10828-20241017082733 JACKSON.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

FOR CITY OF JACKSON

TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD)

COMPREHENSIVE WORK PLAN

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) # 2024-02 (RE-ISSUE)

ISSUE DATE: Friday, October 11, 2024

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 @ 3:30 p.m., CDT

CONTACT:

Marilyn Guice, Transportation Planning Manager

Department of Planning and Development

Office of Transportation

1785 U.S. Highway 80

Jackson, MS 39204

Telephone: (601) 960-1887

Fax: (601) 326-5416

Email: mguice@jacksonms.gov

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The City of Jackson (the “City”), through its Department of Planning and Development, Office of Transportation, is soliciting proposals to retain the services of a consultant team to produce a transit-oriented development comprehensive work plan for the ONELINE corridor project. The City provides JTRAN fixed route and JTRAN ADA paratransit bus service throughout the City of Jackson.

Proposals will be received by the City of Jackson, Office of the City Clerk, at 219 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39205 until 3:30 p.m., Central Daylight Time (CDT) on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Each proposer must submit a signed original and six (6) printed copies of its proposal, the required certifications and affidavits attached thereto. Electronic proposals and/or reverse auction proposals can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic proposal process, please call Central Bidding at 225-810-4814.

The award under this solicitation is subject to a financial assistance contract between the City of Jackson and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The successful Proposer will be required to comply with all applicable federal regulations and will be required to certify that it is eligible for a federally assisted contract.

Copies of the Request for Proposals may be obtained from the City of Jackson, Department of Planning and Development, Office of Transportation, 1785 Highway 80 West, Jackson, MS 39204, by email to mguice@jacksonms.gov, by calling (601) 960-0864 or by submitting a request via facsimile to (601) 326-5416. Official proposal documents are available for download from Central Biddings at www.centralbidding.com. Please reference RFP#2024-02 (RE-ISSUE).

http://www.centralbidding.com/ mailto:mguice@jacksonms.gov

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1. Introduction

2.2. JTRAN System

3. AVAILABLE DATA

4. PROJECT BACKGROUND

4.1. Summary

4.2. Background

4.3. Project Objectives

4.4. Expected Timeline

5. SCOPE OF WORK

5.1. Tasks

5.1.1. Project Management

5.1.2. Community Engagement

5.1.3. Corridor Refinement

5.1.4. Existing Conditions

5.1.5. Market Analysis

5.1.6. Vision, Goals, and Character Areas

5.1.7. TOD Comprehensive Work Plan

5.1.8. Implementation and Funding Plan

5.2. Deliverables

6. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

6.1. Schedule

6.2. Submission

6.3. General Condition

6.3.1. Limitations

6.3.2. Award

6.3.3. Written Inquiries and Responses

6.3.4. Proprietary Information

7. PROPOSAL CONTENT

7.1. Technical Proposal

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7.1.1. Letter of Transmittal:

7.1.2. Executive Summary

7.1.3. Project Management

7.1.4. Project Approach

7.1.5. Company Profile and Qualifications

7.1.6. References

7.1.7. Compliance Statement

7.1.8. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

7.2. Cost Proposal

7.3. Required Forms and Certifications

7.4. Clarification/Interviews

7.5. Accuracy in Reporting Requested Information

7.6. Proposal Guidelines

7.6.1. Willingness to Accept Proposed Arrangements

7.6.2. Minimum Proposer Qualifications

7.6.3. Submission Standards

7.6.4. Conflict

7.6.5. Addenda

7.6.6. Contact with City of Jackson

8. EVALUATION AND SELECTION

8.1. Evaluation and Selection Process

8.2. Selection Evaluation Criteria

8.3. Selection Committee

8.4. Cost and Contract Negotiations

8.5. Final Selection

8.6. Notification to Unsuccessful Proposers

8.7. Protests

8.7.1. Pre-Bid or Solicitation Phase Protest

8.7.2. Pre-Award Protest

8.7.3. Post-Award Protest

8.7.4. Disputes Policy

8.7.5. Appeals

8.7.6. Notification to FTA in Dispute Matters

9. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

9.1. City’s Rights

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9.2. Proposer’s Responsibilities

9.3. Consequence of Submission

9.4. Cost of Submitting Proposals

9.5. Tax Exemption

APPENDIX A– OFFICE OF TRANSPORTATION PROTEST PROCEDURES

APPENDIX B – FEDERAL CLAUSES

APPENDIX C – FORMS

APPENDIX D – EQUAL BUSINESS OPPORUNITY (EBO) PLAN APPLICATION

APPENDIX E – DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE) PLAN

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2. GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1. Introduction

The City of Jackson (the “City”) is the capital of the State of Mississippi and has a 113 square mile footprint with a population of 164,422. Jackson faces the challenge of a shrinking population since 1980, when the city experienced its peak population of 203,000 residents. Around that time of population growth from 1976 to 1984, the Jackson City Council enacted a series of annexations that expanded the city’s boundary from 73 square miles to 113 square miles.

