Bid guide
How to bid on the Camp Darby Bus Contract for the International School of Florence, Dept of the Army
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of the Army needs a contractor to provide bus transportation for up to five students from Camp Darby in Pisa, Italy, to two high school locations in Florence, Italy. This is a non-personal service contract for the Livorno Student Transportation to local Florence High Schools program.
This opportunity is structured as a firm-fixed-price contract, with one base year and four option years, starting in September 2026. The contractor will be responsible for covering the Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) fees in Florence. This contract provides a stable, multi-year engagement for a transportation provider in Italy.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is currently a Request for Information (RFI), published on June 22, 2026. The deadline for this RFI is August 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET. The official solicitation, which will be a Request for Quotation (RFQ), is expected to be issued in July 2026. The due date for submitting quotations for the RFQ will be determined later.
There will be no site visit or pre-quote conference held for this opportunity. The performance period for the contract begins on September 18, 2026, and the base period runs until July 31, 2027, with potential extensions through July 31, 2031, if all option years are exercised.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for transportation companies, particularly those with experience in student transportation and operations in Italy. The NAICS code for this service is 485410, which covers School and Employee Bus Transportation. Firms should be prepared to operate routes between Pisa and Florence and manage specific local requirements like Florence's ZTL fees.
The contract requires a contractor capable of providing reliable service for up to five students, with flexibility to adjust work hours and drop-off/pick-up locations for school events. Experience with international school programs or Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) related transportation would be beneficial.
How to respond to this opportunity
To access the original source for this opportunity, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though for some bids, this is not required.
While the specific response date for the upcoming Request for Quotation (RFQ) is yet to be determined, it is crucial to prepare now. Ensure your company has a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a CAGE/NCAGE number. American contractors will get a CAGE code upon SAM registration, while Italian contractors can obtain an NCAGE code via the SIAC website. You must also be registered and have current information in the System for Award Management (SAM) website, including completing provision 52.212-3.
Practical tips for a competitive response
Given this is a firm-fixed-price contract, accurately estimate all costs, including fuel, labor, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and the specific Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) fees in Florence. Clearly detail your approach to managing these fees within your pricing structure. Ensure your proposed solution demonstrates reliability and safety, especially for student transportation.
Highlight any experience your firm has with similar transportation services, particularly those involving international schools or government contracts. Emphasize your ability to adapt to schedule changes and different drop-off/pick-up locations as requested by the agency. A clear understanding of the local traffic regulations and routes between Camp Darby and Florence will be important.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Dept of the Army; the original posting controls.