2026-01 Advertising RFP.pdf

RFP #2026-01 TRANSIT ADVERTISING PAGE 0 OF 24

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

NTD RFP #2026-01

TRANSIT ADVERTISING SERVICES

NORWALK TRANSIT DISTRICT

NORWALK, CT

October 24, 2025

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NOTICE

NORWALK TRANSIT DISTRICT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

NTD RFP #2026-01

TRANSIT ADVERTISING SERVICES

The Norwalk Transit District (the “District”), Norwalk, Connecticut is seeking a firm or firms to manage the sale and placement of transit advertising on the District’s owned vehicles.

Interested firms may download the RFP document from the District’s website at http://www.norwalktransit.com > Procurement, the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Contracting Portal at https://portal.ct.gov/das, or by contacting Lori Hammill, Chief Compliance Officer at 203-299-5162, or email:

lhammill@norwalktransit.com.

Proposals shall be submitted to Lori Hammill, Chief Compliance Officer, Norwalk Transit District, 275 Wilson Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854, on or before 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered and will be returned to the Proposer unopened. Any changes, or any requests for changes in the specifications, will not be recognized after sealed proposals are submitted to the District.

All Proposers will be required to certify that they are not on the Comptroller General's list of ineligible contractors. Further, the contractor will be required to comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.

The District hereby notifies all Proposers that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this Request for Proposals, advertisement or solicitation, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response, and will not be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex or national origin in consideration for an award.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals as submitted in response to this Request for Proposals, and to waive informalities and irregularities, as it deems in its best interest.

http://www.norwalktransit.com/ http://www.biznet.ct.gov/SCP_Search

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

3. PROJECT SCHEDULE……………………………………………………………………

4. PROPOSAL INQUIRIES

5. COMMENCEMENT OF SERVICES

6. QUALIFICATION OF PROPOSERS

7. FEDERAL GRANT REQUIREMENTS

8. STATE GRANT REQUIREMENTS

9. SUBCONTRACTING

10. PROTEST PROCEDURES

11. FUNDING

12. VALIDITY OF PROPOSALS

13. ADDENDA AND PROPOSAL REJECTION

14. PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL

15. EXCEPTIONS TO RFP

16. RESERVATION OF DISTRICT’S RIGHTS

17. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

18. PERFORMANCE BOND

19. ATTACHED EXHIBITS

A. Federally Required Contract Clauses B. State Requirements C. Protest Procedures D. Vehicle Inventory E. General Information Form F. Required Certifications G. Revenue Proposal Form H. Contract

SECTION II - TECHNICAL

1. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

2. PROJECT SCOPE

A. OPERATING REQUIRMENTS

B. METHODS OF POSTING ADVERTISEMENTS

C. PUBLIC, CHARITABLE, OR EDUCATIONAL ADVERTISEMENTS

D. DISTRICT ADVERTISING

E. TRADE FOR ADVERTISING

F. CHARACTER AND PROPRIETY OF ADVERTISEMENTS

G. REVENUE/PAYMENT

H. MONTHLY REPORTING

I. RECORD KEEPING

SECTION III - RESPONSE CRITERIA

1. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

2. GENERAL INFORMATION FORM

3. COVER LETTER

4. EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

5. ADVERTISEMENT PLAN

6. REFERENCES

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7. REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

8. COST PROPOSAL FORM

9. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

SECTION IV -PROPOSAL EVALUATION

1. EVALUATION PROCEDURES

2. QUALITY OF SERVICE (60 POINTS)

3. MINIMUM ANNUAL PAYMENT (40 POINTS)

EXHIBITS A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H

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SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

1. INTRODUCTION

The Norwalk Transit District (the “District”) is a quasi-municipal corporation operating under the authority of Chapter 103a of the Connecticut General Statutes. There are two Commissioners who form the Board of Commissioners, the policy making body of the District. The District has broad powers to acquire, operate, finance, plan, develop, maintain and otherwise provide all forms of land transportation and related services.

The District is eligible and authorized under state and local law to request, receive, and manage grant funds and to execute and administer grant-funded projects. The District provides a variety of services in support of public transportation in southwest Connecticut. Any contract resulting from this request for proposals is subject in part to financial assistance contracts between the District and Federal Transit Administration and the District and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Most District services are directly operated. Some paratransit and microtransit service is operated by contractors. The population of all communities served throughout Fairfield County is in excess of 950,000. The primary service area of Norwalk and Westport has a population of 122,000.