The City is known as the “City with Soul” because of her perseverance and her triumphant spirit.

She has birthed many historical marks that have shaped this country and beyond, from Civil Rights to Civil War, to music, to world-class museums and exhibits, to thriving festivals and events, to award-winning attractions to James Beard Foundation chefs and restaurants.

The City is currently experiencing a renaissance in downtown redevelopment and housing development. Its experienced increases in 2019 in both construction valuations and property tax revenues. Over 200 million in new investment occurred in local hospitals alone indicating continued growth in the medical economy. Over 1,000 new housing units in the downtown area are under construction or in the permitting stage. This solid economic outlook also indicates a potential stabilization of population growth, or even slight population growth in the 2020 Census.

The Office of Transportation administers the fixed route and demand response services within the City. That system is known to the public as “JTRAN”. The ADA paratransit demand response system is known as “JTRAN Paratransit”.

Photo Credit: Visit Jackson

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2.2. JTRAN System

Ridership:

Fixed Route Paratransit

2022 Unlinked Passenger Trips – 364,210 2022 Passenger Trips – 50,219

2022 Passenger Miles Travels – 659,285 2022 Passenger Miles Travels – 303,104

Assets:

Fixed Route Buses – 13 ranging from 29-40 Feet (FTA Funded)

Demand Response Buses – 16 ranging 22-27 feet and 4 Mini Vans (FTA Funded)

Support Fleet – 6 vehicles (FTA Funded)

Service Fleet – 2 vehicles (FTA Funded)

Bus Maintenance/Operations Facility - 1785 US Highway 80 West, Jackson, MS

Transfer Station at Union Station – 300 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS

Customer Service Office at Union Station - 300 West Capitol Street, Jackson, MS

Contracted Operator:

MV Contract Transportation

Operating Hours:

Fixed Route Paratransit

M-F 4:21 AM – 8:15 PM M-F 4:56 AM – 8:00 PM

SAT 5:21 AM – 8:15 PM SAT 5:21 AM – 8:15 PM

System Information, Schedule, Fees, Routes, and Maps https://www.ridejtran.com https://www.ridejtran.com/

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System Picture:

2022 Services Provided Fixed Route System

Average Weekday Average Saturday Annual Total

Vehicles in Operation 14 9

Total Actual Vehicle Miles

2,193 1,594 644,895

Total Actual VRM 2,103 1,501 614,360

Deadhead Miles 90 93 30,535

Total Actual Vehicle Hours

156 101 46,630

Total Actual VRH 139 96 40,321

Deadhead Hours 17 5 6,309

2022 Services Provided Demand Response System

Average Weekday Average Saturday Annual Total

Vehicles in Operation 14 10

Total Actual Vehicle Miles

1,209 631 342,894

Total Actual VRM 1,082 558 301,408

Deadhead Miles 127 73 41,486

Total Actual Vehicle Hours

91 39 25,253

Total Actual VRH 74 34 20,574

Deadhead Hours 17 5 4,679

Challenges:

Funding Sustainability

Increasing Demand Response Needs

Limited Crosswalks and accessibility

Deferred Maintenance on Streets and Sidewalks

ADA Consent Decree - https://www.ada.gov/jackson_transit.htm https://www.ada.gov/jackson_transit.htm

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3. AVAILABLE DATA

NTD Reports

Fixed Route Ridership from fare box per hour/half hour (buses not equipped with counter)

Daily Rider Manifests for Paratransit

Monthly Reporting data for Paratransit (billed per ride)

Land use shape file (last update August 2019)

Revenue Data

4. PROJECT BACKGROUND

4.1. Summary

The City of Jackson seeks consulting services to produce a transit-oriented development (TOD) plan for the ONELINE corridor project. The ONELINE corridor is an urban development proposal in Jackson, MS that combines premium transit and multimodal transportation with smart infrastructure, real estate development, and pedestrian-oriented urban design along a five-mile corridor that extends from the Fondren area through Downtown to Jackson State

University. Recognizing the relationship between premium transit service and higher density neighborhoods, the City is working to increase the density of development and activity in the surrounding neighborhoods to foster a more transit-supportive community.

4.2. Background

ONELINE is a five-mile multimodal corridor that aims to connect many of Jackson’s key neighborhood nodes, institutions, and economic centers. The project is centered around a premium transit line that will extend from the Fondren area through Downtown to Jackson State

University. This project will provide new infrastructure that prioritizes pedestrians, bicycles, bike share, car share, electric scooters, and the premium transit line. The plan also envisions the deployment of smart street infrastructure throughout the corridor including public WiFi, smart cameras, streetlights, traffic signals, and digital display panels.

The neighborhoods located within the corridor contain three universities including Jackson State

University, Millsap College, Belhaven University and some of the region’s largest employers such as the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Baptist Medical Center, and various state and local government offices. These neighborhoods employ a large population of young professionals and students.

ONELINE has the potential to create new waves of investment to reshape the development of the corridor and take advantage of pent-up demand for walkable urban spaces. The development of a premium transit line will catalyze development and increase employment opportunities for the residents of Jackson.

