2-RFP 25-T056 General Planning Consultant (GPC).pdf

135645344v.2

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority operating as (“Trinity Metro”) outlines the following schedule:

RFP Release Date: September 03, 2025

Proposal Submission Deadline: October 09, 2025

REVIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS IN SECTION 2

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

(DBE) GOAL: 6.35%

The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, operating as Trinity Metro, is a regional transportation authority of the State of Texas, created pursuant to Chapter 452 of the Texas Transportation Code and confirmed by a public referendum on November 8, 1983. Trinity Metro provides public transportation services within the city limits of Fort Worth, Forest Hill, and River Oaks. Such services include fixed bus routes, mobility impaired transportation service (Paratransit services), carpool/vanpool services, ON- DEMAND and commuter rail (operating as TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE)). A one-half of one percent ($.0050) sales tax is dedicated to supporting Trinity Metro’s public transportation program. Trinity Metro is also the recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) capital grants and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality grants.

Trinity Metro is governed by an eleven-member Board of appointed officials. Eight Board members are appointed by the Fort Worth City Council and 3 Board members are appointed by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, in accordance with Subchapter N., Sec. 452.562 (c) – (f) of the Transportation Code. The Board sets policy through standing and ad hoc committees, and establishes broad business goals and policies for management. The President & Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board, and is responsible for implementation of Board policies and day-to-day operations of Trinity Metro.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) neither creates nor implies any obligation on the part of the Trinity Metro to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation or submittal of any Proposal.

Trinity Metro 801 Grove Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

GENERAL PLANNING CONSULTANT (GPC)

RFP #25-T056

RFP 25-T056 GENERAL PLANNING

CONSULTANT (GPC)

Table of Contents Section 1 Minimum Requirements Section 2 Schedule of Events Section 3 Instructions to Proposers Section 4 Evaluation Criteria Section 5 Scope of Work Section 6 Special Provisions Section 7 Federal Contract and Other Requirements Section 8 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Section 9 Safety, Security and Emergency Requirements Section 10 Attachments and Forms

F1 – ATTACHMENTS AND AMENDMENTS

F2 – DBE COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

F3 – SCHEDULE OF DBE UTILIZATION

F4 – GOOD FAITH EFFORT DOCUMENTATION

F5 – GOOD FAITH EFFORT INFORMATION REQUESTS

F6 – CONFIRMATION LETTER/INTENT TO SUBCONTRACT

F7 – CERTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION,

AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

F8 – CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CERTIFICATION

F9 – CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING

F10 – BUSINESS QUESTIONNAIRE

F11 – LIST OF REFERENCES FOR SIMILAR PROJECTS

F12 – AFFIDAVIT OF NON-COLLUSION

F13 – PROHIBITION OF CONTRACTS WITH COMPANIES BOYCOTTING ISRAEL

F14 – FEDERAL TAX LIABILITY AND RECENT FELONY CONVICTION CERTIFICATION

F16 – BASE PRICE PROPOSAL

F17 – TRINITY METRO SAFETY, SECURITY AND EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS

OFFER AND CONTRACT SIGNATURE FORM

ATTACHMENT A

Section 1 Minimum Requirements

NAME FORM DESCRIPTION FORM

NUMBER

SUBMIT

WITH

OFFER?

Cover Page Solicitation Number, Title, Due Date None YES ☐

Section 2 Schedule of Events None Section 3 Instruction to Proposers None Section 4 Evaluation and Response None Section 5 Scope of Work None Section 6 Special Provisions None Section 7 Federal Contract and Other Requirements None Section 8 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) None Section 9 Trinity Metro Safety, Security and Emergency None Section 10 Attachments and Amendments F1 YES ☐

DBE Compliant Statement F2 YES ☐ Schedule of DBE Utilization F3 YES ☐ Good Faith Effort Documentation F4 YES ☐ Good Faith Effort Information Requests F5 YES ☐ Confirmation Letter/Intent to Subcontract F6 YES ☐ Certification of Contractor Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters F7 YES ☐

Conflict of Interest Acknowledgement and Certification F8 YES ☐ Certification of Compliance with Restriction on Lobbying F9 YES ☐ Business Questionnaire & List of References F10 YES ☐ List of References for Similar Projects F11 YES ☐ Affidavit of Non-Collusion F12 YES ☐ Prohibition of Contracts with Companies Boycotting Israel F13 YES ☐ Federal Tax Liability and Recent Felony Convictions Certification F14 YES ☐

Base Price Proposal F15 YES ☐ Trinity Metro Safety, Security and Emergency F16 YES ☐ Offer and Contract Signature YES ☐ Attachment A YES ☐

NOTE: FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUESTED ITEMS ABOVE, PROPERLY COMPLETED,

CAN BE

CAUSE FOR REJECTION OF YOUR FIRM’S SUBMITTAL!!!

