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Motorcoach Transportation for USCGA Corps of Cadets

HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF.US COAST GUARD.USCG ACADEMY · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is procuring motorcoach transportation services for its Corps of Cadets. This is a passenger transportation services contract under NAICS 485999, which covers All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation—a category that includes charter bus services, special needs transportation, and other ground passenger transport not elsewhere classified.

Motorcoach transportation for military academies typically involves moving large groups of personnel for events such as training exercises, athletic competitions, ceremonial functions, or other official activities. The Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, Connecticut, is the smallest of the five U.S. service academies and trains future Coast Guard officers. Given the scale of academy operations, this contract likely supports movement of the entire Corps of Cadets—approximately 1,000 students—plus potentially staff or equipment.

Specific quantities, trip frequencies, destinations, and service requirements see the solicitation.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is 100% set aside for small business. To compete, your business must:

• Qualify as small under the SBA size standard for NAICS 485999 ($26.5 million average annual receipts)
• Be registered in SAM.gov with active status
• Hold any required state and federal operating authorities for interstate passenger transportation (DOT number, MC authority if crossing state lines)
• Meet Coast Guard-specific security requirements, which may include background checks for drivers accessing federal facilities

Certification in any SBA priority program (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB) is not required—this is an unrestricted small business set-aside open to all qualified small firms.

How to put together a competitive bid

Vehicle and driver compliance: Motorcoach contracts emphasize safety ratings, insurance levels (typically $5M+ combined single limit), and driver qualifications including CDL with passenger endorsement. Obtain and document your DOT safety rating and SMS scores.

Local market knowledge: The New London, Connecticut location means evaluating your fleet positioning relative to southeastern Connecticut. Fuel, toll, and deadhead cost calculations should reflect I-95 corridor and potential New England regional operations.

Pricing structure: Transportation solicitations commonly use per-mile, per-hour, or per-trip pricing with minimum guarantees. Examine which structure the solicitation specifies and model costs for peak demand periods (academy calendar events like graduation, home football games).

Past performance: Document comparable motorcoach contracts, especially for federal or military customers. USCG Academy-specific experience is advantageous but not required.

Security readiness: Coast Guard installations require Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)-compliant drivers or escort protocols. Verify your ability to comply; obtaining TWICs for drivers takes several weeks.

Bonding and insurance: Ensure your certificates of insurance can name the U.S. Government as additional insured and meet any Performance and Payment Bond thresholds.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number 70ZH1527QCGA00008
2. Download all attachments including the statement of work, pricing instructions, and any Coast Guard-specific clauses
3. Register or verify SAM.gov status—processing can take several days if not current
4. Note the deadline: October 26, 2026, at 8:00 AM Eastern—late submissions are inadmissible

The 10-day response window (posted October 16, deadline October 26) is compressed. If seriously pursuing this, prioritize obtaining the complete solicitation today to assess internal capability against actual requirements.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →