Section 071-86-4 - School Bus Purchase Requirements1. The vehicle manufacturer is responsible for certifying school bus compliance with applicable federal standards and installing a certification plate or label in the driver's area on each vehicle.2. School buses purchased shall, at a minimum, conform to the Maine Uniform School Bus Specifications.3. SAUs may purchase a school bus without using the State School Bus Purchase Program. A. Competitive bidding shall be accomplished for all school bus purchases according to 20-A M.R.S. §5402.B. School bus bid specifications may not be written to exclude any manufacturer of school bus body or chassis.4. The lowest acceptable state school bus bid that meets school bus bid specifications for product and warranty service shall be used to determine maximum state school bus subsidy for the School Bus Purchase Program. The Commissioner shall determine the maximum state subsidy for school bus purchases. 5. SAUs may purchase vehicles that exceed minimum federal regulations and State specification requirements. If so, SAUs shall present justification to the Department for review, upon request, along with a statement of compliance with the provisions of 20-A M.R.S. §5402.05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 86, § 4