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4.3. Project Objectives

The TOD plan will support the ONELINE initiative through complementary strategies for future development and walking and biking infrastructure that make it easy and convenient for people to get to the ONELINE service and use it regularly. This plan address:

Multimodal connectivity and accessibility throughout the study area;

TOD-appropriate land use and zoning recommendations, including policies and programs that prevent displacement and focus on an equitable approach to TOD;

Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) recommendations for infrastructure improvements along the premium transit corridor and key connecting routes; and

A financial plan that programs funding opportunities and collaborations to support the project.

Strategies should consider an equitable approach to planning and design, such as creating opportunities for people of all income levels to live in the study area while preventing displacement of existing residents and promoting universal design that is accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

4.4. Expected Timeline

Expected to start in November 2024 and end on or before March 2026.

5. SCOPE OF WORK

This scope of work outlines the services to be provided by the consultant team. The City proposes a 12-month schedule beginning in November 2024, with draft deliverables to be submitted by November 2025 and final deliverables to be submitted by March 2026.

Responding consultant teams are encouraged to use this outline as a starting point to create a detailed scope of work with their proposed strategies and methods for achieving the goals of this project.

5.1. Tasks

5.1.1. Project Management

At the start of the project, the consultant team will develop a Project Management Plan (PMP) outlining the project schedule, deliverables, and key milestones. The consultant will also provide monthly progress reports and invoices. The consultant will establish a file sharing site to share meeting minutes, key working files, and deliverables with the City.

It is anticipated that the following groups will be established to advise and provide oversight to the project team:

Project Management Team: This plan will be led by a Project Management Team

(PMT), a core group of internal City of Jackson staff and the consultant team. This group will meet regularly over the course of the project to coordinate ongoing tasks and

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Project Steering Committee: A Project Steering Committee (PSC) comprised of key stakeholders will be utilized to guide the study process. The PSC will serve as a stakeholder task force to provide strategic advice and direction during the planning process and to build capacity and knowledge among members so that they are empowered to advance plan outcomes within their agencies/organizations. The

Consultant will work with the City to identify representatives to serve on this committee.

Technical Advisory Committee: The role of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is to advise the PMT and the project consultants on technical issues, review deliverables, gather relevant information from their organization to further the study and provide key communications links with the staff of the organizations represented, particularly within their own department and/or agency. The Consultant will work with the

City to identify representatives to serve on this committee.

Task 1 Deliverables:

Project Management Plan

Project Management Team meetings, agendas, and minutes

Monthly invoices and progress reports

5.1.2. Community Engagement

The Jackson community should be actively engaged in the development of the TOD plan. At the beginning of the project, the Consultant will create an inclusive Community Engagement Plan to engage community members, policy makers, and stakeholders throughout the duration of the project. The CEP will outline the proposed outreach strategies, roles and responsibilities, and schedule. Equity should be emphasized with intentional efforts to reach traditionally underrepresented groups like people who speak languages other than English, older adults, people with disabilities, lower income residents, and other groups.

One of the goals of community and stakeholder outreach will be to determine the supportive infrastructure and mix of uses that will make TOD and a walkable lifestyle work for the Jackson community. This may include desired types of new development, along with community resources like childcare facilities and greenspaces.

The Consultant should propose a comprehensive and innovative engagement strategy, inclusive of both in-person and digital/virtual methods. It is anticipated that the community engagement plan will include the following components, at a minimum:

Communications: The consultant will provide graphic, easily understandable, and data-driven messaging to inform and educate the community about transit-oriented development in general, this project, and opportunities to provide input. Communications strategies will include traditional and social media, a project web page, printed materials, and direct outreach.

Community Education Campaign: As Jackson embarks on strategic, transit-oriented development for the first time, it will be important to educate the community about transit-oriented development, bus rapid transit, designing to support diverse mobility

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In-person and virtual meetings and pop-up engagement events: The Community

Engagement Plan should be designed to engage and capture feedback from the diverse neighborhoods within the Corridor study area. Meetings must be located in various areas throughout the Corridor and at times that are convenient for transit riders, residents and stakeholders. Potential in-person engagement events include but are not limited to community meetings, open houses, attendance at community events, and pop-up events. Virtual meetings should be utilized in addition to in-person meetings and events.

Listening Sessions / Focus Groups: The consultant team will conduct a series of targeted listening sessions or focus groups to supplement broader community engagement with more in-depth conversations and insights from community members, staff, and implementation partners.

Outreach to stakeholders and elected officials: The Consultant should propose strategies to further engage stakeholders in the corridor through one-on-one interviews and meetings. It is also anticipated that the Consultant will deliver briefings to the

Jackson City Council and/or other key stakeholder groups (e.g., MPO meetings) at key milestones throughout the project.