Section 2 Schedule of Events

EVENTS DATE TIME

RFP Release Date September 03, 2025 4:00 PM

Pre-Proposal Meeting Address:

Virtual – Microsoft TEAMS

September 11, 2025 02:00 PM

Deadline for Submission of Written Questions (1) September 25, 2025 5:00 PM

Proposal Submission Deadline October 9, 2025 2:00 PM

Receipt of Proposals Location: Virtual - Microsoft TEAMS October 9, 2025 3:00 PM

Interviews/Demonstrations from Most Qualified Proposers (if necessary)(2)

TBD

Trinity Metro Board Meeting to Recommend Contract Approval (3) November 17, 2025

Contract Executed (4) November / December 2025

(1) Questions will be received in writing by e-mail. No questions will be answered verbally.

(2) The Trinity Metro reserves the right not to conduct oral demonstrations and/or interviews and select a Contractor based on written proposals only.

(3) The Evaluation Committee’s recommendation of contract award is scheduled for Board presentation by the date above; however, Trinity Metro reserves the right to change the award date.

(4) Trinity Metro reserves the right to change the contract execution date.

RFP 25-T056

GENERAL PLANNING

Section 3 Instructions to Proposers

3.1 Downloading RFP and Submission of Proposals

RFP documents can be downloaded from Trinity Metro’s website and the Proposals can be submitted electronically on Bonfire or in hard copy to the address listed below.

https://www.procuretm.org/procurements

A person or firm submitting a proposal in response to this RFP is a “Proposer.” A Proposer who enters into a Contract under this RFP is referred to as “Contractor.” Sealed proposals must be delivered by the date and time outlined in the Schedule of Events in Section 2. Proposers shall submit one original, one copy, and all of the required Proposal documents. All Proposal documents shall be in a sealed package, addressed as shown below, bearing the Proposer’s name and address and clearly marked as follows:

Trinity Metro Attn: PROCUREMENT 801 Grove Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 RFP 25-T056 General Planning Consultant (GPC)

Proposers can also submit proposals electronically using the Trinity Metro electronic bidding portal, Bonfire, at:

https://ridetm.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

All proposals, electronic or hard copy, must be submitted by the date stated in the schedule of events. It is the sole responsibility of the Proposer to ensure timely delivery of the proposal. Trinity Metro will not be responsible for failure of service on the part of the U.S. Post Office, courier services, electronic difficulties, or any other form of delivery service chosen by Respondent.

Proposals arriving late for any reason will not be accepted.

3.2 For uniformity, all Proposers must submit information in the order and format requested in this RFP. Failure to do so may cause the proposal to be deemed nonresponsive to the RFP. Information requested in the RFP that the Proposer deems privileged and confidential, may be submitted in a separate envelope marked “Privileged and Confidential Information.” Trinity Metro will use its best efforts to protect such information from disclosure to the extent allowable by law. There will be no release of information until (a) the selection process is complete and a Contract has been executed or (b) Trinity Metro has formally terminated this procurement.

3.3 Exceptions to Any Portion of the Solicitation Requirements All exceptions, conditions, and limitations (collectively, “exceptions”) taken to or imposed on the terms and conditions of the RFP (including, without limitation, any of its attachments or other parts of the RFP) shall be clearly identified and submitted with Proposer’s proposal. Each exception shall specifically reference each paragraph(s) and/or specific part(s) of the RFP to which the exception is taken. Proposer shall provide rationale https://www.procuretm.org/procurements https://ridetm.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities in support of the exception and fully explain its impact, if any, on its performance of or obligations under the procurement.

Proposers are cautioned to limit exceptions. In Trinity Metro’s sole and absolute judgment, exceptions may be determined to be so fundamental as to cause rejection of the proposal for not responding to the requirements of the RFP.

All exceptions will be considered during the evaluation process. Exceptions made after Contract award may result in proposal being rejected.

3.4 Basis for Contract Negotiation

A contract, if any, awarded under this RFP is defined herein as “the Contract” or “this Contract.”

The terms, conditions, representations, warranties, and other provisions of this RFP will be incorporated into and will form the bulk of the Contract, except to the extent otherwise expressly confirmed in writing signed by Trinity Metro. Thus, this RFP and the Proposer’s proposal shall be used as the basis for contract negotiation. The RFP does not commit Trinity Metro to procure or award any contract for the scope of work described herein.

3.5 Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting

Respondents are encouraged to attend a pre-proposal meeting on the date and time listed in the Schedule of Events in Section 2. During this meeting Trinity Metro will discuss information about the project, the qualification requirements and process, and will address particular questions that may occur as a result of review of this RFP.

3.6 Rejection and Selection of Proposals; Modification of the RFP

1. Trinity Metro reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

2. If a Contract is awarded, the selection of the proposal and Proposer shall conform to the requirements of applicable law and shall, in Trinity Metro’s sole discretion, be in the best interests of Trinity Metro.

3. Trinity Metro reserves the right to:

a. Amend, modify, or withdraw this RFP;

b. Revise any requirements under this RFP;

c. Require supplemental statements of information from any Proposer;

d. Extend the deadline for submission of responses hereto;

e. Negotiate or hold discussions with any Proposer to correct insufficient responses that do not completely conform to the instructions contained herein;

f. Waive any nonconformity with this RFP;

g. Cancel, in whole or in part, this RFP if Trinity Metro deems it is in its best interest to do so;

h. Request additional information or clarification of information provided in the proposal without changing the terms of the RFP; and

i. Waive any portion of the selection process in order to accelerate the negotiation of a

Contract with a Proposer that meets the requirements under applicable law and this RFP for an award.

