
1. The contractor will prepare daily trip sheets and maintain accurate records of all the transportation
services provided pursuant to this Agreement and will assist the Seneca Nation in the preparation
of reporting forms for Federal and State funding agencies. The Statistical Report shall be
submitted each month at the same time as the Invoice for Services. If the Seneca Nation opts to
initiate the operation of an additional bus route, statistics will be reported for each route. These
records shall include, but are not limited to:
i. Number of Days in Service during the Month
ii. Number of Total Passengers
iii. Number of Revenue Passengers
iv. Number of Non-Revenue Passengers
v. Number of Passengers by Fare Type, including passes
vi. Source of pass accepted, including serial numbers
vii. Fare Box Revenue by Route
viii. Number of Total Vehicle Miles
ix. Number of Vehicle Revenue Miles
x. Number of Non-revenue (deadhead) Miles
xi. Number of Total Vehicle Hours
xii. Number of Vehicle Revenue Hours
xiii. Number of Non-revenue (deadhead) Hours
xiv. Any additional statistics required to meet the objectives and requirements of STOA
(on a monthly basis)
2. The contractor shall also report to the Nation, daily, the following:
i. Number of Route Deviation Trip Requests
ii. Ridership Reports completed by drivers on Seneca Nation report template
iii. Number of Missed Trips
iv. Synopsis of Customer Comments and Complaints identifying type of comment or
complaint and complaint resolution.
3. The contractor shall also report to the Nation safety data, on an annual basis required for reporting,
the following:
i. Total Incidents (Fatality, injury or property damage in excess of $25,000)
ii. Total Fatalities (Loss of life)
iii. Total Injuries (Requires immediate medical attention)
4. Reporting is subject to periodically change based on NYSDOT and FTA requirements. The
contractor shall provide all necessary data and reporting as necessary to satisfy NYSDOT and FTA
requirements.
XIII. PAST PERFORMANCE
In the review of all proposals, past performance and references from other projects (see Section III (B)
and (C) will be considered in making the final selection of Contractors. Before final contract award is
made, the Seneca Nation may conduct a performance review on each proposer likely to receive a contract
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award. The contract award will be made to the highest rated proposal after consideration of proposal
evaluation factors.
XlV. BID IN EXCESS OF FUNDING
The Seneca Nation of Indians reserves the right to reject all proposals if the proposals received exceed the
funding allotted for the services described in this RFP. Likewise, the Nation may in any case refuse to
award a contract if vehicles owned or leased or otherwise contracted for by the Nation can perform the
route in question more economically.
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REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Section B
Required Services and Cost Information
Basis of Award
The following information is provided for the purpose of permitting respondents to this RFP to present
their cost or bid proposal. The Seneca Nation reserves the right to alter the schedule and to increase or
decrease the number of days on which the operation is to be run, to increase or decrease the number of
hours of operation on any given day, and to alter the route and/or the stops.
Availability of Vehicles from the Seneca Nation of Indians
The Seneca Nation of Indians owns six (6) 16 passenger (Lot G) buses equipped with two wheelchair tiedowns which are available to provide STS services. Proposers shall provide an hourly rate (excluding
fuel) to operate the specified public transportation services utilizing vehicles owned and provided by the
Nation and to provide services utilizing vehicles provided by the contractor between October 1, 2026 and
September 30, 2027.
The Operator will make the best effort to use Seneca Nation buses for Seneca Nation services unless a
Nation bus is not available, at which time the Operator will identify enough substitute or “backup” vehicles
to ensure that the Service described in this RFP is not interrupted.
Days of Operation:
Cattaraugus & Allegany Inter-Territories Service to Irving, Gowanda, Dayton, Village of
Cattaraugus, Little Valley, Salamanca and Steamburg and Allegany Territory Circulator Services
Services will operate along the routes described Mondays through Saturday. The service will not run on
the following six holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day
and New Year’s Day.
Hours of Operation:
The route schedule is included in Section B.
