Open federal opportunities

10-Miler Buses

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.SPACE SYSTEMS COMMAND.FA2521 45 CONS PK · Response deadline: Wed, 28 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The Department of the Air Force plans to acquire buses through a small business set-aside contract. The requirement involves charter bus services, as indicated by the solicitation title "10-Miler Buses" and the NAICS code 485510. This code covers Charter Bus Industry services—transportation of passengers on fixed routes or for specific trips under charter arrangements.

The contract will support operations at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. The reference to "10-Miler" suggests this may involve shuttle or transportation services for a route or service area of approximately ten miles, though see the solicitation for the complete scope and specifications.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved for small business concerns under a total small business set-aside. To qualify, your business must:

• Be certified as small under NAICS 485510 size standards (the standard for this code is typically based on average annual receipts; verify the current threshold at SBA.gov)
• Register in SAM.gov with active status
• Hold any required state and federal operating authorities for commercial passenger transportation (such as USDOT registration and appropriate Florida state carrier authority)

Businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, women, or participants in the 8(a) program may still bid, but this set-aside does not restrict competition to those specific socio-economic categories—any qualifying small business is eligible.

How to put together a competitive bid

For charter bus proposals, agencies typically evaluate past performance, price, and technical capability. Structure your proposal to demonstrate:

Fleet and equipment documentation. Specify vehicle types, capacities, age, maintenance schedules, and compliance with Department of Transportation safety standards. If accessible vehicles are required, see the solicitation for ADA specifications.

Driver qualifications. Detail your process for certifying commercial drivers with passenger endorsements, background checks, and any security clearance requirements common for military base access.

Operational plans. Describe route logistics, scheduling flexibility, contingency plans for vehicle failures, and communication protocols. For a recurring base shuttle, reliability metrics and on-time performance history strengthen your proposal.

Safety record. Provide your FMCSA SAFER scores, accident history, and safety management practices. Military contracts heavily weight safety performance.

Pricing structure. Offer all-inclusive rates that account for fuel, driver wages, insurance, base access fees, and any parking or staging costs at Patrick AFB. Consider whether the contract contemplates fixed routes, variable demand, or on-call services—see the solicitation for the pricing format required.

Past performance references. Cite similar military, federal, or institutional transportation contracts, with particular value placed on DOD or Space Force experience.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation and any amendments on SAM.gov using solicitation number FA252126QB110
2. Note the firm response deadline of October 28, 2026 at 2:30 PM EDT—late submissions are typically non-negotiable
3. Review attachment requirements for representations, certifications, and any bid bond or proof of insurance
4. Confirm your SAM.gov registration is active and your NAICS 485510 size standard is current

View the official notice on SAM.gov →