Trinity Metro may exercise the foregoing rights at any time without notice and without liability to any Proposer or any other party for expenses incurred in the preparation of proposals or otherwise. Proposals will be prepared at the sole cost and expense of the Proposer.

4. Nothing stated at any time, by any representative of Trinity Metro, will effect a change in, or constitute an addition to, this RFP unless confirmed in writing through an Addenda issued by Trinity Metro to this RFP.

5. The Proposer agrees to keep confidential its response and any information received from Trinity Metro.

6. All information submitted in response to the RFP shall become the property of Trinity Metro, and as such, may be subject to public review as public records.

7. Proposer acknowledges and agrees that Trinity Metro will not be liable for any costs, expenses, losses, damages (including damages for loss of anticipated profit), or liabilities incurred by the Proposer or any member thereof as a result of, or arising out of its submitting a proposal, negotiating changes to such proposal, or Trinity Metro’s acceptance or non-acceptance of the proposal.

8. Trinity Metro shall control the release of all public information concerning the procurement under this RFP, including selection announcements and Contract awards. Those desiring to release information to the public must receive prior written approval from an authorized representative of Trinity Metro.

9. Neither Trinity Metro nor any of its officers, agents, consultants, or employees shall be responsible for the accuracy of any information provided as part of this RFP (including appendices). All Proposers are encouraged to independently verify the accuracy of any information provided. The use of this information in the preparation of a proposal is at the sole risk of the Proposer.

10. The Proposer shall not collude in any manner or engage in any practices with any other

Proposer(s), which may restrict or eliminate competition or otherwise restrain trade.

Violation of this instruction will cause Trinity Metro to reject the Proposer’s submittal. This prohibition is not intended to preclude joint ventures or subcontracts.

11. All proposals must be the original work product of the Proposer. The copying, paraphrasing, or other use of substantial portions of the work product of another Proposer is not permitted.

Failure to adhere to this instruction will cause Trinity Metro to reject the proposal. The successful Proposer will be required to enter into Contract by signature on separate Contract documents, which will be prepared by Trinity Metro from information in the RFP and the successful Proposer’s proposal.

12. In accordance with Article 8-103 of Trinity Metro’s Procurement Policy, “All protests relating to advertising of solicitation notices, alleged improprieties or ambiguities in solicitation documents, deadlines, bid openings or awards, and all other solicitation, bid or award-related procedures or actions must be made in writing and submitted to the President/CEO, or designee, within ten (10) business days of (1) the bid opening for a construction contract or (2) date of award for other types of contracts.”

3.7 Response to Communications and Request for Clarification

It is the responsibility of the proposer to examine the entire RFP package and seek clarification of any scope of work, specification item, requirement, or any other matter that it finds unclear.

Furthermore, the Proposer must check the proposal for accuracy before submission. All requests for clarifications or changes shall be submitted in writing in time to be received in accordance with the Schedule of Events outlined in Section 2.

Trinity Metro will not respond to oral requests. Only written requests for questions and/or clarifications, will be acceptable (email and/or email attachments will be accepted). All questions and/or clarifications requests shall be sent to the attention as identified below. Only written responses from Trinity Metro in the form of addenda to this RFP shall be official, and all other forms of communication with any officer, employee or agent of Trinity Metro shall not be binding.

All questions and/or clarifications and/or request for a change to any of the specifications shall be fully supported with technical data, test results, or other pertinent information evidencing that the exception will result in a condition equal to or better than that required by the RFP, without substantial increase in cost or time requirements. Any responses to such written requests shall be provided by Trinity Metro in the form of an addendum.

All questions or request for clarifications regarding the services required shall be submitted in writing and/or email (no phone inquiries will be accepted) and addressed to:

Sarah Rogers, Project Manager Trinity Metro 801 Grove Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 E-mail: contractmgmt@ridetm.org

Proposers shall not contact members of the Evaluation Committee or Board of Directors concerning this RFP. Any proposers violating this provision may be disqualified from consideration in this RFP.

3.8 Addenda and Attachments to RFP

This RFP has been posted on Trinity Metro’s website and Trinity Metro’s electronic bidding portal, Bonfire, for your convenience. Any attachments, addendums, clarifications or further instructions to Proposers, whether as a result of questions raised by Proposers or matters initiated by Trinity Metro will also be posted when issued. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to ensure that the entire RFP package, in its latest version, is reviewed prior to submittal of a proposal.

3.9 Contract Award

Trinity Metro reserves the right for any reason or no stated reason to postpone, accept, or reject any and/or all proposals, to waive any irregularities in proposals received, and award the Contract(s) in accordance with applicable law and this RFP. Trinity Metro reserves the right to make multiple awards.

mailto:contractmgmt@ridetm.org

Trinity Metro shall consider all elements entering into the determination of the responsiveness of the proposal and the responsibility of the Proposer. Any proposal which is incomplete, conditional, obscure, or which contains additions not called for or irregularities of any kind, may be cause for rejection of the Proposal.