The Cattaraugus & Allegany Inter-Territories Service to Irving, Gowanda, Dayton, Village of
Cattaraugus, Little Valley, Salamanca and Steamburg bus service will include six (6) round trips per day
Monday through Saturday. Monday through Friday round trips are estimated to require three hours and
35 minutes. Twenty-one and one-half billable hours are assumed for Monday through Friday InterTerritory service. Saturday round trips are estimated to require three hours and 50 minutes. Twenty-three
billable hours are assumed for Saturday Inter-Territory service. In total, approximately 6,679 hours of
Inter-Territory service will be provided under this contract. One-way trips are estimated to require 60
miles and a round trip is estimated at 120.0 miles. Thus, the six (6) round trips are estimated to be 720
miles per day Monday through Saturday. Over 307 days of service, including 255 weekdays and 52
Saturdays, approximately 6,678 hours and 221,040 miles of Cattaraugus & Allegany Inter-Territories
Service will be operated.
Allegany Territory Circulator Service. The Allegany Territory Circulator operates eleven (11) round
trips per day, Monday through Saturday. Round trips are estimated at approximately 16 miles and 50
minutes to complete. Nine and one-quarter (9.25) billable hours per day are provided. The eleven round
trips are estimated to provide 176 miles per day, Monday through Saturday. Thus, over 307 service days,
approximately 54,032 miles and 2,840 hours of revenue service will be provided for the fiscal year. In its
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SECTION B
deliberation of proposals received and financial feasibility to implement the proposed transit services, the
Seneca Nation will determine the number of daily round trips that will be operated on the Allegany
Territory and indicate in the contract award the amount of service that will be provided.
The operation of STS service under this contract will begin on October 1, 2026. Between October 1,
2026 and September 30, 2027, service will operate Monday through Saturday, except identified holidays.
For the operation of the Cattaraugus and Allegany Inter-Territories and Allegany Territory Circulator
services, approximately 307 days of service will be required during this time-period requiring the
provision of approximately 9,518 hours and 275,072 miles of service. If the service commencement is
other than the date stated, the contract amount, based on the hourly rate for service, will be adjusted
accordingly.
Cattaraugus Territory Circulator Service. A new Cattaraugus Territory Circulator Service bus route
may be established during the term of this contract. The initiation of the Cattaraugus Territory Circulator
bus service is dependent on the completion of a Cattaraugus Territory bus route feasibility study. This
feasibility study is expected to be initiated during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. In relation
to this RFP, the new Cattaraugus Territory service is expected to commence during the term of the
contract. To provide an order of magnitude and describe the possible transit service that may be desired,
the Cattaraugus Territory Circulator is estimated to operate six round trips per day. Round trips are
estimated at 28 miles and will require approximately one and 1/3 hours to complete. The six round trips
are estimated to require 2,456 hours of service for a fiscal year. Approximately 51,576 miles of revenue
service, annually, are estimated for the Cattaraugus Territory Circulator Service. The feasibility study and
the cost to provide transit services will determine the number of daily round trips that will be operated on
the Cattaraugus Territory and the amount of service that will be provided.
Cost Options:
As stated in the RFP, the Seneca Nation shall provide fuel for the operation of vehicles used in the
provision of transportation services as a monthly allocation. Fuel can be obtained at locations on either
the Cattaraugus or Allegany Territories of the Seneca Nation. Thus, the Seneca Nation requests distinct
hourly prices (excluding fuel) for the operation of the service. Proposers are requested to provide hourly
rates to provide the aforementioned bus service as follows:
1) Using Seneca Nation-owned vehicles using Seneca Nation fuel
2) Using Contractor-owned vehicles using Seneca Nation fuel (16 passenger)
The cost pricing form to identify the requested hourly rates is detailed in Section B.
The proposed hourly rates will develop the cost data which will be used to evaluate the proposal submitted.
Respondents to this Request for Proposals shall provide hourly rates to provide the described 9,518 hours
of bus service as requested by Items 1 and 2.