Task 2 Deliverables:

Community Engagement Plan

Project website

Press releases, social media posts, posters/flyers, or other outreach materials

Engagement activity materials and summaries

5.1.3. Corridor Refinement

The consultant team will review the ONELINE BRT conceptual planning work completed to-date and develop recommendations to refine the project definition and study area. This task will evaluate the ONELINE corridor for the appropriate level of transit investment and feasibility of

BRT or enhanced local bus and will include the definition of potential route alignments, guideway treatments, termini, and station locations. It will also include conceptual service plans and operating and maintenance (O&M) cost estimates, ridership projections, conceptual capital cost estimates, and ridership projections.

Task 3 Deliverables:

Conceptual station locations, right-of-way treatments, and service plan

Draft and final project definition report

Conceptual operating and capital cost estimates

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5.1.4. Existing Conditions

The consultant team will assess existing conditions to identify the current assets and infrastructure within the corridor that could be leveraged for TOD and what new assets and infrastructure may be necessary to foster TOD. This assessment will serve several purposes:

(a) to assess existing infrastructure and public facilities and those systems’ ability to meet the needs of future demand; (b) to identify any issues and challenges with these systems; (c) to identify major improvements/expansions needed to accommodate future demand; and (d) to assess and summarize the existing regulatory and development environment as it relates to land use.

The Existing Conditions report will include an analysis of transportation, land use, infrastructure and development potential, community assets and character (including amenities, facilities, historic and/or cultural assets, parks and open space). The analysis should include the full

ONELINE study area to facilitate decision making on locations along the full length of the

Corridor. Mapping and information for existing and planned features will be developed for roadways, transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, sidewalks, trails, land use and business activity, utilities (electrical, gas, water, sewer, storm water), redevelopment potential and community assets.

Task 4 Deliverables:

Draft and final existing conditions report

5.1.5. Market Analysis

This market analysis will be focused on the TOD study area and will build on the 2018

Downtown Market Study, considering changes to the local economy post-COVID and new development projects that have come online in recent years. It will help determine what kind of infill development the market can support in the near-term and where long-term approaches may be needed to achieve the City’s vision for equitable transit-oriented development.

Community engagement activities should include members of the real estate and business community and be used to inform the market analysis.

The market analysis report should:

Briefly summarize relevant demographic trends in the study area.

Identify market trends and market potential by sector. Current uses, vacancy rates, rental rates and leasing velocity, sale prices and sales velocity, and quality may be considered.

Identify any specific types of development needed to create a complete, equitable transit-oriented community in the study area.

Identify and analyze impediments to development in the study area, including market, structural, regulatory, and other factors.

Identify publicly owned land in the study area that is well suited to redevelopment.

The findings from the market analysis will inform the recommendations in the TOD Work Plan

(Task 7).

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Task 5 Deliverables:

Draft and final market analysis report

5.1.6. Vision, Goals, and Character Areas

Transit-oriented development and infrastructure can take many forms, and the City of Jackson is seeking a context-sensitive approach. Establishing a clear vision for what transit-oriented development will look like in Jackson will inform the recommended Work Plan strategies in Task

7.

Based on community input and the market analysis findings, a holistic vision and goals for transit-oriented development in Jackson will be established. These should address the appropriate scale of development, prevailing land uses, and unique characteristics and should be compatible with the City’s comprehensive plan and neighborhood plans. A definition of equitable transit-oriented development for Jackson will also be determined as part of this task.

Character areas should be defined as part of this task to allow zoning, future land use, and place making strategies that will help realize this vision to vary by context. These character areas will be informed by the market analysis, community input, and existing land use policies.

They should include the areas served by the planned ONELINE premium transit corridor (the pilot TOD area), as well as up to two other corridors well suited for future TOD.

Task 6 Deliverables:

Draft and final character areas (narrative and map)

Draft and final vision and goals

5.1.7. TOD Comprehensive Work Plan

Building on work completed in prior tasks, the Consultant will create a comprehensive TOD

Work Plan with recommendations for TOD-supportive strategies for:

Zoning and land use policies by character area

Multimodal street planning and design guidelines

Station area place making strategies

TASK 7.1: TOD SUPPORTIVE LAND USE AND ZONING RECOMMENDATIONS

This task will focus on opportunities to encourage transit-supportive development within walking distance of planned premium transit stops through land use policies and regulations. As part of this task, the consultant team should review existing policy documents, including:

Fabric Jackson Comprehensive Plan (2021)

Jackson Zoning Ordinance

Development program for Downtown Properties Mixed Use Development (ongoing)

The Consultant will develop TOD supportive land-use and zoning recommendations that will:

Refine character areas.

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Address potential changes to future land use classifications to encourage mixed-use, human-scale development.

Audit the existing zoning code for compatibility with transit-supportive development and alignment with the character areas.

Identify recommended changes to the zoning code to encourage more human-scale building facades, site plans, and public realm features.

Recommend community-serving uses, such as childcare facilities or greenspaces.

Provide recommendations for incentives to future developers in the corridor, including potential expedited permits, tax abatements or credits, or other strategies.

Provide recommendations to ensure housing affordability along the corridor.

Identify potential catalyst sites for near-term development and create sample programs and renderings for up to three model sites that reflect the recommended zoning changes.