The Contract may be awarded within 90 calendar days from the date upon which proposals were received or such other date as is specified in the Schedule of Events above in this RFP. No award shall be made for a proposal Trinity Metro determines to be non-responsive or to a Proposer Trinity Metro determines to be not responsible.

If a single proposal is received, Trinity Metro will conduct a price and/or cost analysis of the proposal. A price analysis is the process of examining and evaluating a price submitted without examining in detail the separate cost elements and the profit included in the cost proposal. A price analysis through comparison to other similar procurements shall be based upon an established or competitive price of the elements used in the comparison. The comparison shall be made to a purchase of similar quantity and involving similar specifications. Where a difference exists, a detailed analysis shall be made of this difference and costs associated thereto. Trinity Metro has the right to enter into a negotiated procurement should only a single proposal be received.

Where it is impossible to obtain a valid price analysis, it may be necessary for Trinity Metro to conduct a cost analysis of the proposal price.

3.10 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Requirements

Trinity Metro has a policy to involve Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to the maximum extent feasible in all phases of its procurement practices. DBE firms are encouraged to respond to this RFP, and joint ventures with DBE firms are also encouraged. Trinity Metro can provide assistance in the identification of DBE firms.

3.11 Non-Collusion Affidavit

Proposer shall submit, with its proposal, an affidavit stating that neither Proposer nor its agents, nor any other party on its behalf, has paid or agreed to pay, directly or indirectly, any person, firm, or corporation, any money or valuable consideration for assistance in procuring or attempting to procure the Contract that may result from this RFP, and further agrees that no such money or consideration will be hereafter paid. This affidavit shall be on the form provided by Trinity Metro, which is made a part of this RFP.

3.12 Proposer’s Texas Government Code Certifications

Pursuant to the provisions of the Texas Government Code cited below, Proposer represents, warrants, and affirms the following, and Proposer covenants that if circumstances relevant to any of the following change during the term of a contract that may be awarded to Proposer under this RFP, Proposer will promptly notify Trinity Metro of such change.

1. Sec. 2252.152. Proposer is not engaged in business with Iran, Sudan, or a foreign terrorist organization, as prohibited by Section 2252.152 of the Texas Government Code, and Proposer is not identified on the list created by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts as a company known to have contracts with or provide supplies or services to Iran, Sudan, or a foreign terrorist organization.

2. Sec. 2271.002. Either (a) Proposer does not and will not for the duration of the Contract boycott Israel or (b) the verification required by Section 2271.002 of the Texas Government Code does not apply to this procurement.

3. Chapter 2274. Either (a) Proposer does not and will not for the duration of the Contract, have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association or (b) the verification required by Section 2274.002 of the Texas Government Code does not apply to this procurement.

4. Section 2276.002. Either (a) Proposer does not and will not for the duration of the Contract boycott energy companies or (b) the verification required by Section 2276.002 of the Texas Government Code does not apply to this Agreement.

5. Section 2252.908 If Section 2252.908 of the Texas Government Code applies to this procurement, and if Proposer is awarded a Contract, Proposer will submit to Trinity Metro a Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295) before the execution of the Contract. Refer to the information at the Texas Ethics Commission’s website for instructions on registering and completing Form 1295.

3.13 Force Majeure

1. Definition: An Event of Force Majeure is defined as acts of God; earthquake, unusually severe weather, flood and any other natural disaster; civil disturbance, strikes and labor disputes; fires and explosions; war and other hostilities; embargo; or failure of third parties, including suppliers or subcontractors, to perform their obligations to the Contractor due to a force majeure event described above.

2. Economic hardship, changes in market conditions, or insufficient funds do not constitute an Event of Force Majeure, and an Event of Force Majeure does not excuse an obligation to make a payment required under this Contract.

3. If Contractor cannot perform some of its obligations due to an Event of Force Majeure, it must nevertheless continuously and diligently carry out and complete all of its obligations not prevented by the Event of Force Majeure.

4. Notice of Delay. If Contractor is delayed in the performance of the Services due to an Event of Force Majeure or otherwise, Contractor must in a prompt manner upon receiving knowledge of such delay give written notice thereof to Trinity Metro and furnish Trinity Metro information concerning the cause of the delay and its approximate anticipated length and demonstrating, if applicable, that the delay is due to an Event of Force Majeure.

5. Sole Relief. If an Event of Force Majeure occurs, provided Contractor has complied with all applicable notice requirements regarding a request for relief under this section, Contractor is excused from performance of its obligations under this Contract, but only for the time and to the extent that such performance is actually prevented by the Event of Force Majeure.

When Contractor is able to resume performance of its obligations, it shall immediately give Trinity Metro written notice to that effect and promptly resume performance under this Contract. The relief offered by this Force Majeure provision is the exclusive remedy available to Contractor with respect to an Event of Force Majeure, and no claim for damages shall be made by either party for delays resulting from an Event of Force Majeure.

6. Continuing Delays. Trinity Metro may terminate this Contract if: (a) Contractor’s failure to perform under this Contract due to an Event of Force Majeure impairs the material benefits of this Contract to Trinity Metro; and (b) Contractor does not resume performance in accordance with this Contract within ten (10) business days following Trinity Metro’s giving notice to Contractor of Trinity Metro’s intent to terminate this Contract.