The local fixed route network includes seven bus routes that operate Monday through Friday, four routes that operate on Saturday, and three routes on Sunday. Core services (Routes 1-3) operate

6:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

In Greenwich, the District operates one commuter shuttle that serves the Greenwich Metro-North

Rail Station and the central business district.

In cooperation with Greater Bridgeport Transit and the Milford Transit District, the District operates the Coastal Link, a regional fixed route bus service along the Route 1 corridor through

Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, and Milford.

The District provides ADA complementary paratransit service both directly and under contract through a variety of programs: Dispatch-A-Ride (serving Norwalk), Easy Access (serving

Stamford), and Westport Elderly & Disabled (serving Westport). An inter-jurisdictional ADA complementary paratransit service is provided through the District’s Town-to-Town program, which serves Westport and Wilton. In addition, paratransit services for the elderly are provided in

Westport.

The District also provides Wheels2U microtransit service, an on-demand service (like Lyft or Uber) operated within designated zones in Norwalk and Westport that provides a unique and convenient alternative mode of transportation. The drivers have an app in each shuttle to provide navigation, live traffic conditions and real-time pick-up and drop-off information.

The District is soliciting proposals through this Request for Proposals ("RFP") from an advertising sales firm to administer and carry out the day-to-day functions associated with interior and exterior transit advertising. The vendor selected to manage the sales

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and placement of advertising on District owned vehicles must demonstrate its ability to manage all tasks related to the implementation of this project. These tasks include: all client sales contacts, verification of vehicle dimensions, production, printing and plotting services, posting and removing signs/vinyl on District vehicles, billing, collecting revenues from clients, and other necessary or customary business practices.

Prospective proposers are advised that advertisements for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cannabis, the depiction of the use of firearms, and websites which have adult content are not accepted by the District.

The specifics of the services, and other documents relevant to this RFP, are set forth in the Scope of Services and in the Exhibits attached hereto and made a part hereof.

2. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Four (4) identical hard copies (with one identified as the original) and one (1) electronic copy of the Proposal shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope and clearly marked "PROPOSAL: TRANSIT ADVERTISING SERVICES" on the front thereon. The Respondent’s complete return address must be included on the envelope. Contractors shall submit their Proposal prior to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025 to:

Lori Hammill, Chief Compliance Officer Norwalk Transit District 275 Wilson Avenue Norwalk, Connecticut 06854

PHONE (203) 299-5162

Proposals shall be prepared as described in Section III of this RFP.

Late submissions will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to ensure that its Proposal is delivered to the District by the date and time referred to hereinabove.

Delivery by facsimile or any other electronic means will not be accepted.

All costs associated with the preparation and delivery of a Proposal are the sole responsibility of the applicable Proposer. Proposers shall not include any such expenses as part of the price proposed in response to the RFP.

A submission of a proposal will be considered by the District as constituting a legal offer (valid for at least 90 days) by the Proposer to perform the required services at the proposed price.

3. PROJECT SCHEDULE

This schedule is the District’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed:

Issue RFP October 24, 2025

Final date to receive questions November 6, 2025 by 12:00PM

Responses to Questions November 21, 2025 by 5:00PM

Receive Proposals December 5, 2025 by 2:30PM

Board of Commissioners award contract December 18, 2025

Commencement of Contract February 1, 2026

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4. PROPOSAL INQUIRIES

Communication by any Proposer with any agent or employee of the District on the subject of this RFP, or the pending process may result in the Proposer being deemed ineligible with regard to this RFP. All questions and requests for clarification regarding this RFP or this process must be submitted in writing to Lori Hammill via email lhammill@norwalktransit.com on or before noon on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Please compile all questions and submit on your company’s letterhead, as we request only one submission per Proposer.

5. COMMENCEMENT OF SERVICES

It is the intent of the District to execute an agreement with the Successful Proposer. The agreement between the District and the Successful Proposer shall be for a three (3) year period commencing upon February 1, 2026. Two one-year options may be exercised, singularly, or in multiple years, at the sole discretion of the District.

6. QUALIFICATION OF PROPOSERS

Prospective Proposers must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for selection. All Proposers to this RFP shall have at least five (5) years’ experience in the transit advertising sales business.

7. FEDERAL GRANT REQUIREMENTS

Exhibit - A, attached hereto and made a part hereof sets forth federal requirements placed upon vendors who are participating in a project funded in whole or in part with Federal grants. Its provisions are hereby included herein as an integral part of this RFP.

