Prisoner Transportation Services - Questions and Answers No. 1

Agency:	Shelby County
State:	Tennessee
Type of Government:	State & Local
NAICS Category:	484121 - General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload 541519 - Other Computer Related Services
Posted Date:	Jan 12, 2026
Due Date:	Jan 19, 2026
Solicitation No:	RFP 26-010-64A
Original Source:	Please Login to View Page
Contact information:	Please Login to View Page
Bid Documents:	Please Login to View Page

Bid Title:

RFP 26-010-64A Questions and Answers No. 1

Category:

Sheriff

Status:

Open

Publish Date:

Monday, January 12, 2026 - 4:30pm

Close Date:

01/19/2026 - 4:00pm

Contact Person:

Christina Lemartin

[X]

Please submit following details in order to view the document

Name/Business Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Bid Title

Redirect URL

Attachment Preview

Shelby County

Tennessee

Lee Harris, Mayor

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS No. 1

Issued: January 12, 2026

Prisoner Transportation Services

(Shelby County Sheriff’s Office)

TO ALL PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS:

The following question(s) were submitted by potential bidders with answers listed below in red:

Q-1. The governing bodies for prisoner transportation and extradition companies are the US

Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA),

and the US Department of Justice (USDOJ)? Will the Shelby County Government acknowledge the

guidelines and laws set forth by these departments?

A-1. Yes. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the guidelines and laws

established by the USDOT, FMCSA, and USDOJ. It is, however, the responsibility of each vendor

to ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and

governing body requirements at all times.

Q-2. Will the Shelby County Government require that vendors meet all requirements for limits on

continuous travel hours and miles as governed by the FMCSA (Section 395.5 (a)? If so, will

vendors be required to submit drivers logs to verify that they conform to those requirements?

A-2. Yes. Vendors are required to comply with FMCSA regulations, including those

related to driver hours of service and travel limitations. It is the vendor’s responsibility to

maintain all required driver logs and documentation in accordance with federal standards.

The SCSO reserves the right to request verification or documentation as deemed necessary to

ensure compliance.

Q-3. Will the Shelby County Government require vendors to have a Satisfactory Audit Rating from

the FMCSA, which measures the vendor's compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Regulations?

A-3. Yes. Vendors must possess and maintain a “Satisfactory” FMCSA Safety Rating to be

considered eligible for contract award and throughout the term of the contract. It is the

vendor’s responsibility to ensure their FMCSA rating remains current and in good standing.

Q-4. Proof of Authority to Operate is provided by a transport company being issued a Motor Carrier

Number (MC #) by FMCSA. This allows transport vendors to cross state lines with inmates in their

custody. Will the Shelby County Government acknowledge and require an active Motor Carrier

Number?

A-4. Yes. Vendors are required to possess and maintain an active FMCSA Motor Carrier

Number (MC#) authorizing interstate transport. It is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure the

authority remains active and compliant throughout the contract period.

Q-5. Does the Shelby County Government realize that to be in compliance with the FMCSA,

vendors are required to carry Automobile Liability: If transporting in a vehicle rated for 15

passengers or less, minimum coverage of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000)

per occurrence combined single limit for automobile liability and property damage; and/or: If

transporting in a vehicle rated for 16 passengers or more, minimum coverage shall be five million

dollars ($5,000,000) per occurrence combined single limit for automobile liability and property

damage?

A-5. Yes. The SCSO acknowledges the insurance requirements established by the FMCSA.

Vendors are required to maintain insurance coverage that meets or exceeds federal minimum

standards based on vehicle classification and capacity. Proof of insurance must be provided and

maintained for the duration of the contract.

Q-6. If a vendor states they transport 8 passengers or less in a vehicle that was designed to carry

more passengers, will the Shelby County Government uphold the FMCSA Regulation 383.5 which

states, “designed to carry” vehicles refer to the number of designated seats as originally

designed? Meaning if a vendor states they only carry 8 passengers on a vehicle, but that vehicle

was originally designed to carry 9-15 passengers, will the Shelby County Government follow

federal guidelines and require that vendor to have a Motor Carrier number?

A-6. Yes. The SCSO will adhere to FMCSA Regulation 383.5, which defines vehicle capacity

based on the original manufacturer’s design. Vendors are responsible for ensuring that all

vehicles used for transport comply with FMCSA definitions and requirements, regardless of

stated passenger load.

Q-7. Will the Shelby County Government check the VIN numbers of vendors vehicles to confirm

their vehicles are compliant with FMCSA Regulation 383.5?

A-7. The SCSO reserves the right to verify vehicle information, including VIN numbers, at

any time to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations. However, it remains the vendor’s

responsibility to ensure that all vehicles used for transport meet federal and state compliance

standards at all times.

Q-8. Does the Shelby County Government require vendors to have 24/7 recording devices in their

transport vehicles?

A-11. No requirement for 24/7 recording devices in transport vehicles.

Q-9. Does the Shelby County Government require vendors to have been in business for a specific

number of years to ensure company stability?

A-9. The RFP outlines all minimum qualifications required for participation, including five (5)

years of experience of performing the services described. Vendors must meet those criteria as

stated. It is the responsibility of each vendor to demonstrate organizational stability, capacity, and

experience sufficient to fulfill the contract requirements.

Sincerely,

Original Signature on File

Christina Le Martin, Buyer

Purchasing Department

Shelby County Government

This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.

* Disclaimer: This website provides information about bids, requests for proposals (RFPs), or requests for qualifications (RFQs) for convenience only and does not serve as an official public notice. Individuals who wish to respond to or inquire about bids, RFPs, or RFQs should contact the relevant government department directly.

Sign-up for a Free Trial, Government Bid Alerts

With Free Trial, you can:

You will have a full access to bids, website, and receive daily bid report via email and web.

Try One Week FREE Now

Prisoner Transportation Services - Questions and Answers No. 1

Attachment Preview

Sign-up for a Free Trial, Government Bid Alerts

See Also