Basis of Award
The contract award will be made by the Seneca Nation after consideration of Proposal Evaluation Factors.
The Proposal Evaluation Factors are listed in Section B.
The hourly rate submitted by the Respondents to this Request for Proposal is one Proposal Evaluation
Factor that will be considered toward the selection of a proposal and award of a contract to provide the
desired services. For evaluation proposals, the Seneca Nation will consider the hourly rates submitted by
Respondents to operate. Additional service may be awarded to the successful contractor at the hourly
rates submitted in this proposal.
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 46 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Prospective Proposers are hereby advised that the services to be provided under any contract arising from
this procurement may be financed, in part, by grants provided by the Federal Transit Administration and
New York State Department of Transportation and contract award is subject to the approval and
availability of grant funding. In the event of withdrawal or reduction of said grant funds, a reduction or
termination of the services requested pursuant to this RFP may be required.
The Seneca Nation reserves the right to award any option at its discretion. In awarding separate options,
the Nation will use the hourly rate to determine the cost of options and the amount of the award. The
Nation will reimburse services provided at the hourly rate for each awarded option.
Required Federal Transit Administration and New York State contract clauses and certifications are
included in the Contract Documents. All applicable laws, rules, and regulations shall apply to the contract
awarded to, and to be executed by, the Successful Bidder. Contract award related to this Request for
Proposal is subject to review and approval of NYSDOT.
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 47 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Exhibit B-1
Bus Route Schedule
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 48 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Exhibit B-2
Bus Route Map
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 49 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Exhibit B-3
Circulator Schedule
Allegany Territory Circulator
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 50 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Exhibit B-4
Circulator Map
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 51 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Exhibit B-5
Basis of Estimated Miles and Hours
October 1, 2026 to September 30,
2027
Cattaraugus & Allegany Territories, Irving, Gowanda, Dayton, Village of Cattaraugus, Little Valley, Salamanca, Steamburg
ESTIMATED Miles (Mon.-Fri.)
ESTIMATED Miles (Sat.)
Total
One-Way Trip Miles
60.0
One-Way Trip Miles
60.0
Miles/Round Trip
120.0
Miles/Round Trip
120.0
Number Round Trips/Day
6.0
Number Round Trips/Day
6.0
Miles/Day
720.0
Miles/Day
720.0
Number Service Days (Mon. - Fri.)
255.0
Number Service Days (Mon. - Fri.)
52.0
Subtotal Miles
183,600.0
Subtotal Miles
37,440.0
221,040.0
Total Miles
183,600.0
Total Miles
37,440.0
221,040.0
ESTIMATED Hours (Mon.-Fri.)
ESTIMATED Hours (Sat.)
Hours/One-Way Trip
1.8
Hours/One-Way Trip
1.9
Hours/Round Trip
3.6
Hours/Round Trip
3.83
Number Round Trips/Day
6.0
Number Round Trips/Day
6.0
Hours/Day
21.5
Hours/Day
23.0
Number Service Days (Mon. - Fri.)
255.0
Number Service Days (Sat.)
52.0
Subtotal Hours
5,483
Subtotal Hours
1,196
6,679
Total Hours
5,483
Total Hours
1,196
6,679
One-Way Trip Miles
8.0
One-Way Trip Miles
8.0
Miles/Round Trip
16.0
Miles/Round Trip
16.0
Number Round Trips/Day
11.0
Number Round Trips/Day
11.0
Miles/Day
176.0
Miles/Day
176.0
Number Service Days (Mon. - Fri.)
255.0
Number Service Days (Sat.)
52.0
Subtotal Miles
44,880.0
Subtotal Miles
9,152.0
54,032.0
Total Miles
44,880.0
Total Miles
9,152.0
54,032.0
Allegany Territory Service
ESTIMATED Hours (Mon.-Fri.)
ESTIMATED Hours (Sat.)