8. STATE GRANT REQUIREMENTS

Exhibit - B, attached hereto and made a part hereof sets forth state requirements placed upon vendors who are participating in a project funded in whole or in part with state grants. Its provisions are hereby included herein as an integral part of this RFP.

9. SUBCONTRACTING

If subcontractors are necessary to complete any functions of this requirement, the Proposer must list the names and business locations of any proposed subcontractors, with their submitted Proposal Form. The District reserves the right to review and approve any subcontractors proposed by the Respondent. Any approval of the subcontractor shall not be construed as making the District party of such contract, giving the subcontractor privities of contract with the District, or subjecting the District to liability of any kind to any subcontractor.

10. PROTEST PROCEDURES

The District’s protest procedures are contained in Exhibit – C attached hereto and made a part hereof.

11. FUNDING

Any contract resulting from this request for proposals is subject in part to a financial assistance contract between the District and Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Furthermore, the vehicles that are operated by the district are purchased with funding mailto:lhammill@norwalktransit.com

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from the Federal Transit Administration. All firms will be required to certify that they are not on the General Services Administration’s list of Excluded Party Proposers. Further, the Proposer will be required to comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.

No proposal will be accepted from, or a Contract awarded to any person, firm, or corporation that is in arrears or is in default to the State of Connecticut upon any debt or contract or that is in default as a surety or in any other manner is in default of any obligation to the State. Additionally, no Contract shall be awarded to any person, firm, or corporation that has failed to perform on any prior or previous contract, agreement, or license with the State. Nor will any Contract be awarded to any firm that is not registered with the Secretary of State’s Office to conduct business in the State of Connecticut.

12. VALIDITY OF PROPOSALS

Proposers agree that their proposals remain valid for a period of ninety (90) days after the above cited due date for submission of proposals and may be extended beyond that time by mutual agreement.

Proposers agree that the technical portion of their proposals (not including proprietary or pricing information) may be released to other Proposers upon announcement of award, if requested by such other Proposers.

By responding to this RFP, the Proposer implicitly states that the proposal is not made in connection with any competing firm submitting a separate response to this RFP, and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. It is further implied that the Proposer did not participate in the District’s RFP development process, had no knowledge of the specific contents of this RFP prior to its issuance, and that no employee of the District participated directly or indirectly in the firm’s proposal preparation.

13. ADDENDA AND PROPOSAL REJECTION

The District reserves the right to issue addenda to this RFP as a result of inquiries received, or to adjust its project schedule if it is deemed in the District’s best interest to do so. Any corrections or changes to this RFP will be made by written addendum only and will be distributed to all known recipients of the RFP document as well as posted on the NTD website and the State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services Contracting Portal. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to assure receipt of all addenda.

The Proposer should verify with the designated contact person prior to entering a proposal that all addenda have been received. Proposers are required to acknowledge the number of addenda received as part of their proposal.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals resulting from this RFP if the District deems that it is in the best interest of the District to do so. The District may elect to make an award of the subject contract as a direct result of Proposals received or elect to negotiate with Proposers.

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14. PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL

The Proposer’s authorized representative may, prior to the date and times set as the deadline for receipt of proposals, modify or withdraw a proposal in person or by written or facsimile notice to the official listed in this document. If a proposal is modified or withdrawn in person, the authorized representative shall make his or her identity known and shall sign a receipt for the proposal. Written or facsimile notices shall be received at the District’s offices, 275 Wilson Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854 no later than the date scheduled as the proposal receipt deadline. After the proposal receipt deadline, proposal may not be withdrawn for ninety (90) calendar days.

15. EXCEPTIONS TO RFP

All exceptions taken by Proposer must be specific. Proposer must clearly indicate what alternative is being offered to allow the District a meaningful opportunity to evaluate the Proposal. Submitting an alternative proposal does not relieve the Proposer from submitting the Minimum Requirements as stated in the RFP. The District is under no obligation to accept any proposed exceptions or alternatives.

16. RESERVATION OF DISTRICT’S RIGHTS

The District reserves all rights regarding the RFP, including, without limitation, the right to:

a. Amend, delay or cancel the RFP without liability if District finds it is in the best interest of the District to do so;

b. Reject any or all Proposals received upon finding that it is in the best interest of the District to do so;

c. Waive any minor informality or non-conformance with the provisions or procedures of the RFP, and seek clarification of any Proposal, if required;

d. Reject any Proposal that fails substantially to comply with all prescribed RFP procedures and requirements;

e. Negotiate a Statement of Work based on the Scope of Work described in this RFP and to negotiate separately in any manner necessary to serve the best interest of the public;

f. Amend any Contracts that are a result of the RFP.

