NEW YORK — As it prepares to competitively bid out transportation services, the city Department of Education (DOE) has asked for input from school bus contractors.

The department issued a request for information (RFI) aimed at enhancing its bid process for special-needs and general-education contracts.

“From our conversations with current and former transportation vendors, we have learned that there have been circumstances in the past which led to substantial economic hardship on the part of some vendors,” the DOE’s Office of Pupil Transportation said in an announcement about the RFI.

The 15-question RFI covers such topics as price structures, bus specifications, insurance and overtime pay.

To access the RFI, which is due by Oct. 15, click here.

The New York City DOE contracts with more than 50 bus providers to transport more than 60,000 special-needs students and 90,000 general-education students.