Hours/One-Way Trip
0.42
Hours/One-Way Trip
0.42
Hours/Round Trip
0.83
Hours/Round Trip
0.83
Number Round Trips/Day
11.0
Number Round Trips/Day
11.0
Hours/Day
9.250
Hours/Day
9.250
Number Service Days (Mon. - Fri.)
255.0
Number Service Days (Sat.)
52.0
Subtotal Hours
2,359
Subtotal Hours
481
2,840
Total Hours
2,359
Total Hours
481
2,840
Total System Miles (est.)
Cattaraugus & Allegany Territories et
al
183,600.0
Cattaraugus & Allegany Territories et
al
37,440.0
221,040.0
Allegany Territory
44,880.0
Allegany Territory
9,152.0
54,032.0
Total Miles
228,480.0
Total Miles
46,592.0
275,072.0
Total System Hours (est.)
Cattaraugus & Allegany Territories et
al
5,483
Cattaraugus & Allegany Territories et
al
1,196
6,679
Allegany Territory
2,359
Allegany Territory
481
2,840
Total Hours
7,841
Total Hours
1,677
9,518
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 52 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
§ There are three (3) annual special events (Marvin Curry Pow Wow, Catt. County Fair and Seneca Nation
Fall Festival)
§ Service days do not include these six holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 53 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Exhibit B-6
Cost Pricing Form
Cattaraugus & Allegany Inter-Territories Service to Irving, Gowanda, Dayton, Village of Cattaraugus,
Little Valley, Salamanca and Steamburg and Allegany Territory Circulator.
Fixed Route/Route Deviation Bus Service Pricing
Item 1: Seneca Nation Owned Vehicles Using Fuel Purchased from the Seneca Nation
Cost price Per Hour for the described service with the contractor providing the driver. The 16-18 passenger
bus used in service and the spare bus will be provided by the Seneca Nation. Fuel used in the operation of
service will be provided by the Seneca Nation. Fuel shall be excluded from the hourly rate. The hourly
rate should include all costs associated with the operation of the vehicles to provide scheduled Seneca
Transit System services including but not limited to maintenance, wages, fringe benefits, service,
administrative, overhead, G&A, insurance, fee/markup, etc.
9,518 Service Hours/275,072 Service Miles
Contractor Hourly Rate - Seneca Nation Owned Vehicles: _______________
Item 2: Contractor Owned Vehicles Using Fuel Purchased from Seneca Nation
Cost price Per Hour for the described service with the contractor providing the vehicle and driver. The
passenger bus will be equipped with a wheelchair to meet ADA requirements. Fuel used in the operation
of service will be provided by the Seneca Nation. The hourly rate should include all costs associated with
the operation of the vehicles to provide scheduled Seneca Transit System services including but not limited
to maintenance, wages, fringe benefits, service, administrative, overhead, G&A, insurance, fee/markup,
etc.
9,518 Service Hours/275,072 Service Miles
Contractor Hourly Rate - Contractor Owned Vehicles: _______________
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 54 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Exhibit B-7
Proposal Evaluation Factors
Proposal Evaluation Factors and associated factor weights are provided below. Respondents are requested
to provide information in response to this RFP that will demonstrate the firm’s capabilities and
responsiveness to the listed factors, by which, proposals will be evaluated. Information submitted shall be
limited to 20 pages.
The contract award will be made by the Seneca Nation of Indians after consideration of proposal
evaluation factors.
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 55 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Proposal Evaluation Factors
Proposal Submitted By:
Proposal Evaluation Factors
Factor
Weight
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
Deficient Total Score
0%
Proven experience in Federal Transit Administration and NYSDOT and STOA compliant fixed route
and route deviation public transportation service management and operational capabilities,
management strategies, and operational experience in a public transit environment similar to the
proposed services. Transportation of social service clients or school children does not satisfy the
requested experience.
