Lewiston schools issue multimillion-dollar transportation RFP, eyes 2026 contract start

Lewiston Public Schools staff updated the school committee on a large request for proposals (RFP) for contracted pupil-transportation services at the Nov. 17 meeting, saying the district plans to solicit vendors for yellow buses, minibuses and other vehicles and expects to award a new contract that would start July 1, 2026.

Alyssa (transportation staff) said the RFP document runs about 64 pages and that the district currently operates about 148 big-bus trips daily plus additional minibuses and white-fleet vehicles. The district is working with Scribe Bus Logistics and outside consultants to craft the solicitation, to evaluate bidder competency, insurance and liability coverage, and to require transition plans so the district would not be left without service during a contractor change.

Staff said the RFP will consider technology needs that parents expect, such as student-location tracking and communication systems, and will grade vendors on their ability to operate safely in local terrain and winter weather. The RFP will also solicit information on electric-vehicle (EV) options and transition plans; multiple committee members raised concerns about battery performance and cold-weather reliability. The district said infrastructure and charging logistics will be part of vendor evaluation.

Timeline and budget context: staff described the procurement as a multimillion-dollar commitment often done over a five-year term and said they are aiming to present a recommended award at the Dec. 15 meeting (flexible depending on bid responses). Staff also said the current schedule anticipates a contract start date of July 1, 2026 and that manufacturers need lead time to produce vehicles to spec.

What's next: The RFP question period was open as of the meeting transcript (deadline referenced as 'the nineteenth' in the session); staff will score bids and return with recommended options for committee review.