Section 4 Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee of individuals from TRINITY METRO and other departments. TRINITY METRO intends to evaluate the proposals generally in accordance with the criteria listed below. TRINITY METRO may invite proposers to make a presentation and be interviewed by the committee as part of the selection process.

Contractors’ qualifications shall be evaluated using the following criteria:

Category Maximum

Points Maximum

Pages A. Ability of Professional Personnel (Maximum Points) 30 12 Describe the qualifications and relevant experience of the Project Manager and all key staff that are intended to be assigned to the project. Include resumes for the Project Manager and all key staff described. Include the qualifications and relevant experience of all subconsultants’ key staff to be assigned to the project.

1. Identify the key personnel who will be assigned to the Scope of Work. Provide the experience each team member has on completing a General Planning Consultant (GPC) and other transit system planning, analysis, and management. Resumes for all team members shall be provided and up-to-date. The Vendor must demonstrate that is has sufficient personnel with the various types of skills needed to staff the task orders when needed.

2. Provide an overview of proposed subconsultant(s) experience. The subconsultant team shall include all resumes of proposed staff. 10

3. Provide evidence of knowledge and experience with transit-related based GPC’s and related transit industry planning experience:

• Strength and experience of Project Manager and key personnel for project team.

• Provide an organizational chart for the members of the proposed project team.

• Description of relevant GPC and related transit operating/planning experience.

B. Project Approach (Maximum Points) 30 10 Describe the Vendor’s approach to the project. Include how the Vendor will use subconsultants in the project.

1. Accurately and thoroughly address Vendor’s approach to completing all items from the attached Scope of Work. 20

2. List program management functions that the Vendor and all subconsultants will perform 5

3. Describe the process the Vendor will follow to respond to specific task order requests from Trinity Metro. The Vendor should also describe the management procedures it will follow to oversee work by its personnel and work by subconsultants on multiple task orders simultaneously.

C. Past Performance (Maximum Points) 20 5 Describe Vendor’s experience on projects of similar nature, scope and duration, along with evidence of satisfactory completion, both on time and within budget, for the past five years.

Provide a minimum of three projects with references. Vendor should provide references for similar work performed to show evidence of qualifications and previous experience.

1. Describe Vendor’s specific past experience(s) in managing and completing tasks as part of a transit-related GPC effort within the last five (5) years. 10

2. Describe your Team’s past experience relevant to the tasks and subtasks of the Scope of Work. Include role of Vendor (as Prime or Subconsultant); type of work; organization chart, name and contact information of client representative; project dollar value (state whether figure is for services or total project) and total dollar value of contract.

D. Workload of the Firm (Maximum Points) 10 2 List all completed and active projects that the Vendor has managed within the past five years. In addition, list all projected projects that Vendor will be working on in the near future. Projected projects will be defined as a project(s) that Vendor is awarded a contract but the Notice to Proceed (NTP) has not been issued. Identify any projects that Vendor worked on concurrently.

Describe Vendor’s approach in managing these projects. Were there or will there be any challenges for any of the listed projects? If so, how Vendor dealt or will deal with the projects’ challenges.

E. Pricing and Cost Effectiveness 10 1

- Competitive Pricing

- Clear Labor Rates

- Pricing Most Advantageous to Trinity Metro

G. DBE Utilization Pass/Fail Not Counted

H. Audited Financial Statements Required Pass/Fail Not Counted

Respondents must submit a complete copy of their audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year as part of their proposal. These statements should include:

• Independent auditor’s report

• Balance sheet

• Income Statement (Profit and Loss)

• Statement of cash flows

• Notes to the financial statements

If audited financials are not available, respondents must provide a written explanation and submit reviewed or compiled financial statements prepared by an independent certified public accountant (CPA).

Failure to provide the required financial documentation may result in a

“FAIL” and disqualification from consideration.

I. Appendix B – Required Forms and Certifications Pass/Fail Not Counted

TOTAL POINTS & Pages (not including resumes, references, and forms) 100 30 Trinity Metro’s selection committee reserves the right to request additional information from proposers, request an oral presentation, or ask proposers to appear before the selection committee to clarify their proposal.

Section 5 Scope of Work

Trinity Metro is seeking proposals from qualified consulting teams to provide a comprehensive, bold, forward-thinking approach to transit planning that addresses near-term opportunities while positioning the community strategically for sustainable long-term growth.

Cities with robust, effective transit systems see higher economic output, improved talent/business attraction and retention, and are more likely to experience reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and enhanced quality of life for residents. These benefits contribute to a more vibrant and livable urban environment, making such cities more attractive to both individuals and businesses alike.

Trinity Metro is interested in aligning its growth plans to better support emerging opportunities and to leverage new technologies and consumer trends. In May 2024, Fort Worth Mayor Maddie Parker announced the launch of the Mayor’s Urban Rail Committee Supporting Economic Development and Tourism, in partnership with Trinity Metro, to explore the potential for urban rail as an innovative transportation solution in Fort Worth. This initiative highlights the City’s growing interest in high-capacity, fixed guideway transit to support downtown development, tourism, economic vitality, and regional connectivity.