30
0
Proven maintenance record and facilities to maintain vehicles owned and provided by the Seneca
Nation
20
0
List of Backup Vehicles. Contractor owned vehicles to supplement STS owned buses to provide
scheduled and unscheduled service. Age and condition of contractor owned vehicles will be
evaluated
20
0
Demonstration of means and examples to provide reports at monthly meetings on the operations of
the Seneca Transit System including but not limited to monthly maintenance records, including
compliance with reporting requirements detailed in the STS Transit Asset Management System plan,
passenger behavior incidents, schedule adherence, dispatching issues, and ridership statistics.
10
0
Qualifications of staff proposed, including experience and record of accomplishments of Project
manager and other project personnel proposed to service Agreement. All personnel identified in the
organizational flow chart as requested under Section III. Credentials will be evaluated under this
factor.
20
0
Staffing Plan demonstrates ability to effectively and efficiently provide services and operational suport
reqired to operate the system.
10
0
Demonstration of staff program training including but not limited to Route Training, Customer Service,
Disability Awareness, Passenger Assistance, Driver Awareness, First Aid, CPR, operation of
technological equipment installed on buses, etc.
10
0
Cost of providing services pursuant to Agreement
30
0
Efforts to hire enrolled Seneca and Native American personnel to perform contract work
10
0
Hourly rates paid to bus operators and illustration to demonstrate competitive nature of proposed
hourly rates to regional operations
20
0
Financial stability and capabilities of CONTRACTOR
10
0
Completeness of the proposal submitted and compliance with Agreement requirements, such as
DBE/EEO, Drug Testing , etc.
10
0
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 56 of 134
REQUIRED SERVCICES AND COST INFORMATION
SECTION B
Provide three (3) References from previous or current contracts, whereby the Respondent provided
similar fixed-route, route deviation public transportation services to a municipal organization or a
Tribal organization subsidized by the Federal Transit Administration
10
0
Contractor's plan to effect a smooth transition from current operations
5
0
Contractor's ability to provide administrative services and operational support from local office area
5
0
Total Score
220
0
Score: Record Factor Weight under Rating of Proposal to Factor
Excellent 100% Meets all requirements; reflects significant enhancements or strengths as compared to minimum levels of acceptability; few if any offsetting weaknesses.
Very Good 80% Meets all requirements; reflects some enhancements or strengths; few if any offsetting weaknesses.
Good 60% Meets all requirements; strengths and weaknesses, if any, tend to offset one another equally.
Fair 40% May contain significant weaknesses, only partially offset by less pronounced strengths; should meet all minimum requirements, but some areas of doubt exists.
Poor 20% Serious doubt exists about ability to meet minimum needs but may be sufficient; significant weaknesses throughout, off-setting strengths.
Deficient 0% Will not meet minimum standards
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 57 of 134
BID/PROPOSAL PERFORMCE OF CONTRACT
APPENDIX A
Appendix A
Bid/Proposal Performance Contract
with the Seneca Nation of Indians
TO:
Seneca Nation of Indians, Irving, New York, hereinafter called the Nation.
The undersigned, desiring to interpose a proposal to provide Public Transportation Bus Service between
the Village of Irving, the City of Salamanca, and the Village of Steamburg, the environs of the Cattaraugus and
Allegany Territories of the Seneca Nation of Indians, and Cattaraugus County does hereby accept all terms,
conditions, and agreements contained and set forth in the Public Notice, General Information, Additional Terms
and Conditions, Material to be Submitted, Minimum Specifications, Non-Collusive Bidding Certification, Legal
Status Information and Proposal for performance of Contract with the Seneca Nation of Indians and does hereby
certify and propose as follows:
The undersigned declares that he/she has examined all of the attached documents, and hereby proposes and
agrees that, if this proposal is accepted, he/she will contract with the Nation, such contract incorporating the
provisions of the documents attached hereto, to furnish all the materials and services and do all the work specified
in the attached documents in the manner and time herein specified and according to the requirements as herein set
forth, and to take in full payment therefore the bid prices set forth on the following specification sheets.