Provide recommendations for anti-displacement strategies.

TASK 7.2: TOD STREET DESIGN AND PLANNING GUIDELINES

This task will support the development of safe, comfortable multimodal connections to the premium transit line. As part of this task, the consultant team should review existing design guidance documents and existing infrastructure, including:

City of Jackson Code of Ordinances

Existing streets, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and trails

The TOD Street design and planning guidelines will:

Identify priority obstacles/missing links in the walking and biking network.

Define priority routes to invest in high-quality walking and biking infrastructure connections to transit.

Define and map street types within the study area.

Create design guidelines that allow for safe and efficient integration of transit, pedestrian, bicycle/ shared mobility and vehicular traffic, including a set of context-sensitive typical street section graphics.

Ensure ADA accessibility throughout the study area.

Provide wayfinding recommendations for convenient access to all corridor amenities.

TASK 7.3: PLACEMAKING RECOMMENDATIONS

This task will focus on identifying opportunities to enhance urban design around station areas to make them inviting, memorable places, including:

Identify locations for new or enhanced parks, plazas, or other public spaces.

Identify opportunity sites for public art installations.

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Recommend specific urban design strategies for each character area.

Programming recommendations and ideas for partnerships to support initial transit use and ongoing support.

Task 7 Deliverables:

Draft and final comprehensive TOD Action Plan, including:

o TOD Supportive Land Use and Zoning Recommendations o TOD Street Design and Planning Guidelines o Place making Recommendations

GIS files (geodatabase or shape files) for:

o Locations where zoning or future land use changes are recommended o Proposed infrastructure projects

5.1.8. Implementation and Funding Plan

The Consultant will prepare an implementation strategy that bridges the gap between current conditions and those required for a successful TOD corridor. The implementation and funding plan will ultimately serve as the City’s roadmap for delivering the ONELINE corridor and will involve substantial input from the PSC and TAC. This task will identify:

1. A phased program of capital projects that will support the ONELINE corridor and TOD workplan;

2. Potential funding sources and financing mechanisms; and

3. Short and mid‐term actions and partnerships that can be taken to create the momentum needed for the TOD Corridor to become fully realized.

TASK 8.1: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) RECOMMENDATIONS

The consultant will develop a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) encompassing the infrastructure improvements needed to implement the TOD workplan. The CIP will outline a comprehensive program of TOD-supportive capital projects and planning-level capital cost estimates.

TASK 8.2: PRIORITIZATION AND PHASING

The consultant will develop a phased implementation and feasibility strategy (i.e. property acquisition, infrastructure improvements, relocation, timing, entitlements, comprehensive plan and zoning amendments, etc.) that corresponds to the TOD workplan and CIP recommendations. As part of this task, the Consultant will establish a system to evaluate identified projects to determine priorities and outline a phased work program, including a proposed timeline with short-term (1-2 years), mid-term (3-5 years), and long-term (5+ years) projects.

As part of this task, the consultant team will hold implementation work sessions with the

Jackson Redevelopment Authority and other key stakeholders to discuss capacity and interest in partnering on the implementation of proposed initiatives. The Consultant will also work closely with the Central Mississippi Planning & Development District (CMPDD), the region’s

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Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), to develop a comprehensive work plan for this project that will be included in the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and the Mississippi

2045 Transportation Plan.

TASK 8.3: FINANCIAL PLAN

The Financial Plan will be designed to address the challenges in identifying appropriate and sustainable funding sources to implement the identified projects. It should review funding structures of successful comparable TOD developments and recommend approaches that could be considered to increase financing opportunities.

The financial plan will identify potential funding sources for public investments and evaluate and recommend financial tools and partners to implement the ONELINE work program. It will take the following categories, models, and mechanisms into consideration:

Categories Models Mechanisms

Station and Station-

Area Infrastructure

District and Downtown

Infrastructure

Transit Corridor

Infrastructure

Anchor institution partnerships

Corridor-level parking management

Land banking

District energy systems

Community improvement districts

Direct feed

Debt tools

Credit assistance

Equity

Value capture

Grants

Impact fees

Task 8 Deliverables:

Draft and final Funding and Implementation Plan, including:

o Draft and Final Capital Improvement Plan o Draft and Final Financial Plan

5.2. Deliverables

Project Management Plan

Project Management Team meetings, agenda, and minutes

Progress reports with monthly invoicing

Conceptual station locations, right-of-way treatments, and service plan

Draft and final project definition report

Conceptual operating and capital cost estimates

Community Engagement Plan

Project website

Press releases, social media posts, posters, flyers

Engagement activity materials and summaries

Draft and final existing conditions report

Draft and final market analysis report

Draft and final Financial Plan

Draft and final TOD Comprehensive Work Plan

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6. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

6.1. Schedule

The City intends to adhere to the schedule provided in the table below for the procurement of services. This schedule may change at the City’s sole discretion.