Although price is a consideration in determining the apparent successful Proposer, the intent of the RFP is to identify a Proposal from a Proposer that has a level of specialized skill, knowledge and resources to perform the work described in the RFP. Qualifications, performance history, expertise, knowledge and the ability to exercise sound professional judgment are primary considerations in the selection process. Due to the technical nature of some of these tasks, the Proposer with the highest Price Proposal may not necessarily be awarded a Contract. The District reserves the sole right to determine the best Proposal.

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17. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall obtain and maintain throughout the term of this Contract (or such longer period as may be specified below, if any) the following insurance:

Commercial General Liability Commercial General Liability Insurance, including a broad form comprehensive general liability endorsement and coverage against claims for personal injury, bodily injury, death or property damage, to be on the so-called “occurrence” form with a combined limit of not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate and One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence, and to cover at least the following hazards: (1) premises and operations; (2) products and completed operations on an “if any” basis; (3) independent contractors; (4) blanket contractual liability for all insured contracts; and (5) contractual liability covering the indemnities in this Contract.

Workers' Compensation Insurance With respect to all services the Contractor performs and all those performed for the Contractor by its subcontractors, the Contractor and its subcontractor(s) shall carry Workers' Compensation Insurance and, as applicable, insurance required in accordance with the U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the State of Connecticut, and of the laws of the United States, respectively.

Business Automobile Insurance Business Automobile Liability Insurance, to cover the use of all owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles, providing for the following minimum liability limits: One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) for all damages arising out of bodily injuries to or death of all persons in any one accident or occurrence, and for all damages arising out of injury to or destruction of property in any one accident or occurrence. In cases where the insurance policy shows an aggregate limit as part of the automobile liability coverage, the aggregate limit must be at least Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000).

Professional Liability Insurance If the Contractor or any of its subcontractors are providing design, architectural or engineering services with respect to this Contract, the Contractor and such subcontractors shall carry Professional Liability Insurance Policy in an annual aggregate amount not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000), which coverage shall be maintained in force for a period of not less than three (3) years after the completion of the work under this Contract.

Certificate of Insurance All insurance provided for above shall be obtained under valid and enforceable policies, and issued by financially sound and responsible insurance companies authorized to do business in the State of Connecticut and having a general policy rating of A- or better and a financial class of VIII or better, each as determined by AM Best Company, Inc.

Prior to commencing any work under this Contract and at least ten (10) days prior to the expiration dates of any insurance required hereunder, Contractor shall deliver to the District certificates of insurance evidencing such coverage and any renewal or successor policies. If the Contractor engages any subcontractor to perform any of its obligations under this Contract, the Contractor shall also deliver to the District certificates of insurance from such subcontractor evidencing such coverage and any renewal or

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successor policies. All policies of insurance required hereunder shall name the District (and such other persons or entities designated by the District) as an additional insured (except the workers compensation insurance). For the Workers' Compensation Insurance and, as applicable, U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act coverage, the policy number(s) and term of the policy (ies) shall be indicated on the certificate. Each insurance policy shall state that the insurance company agrees to investigate and defend the insured against all claims for damages, even if groundless.

All insurance policies provided for above shall contain clauses or endorsements to the effect that: (i) no act or negligence of the Contractor, or anyone acting for the Contractor, or failure to comply with the provisions of any policy, which might otherwise result in a forfeiture of the insurance or any part thereof, shall in any way affect the validity or enforceability of the insurance insofar as the District is concerned; (ii) no such policies shall be canceled without at least thirty (30) days’ notice to the District (10 days for non-payment of premium); (iii) shall contain a waiver of subrogation in favor of the District, and (iv) shall provide that such coverage is primary and non-contributory.

Such insurance shall protect the District against all claims, liabilities, suits, actions, damages, or costs resulting from or arising out of the ownership, lease, operation, maintenance, repairs, or use in any way of any project equipment for the purposes of the program covered by this Contract and for any other purpose. No project equipment shall be delivered to the Contractor, or operated by the Contractor until the Contractor has delivered the certificate(s) of insurance required hereunder. Prior to the annual renewal of a motor vehicle registration, the Contractor shall submit to the District a certificate of insurance for the project equipment. This Section shall not prevent the District from contracting for such required insurance coverage at any time, and in such event the Contractor shall pay the District for all costs of such insurance.

