The National Park Service (NPS) Grand Canyon National Park is conducting market research to determine industry interest and capability in performing shuttle bus operations at the park. First implemented in 1974 along Hermit Road, the Grand Canyon's shuttle bus transportation system now consists of four routes, the Village and Kaibab Routes operate year-round, while the Hermit Route runs from March through November and the Tusayan Route runs from mid-May to mid-September. Visitor use of the system is voluntary, but it provides the only access to some popular South Rim destinations, including multiple viewpoints and points of interest along Hermit Road, the South Kaibab Trailhead and Yaki Point. In addition to the standard routes, the transportation system also provides several "hiker special" buses each morning and provides transportation to and from special events when requested by the NPS. Approximately one-half of the South Rim's visitors utilize the system during their stay. Over the last two years, the system has experienced more than six million boardings annually, which represents approximately one-sixth of all transportation system boardings for the entire NPS. The contractor will be responsible for fully operating the Grand Canyon's transportation system to ensure efficient operations and quality visitor experience and in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations as well as with general industry standards. The contractor will be required to maintain all vehicles associated with the transportation system in a safe and clean manner and in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations as well as with all federal, state and local regulations and general industry standards. The contractor will also be responsible for hiring qualified employees and for ensuring that all employees are properly trained to conduct their duties. Recent historical operations have required approximately 87,000 driver hours, 12,000 mechanic hours, and 2,500 bus aide hours annually. Bus aides are strategically placed throughout the park's shuttle system to provide assistance to visitors utilizing the system. Such operations may require use of up to 25 buses at one time. Additional information about the Grand Canyon may be found at www.nps.gov/grca. The Government will provide: Low-floor accessible compressed natural gas buses including but not limited to (5) 1998 New Flyers, Model C40LF, (4) 2004 New Flyers, Model C40LF, (20) 2008 New Flyers, Model C40LF, and (6) 2011 New Flyers, Model C40LFR; compressed natural gas and other fuels that may be required for Government owned transit vehicles; bus wash facility; a radio system; shop and garage building at approximately 5,800 square feet; bus parking compound at approximately 8.6 acres; and, up to 53 trailer pads/sites. The anticipated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 485999. This announcement is not a solicitation for proposals. Responses to this announcement will be used for the purpose of market research. Any solicitation that may be issued will be posted to the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website at www.fbo.gov. Prospective offerors desiring to conduct business with NPS may register at FedConnect at www.fedconnect.net. To receive any contract award, contractors must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. Please submit responses with capability information to the Contracting Officer by email at
[email protected]. Documentation must clearly demonstrate capability to perform at the magnitude required in a safe and customer service focused manner.