Procurement Schedule

Activity Date

Released Date Friday, October 11, 2024

Last Day for Written Inquiry Wednesday, October 16, 2024 @3:30 PM CST

City Response to Clarification/Questions Friday, October 18, 2024 @5:00 PM CST

Addenda Posted (if required)*** Friday, October 18, 2024 @5:00 PM CST

Closing Date Tuesday, November 5, 2024 @3:30 PM CST

Finalist in Person Interviews* TBA

Final Selection (Best & Final Offer) * TBA

Notice of Intent to Award** TBA

* City of Jackson reserves the right to award a contract(s) without demonstrations or a Best and Final Offer.

**Issuance of a Notice of Intent to Award is not a substitute for a contract and can be revoked.

***City of Jackson reserves the right to modify the Procurement Schedule through written addenda.

6.2. Submission

Proposers shall remit one (1) original and six (6) signed copies of their proposal including required certifications and affidavits.

Any alterations to the forms contained in the RFP may be cause for the proposal to be declared as nonresponsive. For this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), all Proposals will be received by the City of Jackson, Office of the City Clerk at 219 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39205 until 3:30 p.m., Central Daylight Time (CDT) on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Electronic proposal and/or reverse auction proposal can be submitted at www.centralbidding.com. For any questions relating to the electronic bidding process, please call Central Bidding at 225-810-4814.

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6.3. General Condition

6.3.1. Limitations

This RFP does not commit the City to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the proposal in response to this request, or to procure or contract for services or supplies. The City expressly reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or to waive any irregularity or information in any proposal or in the RFP procedure and to be the sole judge of the responsibility of any proposer and of the suitability of the materials and/or services to be rendered. The City reserves the right to withdraw this RFP at any time without prior notice.

Further, the City reserves the right to modify the RFP schedule described herein.

6.3.2. Award

The City may ask RFP finalists to present oral presentations regarding their firms and any special expertise in the necessary areas. The Committee will make all decisions regarding the evaluations, determination of responsible Proposers and the competitive range, negotiations and the selection of the Proposer, if any, that may be awarded the contract. The City also reserves the right to award the contract without discussion or interviews, based upon the initial proposals.

Selection will be based upon demonstrated competence and professional qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required. The primary desire of City for this procurement is to ensure an award will be made based on the highest quality of service proposed that best matches City requirements using the FTA approved Third Party Contracting Guidance (FTA C 4220.1F) “Best Value” methodology. Per FTA’s Third-Party Contracting Guidance, Best Practices Procurement Manual, “Best Value” is defined as follows:

“Best Value” is a selection process in which proposals contain both price and qualitative components, and award is based upon a combination of price and qualitative considerations.

Qualitative considerations may include experience of the management team, creativity of proposal, quality and comprehensiveness of required Plans. The award selection is based upon consideration of a combination of technical and price factors to determine the offer deemed most advantageous and of the greatest value to the CITY OF JACKSON.

6.3.3. Written Inquiries and Responses

All questions pertaining to this RFP shall be submitted in writing to the T r a n s p o r t a t i o n P l a n n i n g M a n a g e r at mguice@jacksonms.gov. The deadline for submitting questions is stated in the procurement schedule. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS WILL NOT BE RESPONDED TO OVER THE TELEPHONE. A response to questions and comments will be emailed to all solicitors after receipt of said questions or request for an interpretation or comments pursuant to the procurement schedule. Proposers shall rely only on written addenda provided by the City in submitting or revising Proposals.

Proposer are specifically directed not to contact any City personnel for meetings, conferences, or technical discussions related to this Request for Proposals. Failure to adhere to this policy may be grounds for rejection of proposal.

The City of Jackson will not be responsible for oral interpretations given by any City employee, representative, or others. Proposer are cautioned that any statements made that materially change any portion of the proposal documents shall not be relied upon unless subsequently ratified by a formal written amendment to the proposal document. The issuance of a written addenda is the only official method whereby interpretation, clarification, or additional information can be given. Any changes, additions, or deletions to this Request for Proposal will be in the form of written addenda issued by the City. Addenda will be posted on the City’s

20 | P a g e website where the RFP is posted and www.centralbidding.com. Prospective proposers must check the website for addenda or other relevant new information during the response period. The City is not responsible for the failure of any prospective proposer to receive such addenda. All addenda so issued shall become a part of this Request for Proposal.

6.3.4. Proprietary Information

The proposals received shall become the property of the City of Jackson and are subject to public disclosure. Proposers are to indicate any restrictions on the use of data contained in their responses. Those parts of a proposal which are defined by the proposer as business or trade secrets, as that term is defined in State of Mississippi Government Code and are reasonably marked as "Trade Secrets", "Confidential" or "Proprietary" shall only be disclosed to the public if such disclosure is required or permitted under the State of Mississippi Public Records Act or otherwise by law. Proposers who indiscriminately and without justification identify most or all, of their proposal as exempt from disclosure may be deemed non-responsive.

7. PROPOSAL CONTENT

The organization of the proposal should follow the general outline below. Each proposal should consist of a Technical Proposal (7.1) and a Cost Proposal 7.2) in sealed package.