If this proposal is accepted by the Seneca Nation of Indians and the undersigned fails to contract as
aforesaid, within ten days (not including Sunday) from the date of notice from the Nation to him/her, then the Nation
may at its option, determine that the bidder has abandoned his/her right to enter into the contract and thereupon the
bid and acceptance shall be null and void.
The full name and residences of all persons and parties interested in the foregoing bid as principals are as
follows: (Individuals or partnership bids only)
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
INDIVIDUAL, PARTNERSHIP OF CORPORATE USE
The undersigned certifies, under penalty of perjury, that he is fully authorized to sign this bid.
Name and Address of Bidder:
Authorized Signature and Title
____________________________________
__________________________ Signature
____________________________________
__________________________ Title
____________________________________
__________________________ Date
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 58 of 134
WAIVER OF IMMUNITY
APPENDIX B
Appendix B
Waiver of Immunity Pursuant to Section 103a
of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York
The Operator and/or Vendor and/or Supplier, pursuant to General Municipal Law, section 103a, hereby agrees to
the provisions in the law which require that upon refusal of a person, when called before a Grand Jury to testify
concerning any transaction or contract had with the State, any political subdivision thereof, a Public Authority or
with any public department, agency or official of the State or of any political subdivision thereof or of a public
authority, to sign a Waiver of Immunity against subsequent criminal prosecution or to answer any relevant question
concerning such transaction or contract.
(a) Such person, and any firm, partnership or corporation of which he is a member, partner, director or
officer shall be disqualified from thereafter selling to or submitting proposals to or receiving awards from
or entering into any contract with the Seneca Nation or any municipal corporation or fire district or any
public department, agency or official thereof, for goods, work or services, for a period of five years after
such refusal, and to provide also that
(b) Any and all contracts made with the Seneca Nation or any municipal corporation or any public
department, agency or official thereof, since the effective date of this Law, by such person, and by any firm,
partnership, or corporation of which he is a member, partner, director or officer may be canceled or
terminated by the Seneca Nation or municipal corporation or fire district without incurring any penalty or
damages on account of such cancellation or termination, but any monies owing by the Seneca Nation or
municipal corporation or fire district for goods delivered or work done prior to the cancellation or
termination shall be paid.
____________________________________
Authorized Signature for Proposer
____________________________________
Title
____________________________________
Date
(Corporate Seal, if any)
(If no seal, write “No Seal”
across this place and sign)
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
Page 59 of 134
CERTIFICATION OF BIDDER/PROPOSER EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
APPENDIX C
Appendix C
Certification of Bidder/Proposer Regarding Equal Employment Opportunity
This certification is required pursuant to Executive Order 11246 (30F.R.1231925). The implementing rules and
regulations provide that any bidder or prospective contractor, or any of their proposed sub-contractors, shall state
as an initial part of the bid or negotiations of the contract whether it has participated in any previous contract or
sub-contract subject to the Equal Opportunity Clause; and if so, whether it has filed all compliance reports due
under applicable instructions.
Where the certification indicated that the bidder has not filed a compliance report due under applicable instructions,
such bidder shall be required to submit a compliance report within seven (7) calendar days after bid opening. No
contract shall be awarded unless such report is submitted.
CERTIFICATION OF BIDDER:
Bidder's Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address and Zip Code: ________________________________________________________
1. Has bidder participated in a previous contract or sub-contract subject to the Equal Opportunity Clause?
Yes ____No____
If answer is yes, identify the most recent contract: _____________________________________
2. Were compliance reports required to be filed in connection with such contract or sub-contract?
Yes ____No____
If answer is yes, identify the most recent contract: _____________________________________
a. Has bidder filed all compliance reports due under applicable instructions?
Yes ____No____ None Required____
4. If answer to Item 2.a is "No", please explain in detail.
CERTIFICATION: The information above is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
_______________________________
Signature
Date
SNI Department of Transportation
RFP STS Bus Service
__________________________________________
Name & Title
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