The General Planning Consultant team, working in close partnership with Trinity Metro staff will explore best practices from both national and international examples. Plans must be aspirational, innovative and forward looking, while also addressing the unique fiscal & policy conditions, community goals and development opportunities in the target markets. Concepts to be explored include, but will not be limited to transit-oriented development, urban rail, express bus, automated vehicles and aerial mobility (eVTOL) integration with transit.

The General Planning Consultant team will work closely with Trinity Metro staff, business and community leaders, elected officials and grass roots community members to seek input and ensure plans reflect the goals and desires of the larger community.

The successful consulting firm(s) will provide professional planning expertise across multiple disciplines including transportation planning, environmental planning, capital project planning and development, stakeholder and interagency coordination, public-private partnerships, public financing and funding strategy, and strategic programming and implementation.

This will be a task-order based contract, providing Trinity Metro with the flexibility and depth of resources required to address planning needs on a timely and “as-needed” basis. A detailed scope of work for each task order will be developed in coordination with Trinity Metro staff.

A description of general key tasks or activities that may fall under each of the above is below.

Major categories include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Environmental Planning

a. National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) Planning

i. Categorical Exclusions (“CE/CatEx”)

ii. NEPA Environmental Assessments (“EA”)

iii. Finding of No Significant Impacts (“FONSI”)

iv. Environmental Impact Statements (“EIS”)

v. Compliance with emerging NEPA Requirements per Federal Register updates

b. Compliance with State of Texas environmental planning requirements

c. Coordination with Texas Historical Commission to ensure compliance with agency

Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU’s”) or Memorandum of Agreements (“MOA’s”)

d. Archaeological surveys

e. Mitigation monitoring and reporting programs

f. Site-specific impact assessments

g. Environmental planning documentation, peer review, and cost estimation

h. Environmental site assessments

i. Regulatory research and compliance review

2. Capital Project Planning and Development

a. Capital Improvement Program (“CIP”) development and implementation strategies

b. Long-range corridor planning and alternatives analysis

c. Planning and coordination with jurisdictions outside Trinity Metro’s service area

d. Alternative Analysis/Project Development-related support per Federal Transit

Administration (“FTA”) guidelines

e. Multimodal project planning, including bicycle, pedestrian, and shared mobility modes

f. Market demand, ridership feasibility, and financial viability assessments

g. Commuter rail planning and conceptual design support

h. Financial planning and cost-benefit analysis

i. Regional planning coordination and analysis

j. High-speed rail planning and analysis of connectivity and regional impacts

k. Maintenance and operations facility siting and evaluation

l. Planning for transit facilities: geocoding, optimizations, upgrades and modifications

3. Transportation Planning and Analysis

a. Strategic and long-range planning

b. Transit corridor and service planning

c. Transit operations and fleet planning

d. Short-range transit planning

e. Multimodal access and first/last planning

f. Transportation Demand Management (“TDM”) planning

g. Integrated land use and transit planning

h. Park-and-ride facility planning

i. Traffic studies, microsimulation, and operational modeling

j. Transit financial planning and analysis

k. Paratransit planning and ADA service support

l. Fare policy and fare technology analysis and evaluation

m. Title VI Planning

n. Comprehensive Operational Analysis (“COA”)

o. Ridership forecasting and transit modeling

p. Scheduling, blocking, run-cutting and rostering support

q. Data collection, GIS analysis and research, and data visualization

4. Economic Development

a. Market feasibility and financial impact studies

b. Support for economic development initiations and negotiations

c. Station area and corridor development planning

d. Transit-Oriented Development (“TOD”) planning, policy and guideline development

i. Central Station Mobility Hub & Innovation District

5. Organizational Assessment, Research, Analysis, and Planning

a. Standard Operating Procedures (“SOPs”) review and development

b. Staffing and organizational assessments

c. Employee training and workforce development planning

d. Fleet and vehicle lifecycle management planning

e. Transit Asset Management (“TAM”) planning

f. Financial planning and forecasting

g. Facility and equipment needs assessments

h. Capital equipment specifications

i. Safety and security planning and risk assessments

j. Strategic issues and policy planning

6. Preliminary Engineering Services (Planning Level Schematics)

a. Project management and coordination

b. Surveying and site analysis

c. Conceptual site planning and layout

d. Roadway and Track alignment planning

e. Traffic engineering support

f. Hydraulics, hydrology, and drainage concept planning

g. Grading and paving layout

h. Concept-level station planning (bus and rail)

i. Traffic control planning

j. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (“SWPPP”) preparation

k. Preliminary plans, specification, and estimates (“PS&E”)

l. Permitting support with applicable regulatory agencies

m. Right-of-way and easement identification an exhibit preparation

7. Public-Private Partnerships, financial planning and funding strategies

a. Identification and evaluation of Public-Private Partnerships (“P3”) opportunities

b. Financial planning and modeling for P3s

c. Funding strategy development, including alternative and innovative sources

8. Information Technology (“IT”)

a. Systems Integration and Concept of Operations planning

i. Systems requirements, validation and acceptance planning

b. Electronic fare collection systems planning and evaluation

c. Regional Information Technology Systems (“ITS”) architecture development and support

d. Mobility on Demand (“MOD”) application planning

e. Autonomous Vehicle (“AV”) systems integration planning

f. Alternate fuel vehicle systems planning (electric, hybrid, compressed natural gas (“CNG”). Hydrogen, propane, etc.)