7.1. Technical Proposal

7.1.1. Letter of Transmittal:

The transmittal letter should include the name, title, address, phone number, and original signature of an individual with authority to negotiate on behalf of and to contractually bind the consultant(s) firm, and who may be contacted during the period of proposal evaluation. Only one transmittal letter need be prepared to accompany all copies of the technical and cost proposals.

7.1.2. Executive Summary

Describe your understanding of the project and a description of the process/approach to be used.

The proposer should demonstrate an adequate understanding of the role and relationships of the City and an awareness of issues specific to expectations outlined in the RFP.

7.1.3. Project Management

The proposer must prepare an explanation of the project management system and practices to be used to assure that the proposed services are completed timely and that the quality of the products will meet the City’s requirements.

7.1.4. Project Approach

Proposer must include the following:

a complete description of the Proposer’s technical approach to the Scope of Work and Deliverables.

An itemized description of the proposed project schedule and the end products to be produced.

7.1.5. Company Profile and Qualifications

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Proposer must include the following:

a brief description of the firm or firms, including the year the firm was established, type of organization of firm (partnership, corporation, etc.), and any variation in size over the last five years, along with a statement of the firm’s qualifications for performing the subject consulting services a brief description of the firm’s experience with similar projects description of the qualifications and experience of each professional who will participate in the project, including a resume for each member of the project team designated project manager and an organizational chart showing the manager and all project staff who will provide services

7.1.6. References

The proposal must include a list of (at least 3) references for similar projects. References should include client contact names, addresses, phone numbers, description of the type of work performed, approximate dates on which the work was completed, and professional staff who performed the work. If a subcontractor is proposed, two to three similar qualifications and references should be provided for the subcontractor.

7.1.7. Compliance Statement

The proposal must include:

Discussion of the Proposer’s affirmative action policy, use of Disadvantaged

Business Enterprises (DBEs) in the performance of this work, and disclosure of any actual, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest

Statement of compliance with state and federal requirements in conducting the

Scope of Work

7.1.8. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

The DBE requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 applies to this contract. There is a 3.00% minimum DBE participation goal for this contract. Contractors are required to use race-neutral and, if necessary, race-conscious Good Faith efforts to meet this DBE participation goal. The selected Contractor will report its race-neutral and race-conscious measures quarterly along with its DBE(s). The DBE Compliance Officer, provided through the City of Jackson, will perform regular site visits to ensure that all DBE obligations are fulfilled and that the work performed by each DBE meets specifications. The DBE Compliance Officer will review the Contractor’s daily field reports to verify that the work is being performed by the contracted DBE and not by the prime Contractor’s own workforce. If the Contractor does not meet the minimum DBE goal or if the paid amount differs from the amount submitted, the prime Contractor must provide a written explanation.

7.2. Cost Proposal

The proposer shall prepare a detailed cost proposal for the work to be performed. The cost proposal shall itemize the direct hourly rates, fringe benefit rate, indirect cost rate, travel, materials and supplies. Contract Cost Principles and Procedures, 48 CFR, Federal Acquisition Regulations System, Chapter 1, Part 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures and 2 CFR, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards shall be used to determine the allow ability of individual project cost items.

The same cost proposal detail is required for sub-consultants. Include a total “not-to-exceed” amount for this proposal.

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7.3. Required Forms and Certifications

General Information Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda (submit whether or not any addenda are issued)

Federal Clauses Checklist & Certification

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification

Suspension & Debarment Certification

Lobbying Certification

Non-collusion Certification

Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest Certification

City of Jackson’s Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Application Plan

City of Jackson’s Vendor Application

7.4. Clarification/Interviews

Proposer may be asked to clarify proposal information through writing or interviews. The clarification period will begin when the Proposals are submitted. Proposer may be required and shall be prepared to attend an interview with the Evaluation Committee. The City may choose, at its sole option, not to interview all proposing Proposers. The City may reject any or all Proposals submitted, or at its sole discretion, award the Agreement to the best Proposal without any interviews.

7.5. Accuracy in Reporting Requested Information

Information submitted as part of the RFP will be subject to verification. Inaccurate information or information that is misleading will be, at the City’s sole discretion grounds for removal of a proposal from further consideration. In the event a Proposer is awarded an Agreement because of this RFP, any inaccurate or misleading information subsequently discovered by City to be a part of the proposal will be, at the City’s sole discretion, grounds for Proposer’s termination by default under the terms of the Agreement.

7.6. Proposal Guidelines

7.6.1. Willingness to Accept Proposed Arrangements

Proposers should fully inform themselves of the conditions, requirements, and specifications before submitting a proposal. The submission of a proposal constitutes Proposers’ acceptance of the terms and conditions of this solicitation request, In addition, Proposers will be expected to accept the standard City contract language for professional services agreements.

The Proposer is responsible for all costs related to the preparation of the proposal, demonstrations or interviews. Any costs associated with the project not specifically set forth in this Request for Proposal will be the responsibility of the Proposer and will be deemed included in the fees and charges proposed.

City of Jackson reserves the right to:

Award to one or more vendors

Accept or reject any or all proposals

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Reject any or all proposals until a contract is signed with the Proposer

Reject this solicitation and issue a new one for any reason

Waive deviations from the requirements

Waive any informality or minor irregularity in proposals received

Issue changes to the solicitation in the form of written addenda

Request additional information to fully evaluate a proposal

A proposal will be rejected when:

It is late

Not in the required format

The Proposer fails to meet the minimum qualifications listed

The Proposer is determined to be not responsible as described in the RFP

Any required form is not signed

Vendor information, references, or any other form is incomplete or incorrect

Any other reason determined to be in the best interest of the City of Jackson

It does not meet required terms and conditions

The details of the proposal have been altered

A Proposer fails to timely respond to a request for additional information

It fails to contain any of the required information

A conflict of interest is not properly disclosed

Proposer fails to acknowledge in writing addenda

Proposals may not be modified after opening unless requested by City of Jackson. Prior to opening, proposals may be withdrawn at any time.

City of Jackson may request that information be displayed differently than presented (for example, request a bundled pricing structure be itemized).

Proposal pricing shall be valid for a period of 120 calendar days from proposal or Best and Final Offer (BAFO) deadline, if a BAFO occurs.

City of Jackson may request clarification or additional information, including, but not limited to, financial statements.

Submission of a response constitutes an offer to enter into a binding legal Agreement with the City on all the terms specified in this RFP including all Appendices.

7.6.2. Minimum Proposer Qualifications

At the time of award of proposal, Proposers and any sub-consultants must meet the following minimum qualifications. Proposers may not substitute qualifications of a sub for their own:

Have a State of Mississippi and all required local government business license(s) and endorsements.

Be registered with SAM.gov and not be suspended or debarred.

Demonstrate there are no outstanding and/or repetitive violations with Labor and

Industries, Department of Revenue, or Employment Security.

Is skilled and regularly engaged in the general class or type of work called for under the contract.

Has performed satisfactorily on other contracts of like nature, magnitude and comparable difficulty, and at comparable rates of progress.

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Have experience with transit agencies similar in size to City of Jackson.

Ability to attend meetings on-site at City of Jackson or other area locations.

Offer a fixed cost for project services.

Demonstrate the ability to maintain adequate files and records to meet project reporting requirements.

7.6.3. Submission Standards

Proposals will have:

Pages of the proposal should be numbered

Sections should be clearly labeled.

Sections should follow order and organization of the proposal content section.

7.6.4. Conflict

City of Jackson officers, employees, agents, or Council members will not solicit or accept gifts, favors, or anything of monetary value from Proposers. Any City of Jackson officer, agent, employee, or Jackson City Council member with a perceived or actual financial or other interest in the award of this proposed contract will recuse himself/herself from any evaluation or decision on any proposal.

Proposers and their staff must declare any perceived or actual conflict of interest. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Proposer or staff did the following:

Assists in the creation of the scope of work. This includes, but is not limited to, reviewing and commenting on the preliminary scope in whole or part, assisting staff in specification writing, or recommending the use of a particular brand or supplier/distributor in the specification or evaluation of proposals.

Has access to nonpublic information during the performance of an earlier contract or has been provided with information other contractors have not during procurement.

Assists in the creation of a project budget.

Has a personal or professional relationship or affiliation (past or present) with a member of the evaluation or project team.

Has a financial gain from the recommendation and/or purchase of a particular good or service relating to a contract or potential contract. (e.g. distributor/manufacturer relationship).

City of Jackson will review all conflict-of-interest statements and notify the Proposer of its decision to allow or reject a proposal as it pertains to the conflict.

If a conflict of interest is discovered post-award, this will be considered a breach of contract and the contract will be terminated under the terms and conditions provided. The Proposer must pay any additional costs incurred by the City of Jackson to engage another contractor to finish the work.

7.6.5. Addenda

Addenda will be issued to all known respondents, posted at the City of Jackson’s website, and on WEBS should questions or clarifications be deemed significant enough to affect received proposals. Proposers must ensure they receive all issued addenda prior to the submission

25 | P a g e deadline, and acknowledge each addendum on Appendix C – General Information & Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda.

7.6.6. Contact with City of Jackson

Unauthorized contact regarding this RFP with City of Jackson employees or agents may result in disqualification. Any oral communications will be considered unofficial and non-binding on the City of Jackson. Proposers should rely only on written statements issued by the Procurement Officers listed on the cover page.

8. EVALUATION AND SELECTION

8.1. Evaluation and Selection Process

Proposals submitted in response to this RFP will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria established in RFP. The Evaluation Committee shall score the Proposals and make a recommendation to the Director of Planning and Development as to which Proposers are within the competitive range. The Director of Planning and Development will notify Proposers in writing whether or not they are in competitive range. Oral presentations and interviews may be requested by the Deputy Director of Transportation, Department of Planning and Development and/or his/her representatives with all Proposers determined to be in the competitive range.