9. Public Involvement and Outreach

a. Passenger and stakeholder survey design and implementation

i. On-board, Origin-Destination, online, intercept, and customer satisfaction surveys

b. Public meeting facilitation and logistics

c. Public opinion research and focus groups

d. Social media and digital outreach strategy

e. Graphic design, mapping, and public presentation support

10. Grants Compliance, Monitoring and Development

a. Texas Department of Transportation (“TxDOT”) / FTA grant administration and procedural support

b. Project Management Plans (“PMP”) preparation and updates

c. Grant performance tracking and reporting

d. Research and development of new funding sources and grant application preparation

All task work orders will include a scope of work with a schedule of deliverables.

All work shall be performed under the direction and to the satisfaction of Trinity Metro. Trinity Metro shall provide a scope of work and request a proposal defining the services to be provided, task manager, staff to be assigned, projected schedule and cost. No work shall be performed prior to approval of the task by Trinity Metro.

Section 6 Special Provisions

6.1 Contract Award

This will be a Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contract. The contract period will be for three (3) years with two (2) one-year options for renewal. Delivery and performance shall be made only as authorized after funding appropriations and program approval have been granted by Trinity Metro’s Board of Directors. If the Contract is for a term of more than one (1) year, and if necessary funding appropriation/program approval is not granted, the Contract will be canceled for all unfunded or unapproved periods.

6.2 Expenses & Invoicing

Contractor shall submit monthly invoices for Services delivered, completed and accepted, via email to Trinity Metro’s Accounts Payable department at accountspayable@ridetm.org and copy the Department Representative listed under Notices in the contract. The invoice will consist of the contract number, purchase order number, line item number, item description, quantity, units, unit price, and total line item amount. Each invoice shall also include supporting documentation for all eligible expenditures.

Upon award of contract, you will be required to submit monthly compliance audits for the purpose of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) utilization tracking. You will be contacted by the DBE Administrator and issued an initial log-in with instructions on how to comply with this requirement.

Approved invoices amounts will be paid net 30 days from the invoice date. Invoice payments will be made either by check or via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to Contractor’s designated banking institution. EFT payments are Trinity Metro’s desired method of payment. Appropriate Vendor and EFT forms will be provided to Contractor at time of execution of this agreement.

6.3 Selection Procedure

1. Proposals received after date and time specified in Section 2 are not eligible and shall not be considered for award of the Contract.

2. An Evaluation Committee shall evaluate each proposal that was submitted on time and the evaluation shall be based on the criteria listed Section 4. The sum total points scored on both qualifications and price will be considered in award of a contract. Following this initial evaluation, the Evaluation Committee may make a recommendation to the Board of Director(s) concerning award of contract without further discussion with Proposers. The top rated Proposers may be asked to make an oral presentation to the evaluation team for the purpose of further clarification and evaluation of their proposals.

3. Oral presentations, if required, shall be conducted to solicit information to enable the Evaluation Committee to evaluate the capability of the applicable Proposer regarding the desired goods and/or services. If Trinity Metro notifies a Proposer that an oral presentation is required, Trinity Metro shall inform the Proposer of the schedule, order and procedure for the presentation, including its content, time limits, identity of the presenters, and use of handouts and visual aids. Trinity Metro may tape record and/or videotape any presentation.

mailto:accountspayable@ridetm.org

4. If demonstrations are scheduled, the representatives of the Proposer and of its pertinent necessary proposed subcontractors or subconsultants shall be present at the demonstration. During the demonstration, the Evaluation Committee may advise the Proposer of deficiencies in the process and shall allow the Proposer to satisfy the requirements, questions, or concerns by submitting an amended final proposal. The Proposer may decide not to modify its proposal and may inform the Evaluation Committee that the proposal is firm and final.

5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Trinity Metro at its sole option may elect to forego demonstration presentations. Consequently, all proposals shall be comprehensive and clear. No Proposer shall rely upon the opportunity to present additional or clarifying information at a later time.

6. The Evaluation Committee shall not disclose any information included in a proposing firm's Proposal Documentation to another firm, and shall not disclose any information for the purpose of bringing one firm's Proposal Documentation up to that of a competitor's Proposal Documentation.

7. If amended final proposals are accepted, the Evaluation Committee shall reevaluate each of the final proposals, including those deemed final at a demonstration, if any. Final proposals shall be evaluated on the same criteria used in the first evaluation.

8. The Evaluation Committee may recommend the top ranked Proposer to the Board of Director(s), who shall make the final selection.

9. Award of contract shall be made to the responsive, responsible Proposer whose proposal is determined to provide the best value to Trinity Metro based on the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 4.

6.4 Open Records

All proposals become the property of Trinity Metro and are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA). Proposers must familiarize themselves with the provisions of the PIA. In no event shall Trinity Metro, or any of its agents, representatives, proposers, directors, officers, or employees be liable to a Proposer for the disclosure of all or any portion of a proposal. If Trinity Metro receives a request for public disclosure of all or any portion of a proposal, Trinity Metro will endeavor to notify the Proposer of the request. If a Proposer has special concerns about information which it desires to make available to Trinity Metro but which it believes constitutes a trade secret, proprietary information or other information excepted from disclosure, it shall identify those portions of its proposal by clearly and prominently marking it “CONFIDENTIAL.” The basis of the claim of confidentiality shall be stated in the proposal adjacent to the marked information. Blanket statements regarding the confidentiality of information may not be sufficient to protect the confidentiality of information submitted. A Proposer is encouraged to seek counsel regarding any information it seeks to keep confidential.

In no event shall any of Trinity Metro’s directors, employees, administrator, consultants, or agents be liable for the disclosure of any materials or information submitted in a Proposal.

6.5 Proposer’s Acknowledgement

By submitting a proposal, the Proposer unequivocally acknowledges that the Proposer has read and fully understands this RFP, and that the Proposer has asked questions and received satisfactory answers from Trinity Metro regarding any provisions of this RFP with regard to which the Proposer desires clarification.

6.6 Incorporation of Proposer’s Proposal

1. Trinity Metro reserves the right to incorporate all or portions of the successful

Proposer’s proposal including any revisions and supplements into the Contract by reference or in full.

2. If, after Contract award, it is discovered that changes were agreed to in writing during negotiations, but were not incorporated into the resulting Contract, such changes shall be considered administrative in nature and incorporated by unilateral modification at no change in the Contract cost or price, or other terms and conditions. To satisfy the contract requirements, Proposer shall adhere to the price and other terms accepted by Trinity Metro.

3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no portions of the proposal that conflict with, limit, impair, or otherwise diminish the benefits afforded to Trinity Metro under this RFP shall be deemed incorporated into the Contract only if such provisions are expressly approved by Trinity Metro in writing.

6.7. Insurance Requirements

The Contractor shall, at all times during the term of this Contract and extended terms thereof, provide and maintain the following types of insurance protecting the interests of Trinity Metro and the Contractor with limits of liability not less than those specified below.

1. Comprehensive Automobile Liability insurance or its equivalent, covering all owned, hired and non-owned vehicles used in connection with the work performed under this contract with combined single limits for bodily injury and property damage liability of not less than $1,000,000.

2. Commercial General Liability insurance or its equivalent, providing limits of not less than $2,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage per occurrence with a general aggregate of $2,000,000 and a products and completed operations aggregate of $2,000,000. There shall not be any policy exclusions or limitations for the following:

• Contractual Liability covering Contractor's obligations herein

• Personal Injury Advertising Liability

• Explosion, Collapse & Underground Property Damage Hazard

• Medical Payments

• Fire Damage Legal Liability

• Broad Form Property Damage

• Liability for Independent Contractors

3. Workers' Compensation Insurance or its equivalent, providing benefits comparable to those provided under the Workers' Compensation Act of the State of Texas and/or any other State or Federal law or laws applicable to the Contractor's employees performing work under this contract. Employer's Liability Insurance with limits of liability of not less than $1,000,000 each accident, $1,000,000 each employee for disease and $1,000,000 policy limit for disease.

This insurance shall be endorsed with a Waiver of Subrogation Endorsement, waiving the carrier's right of recovery under subrogation or otherwise from Trinity Metro.

4. Certificates of Insurance - Before commencing execution of this contract, the Contractor shall mail Certificates of Insurance satisfactory to Trinity Metro (or, as and when Trinity Metro may direct, copies of the policies endorsements or actual insurance policies) at the address in Section 3 evidencing that insurance as required by paragraph (a), and all subparagraphs to (a) above, is in force, stating policy number dates of expiration and limits of liability thereunder. All copies of policies and Certificates of Insurance submitted to Trinity Metro shall be in form and content acceptable to Trinity Metro.

5. Approval of Forms and Companies - All coverage described in this contract shall be in a form and content satisfactory to the Contracting Officer. No party subject to the provisions of this contract shall violate or knowingly permit to be violated any of the provisions of the policies of insurance described herein. All insurance shall be provided by insurance companies with a Best's Rating of A-or better.

6. Additional Insured Endorsement - The policy or policies providing Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and as otherwise required above shall be endorsed to name Fort Worth Transportation Authority, their directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees as Additional Insured as respect to operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor in performance of this contract. The policy shall also be endorsed to name other interests as directed by Trinity Metro. The policies shall be primary and non-contributory.

7. Notice of Cancellation or Material Changes - Policies and/or Certificates shall specifically provide that a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation, non-renewal, or material change be sent to Trinity Metro.

8. Multiple Policies - The limits of liability as required above may be provided by a single policy of insurance or a combination of primary, excess or umbrella liability policies. But in no event shall the total limit of liability of any one occurrence or accident be less than the amount shown above.

9. Deductibles - Companies issuing the insurance policies and the Contractor shall have no recourse against Trinity Metro for payment of any premiums or assessments…