INDEMNIFICATION

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Contractor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the District, and its officers, commissioners, directors, employees and agents as well as the City of Norwalk (collectively “Indemnified Parties”) from and against all claims, damages, demands, losses, expenses, fines, penalties, causes of action, suits or other liabilities (including all costs of reasonable attorneys’ fees, consequential damages, and punitive damages), arising out of, related to, in connection with or resulting from, or alleged to arise out of or arise from, Contractor’s negligence, performance, breach or failure to perform under the Contract or the violation of any applicable law or regulation, and whether done directly, or by or through Contractor’s subcontractors or anyone directly or indirectly employed by Contractor or by Contractor’s subcontractors or anyone for whose acts any of them may be responsible or liable and whether or not such claim, damage, demand, loss, expense, fine, penalty, cause of action, suit or other liability is attributable to bodily injury, personal injury, sickness, disease or death, or to injury to or destruction of tangible property, including the loss of use resulting therefrom. This indemnity shall be effective regardless of whether or not such claim, damage, loss or expense is caused in part by any of the Indemnified Parties (but the indemnity shall not cover liability to the extent resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Party). Such indemnity obligation shall not be in derogation or limitation of any other obligation or liability of the Contractor or the rights of the District contained in this Contract or otherwise. This indemnification shall not be limited in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of damages, compensation or benefits payable by or for the Contractor under any workers’ compensation acts, disability benefit acts or other employee benefits acts and includes any loss or injury

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suffered by an employee of Contractor. This indemnification shall survive the completion of the Work or the termination of the Contract.

The Contractor shall further assume all liability for loss by reason of neglect or violations of federal, state or local laws, ordinances or regulations, and shall do and perform all work necessary to conform to such laws, ordinances and regulations.

18. PERFORMANCE BOND

At the discretion of the District, the proposer may be asked to provide a Performance Bond, satisfactory to the District, equivalent in amount to twenty-five percent (25%) of the negotiated annual minimum guaranteed revenue to the District. The surety company providing the bond shall be licensed to do so in the State of Connecticut.

19. ATTACHED EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are included in this RFP package:

A. Federally Required Contract Clauses

B. State of Connecticut Grant Requirements and Required Certifications

C. Protest Procedures

D. Vehicle Inventory

E. General Information Form

F. Required Certifications o Certificate of Eligibility o Certificate of Non-Collusion o Certificate of Restrictions on Lobbying o Certificate of Eligible Proposers

G. Cost Proposal Form

H. Contract

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SECTION II - TECHNICAL

1. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

The Norwalk Transit District (the “District) is a quasi-municipal corporation operating under the authority of Section 7-273b of Chapter 103a of the Connecticut General Statutes. There are two (2) Commissioners who form the Board of Commissioners, the policy making body of the District. The District has broad powers to acquire, operate, finance, plan, develop, maintain and otherwise provide all forms of land transportation and related services. The District is eligible and authorized under state and local law to request, receive, and manage grant funds and to execute and administer grant-funded projects.

Most District services are directly operated, some paratransit and microtransit services are operated by contractors. The population of all communities served throughout Fairfield County is in excess of 950,000. The primary service area of Norwalk and Westport has a population of

122,000.

The local fixed route network includes seven bus routes that operate Monday through Friday, four routes that operate on Saturday, and three routes on Sunday. Core services (Routes 1-3) operate

6:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Routes operate within the City of Norwalk and Town of Wilton, CT.

In Greenwich, the District operates one commuter shuttle that serves the Greenwich Metro-North

Rail Station and the central business district.

In cooperation with Greater Bridgeport Transit and the Milford Transit District, the District operates the Coastal Link, a regional fixed route bus service along the Route 1 corridor through

Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, and Milford.

The District provides ADA complementary paratransit service both directly and under contract through a variety of programs: Dispatch-A-Ride (serving Norwalk), Easy Access (serving

Stamford), and Westport Elderly & Disabled (serving Westport). An inter-jurisdictional ADA complementary para-transit service is provided through the District’s Town-to-Town program, which serves Westport and Wilton. In addition, paratransit services for the elderly are provided in

Westport.

The District currently provides Wheels2U service, an on-demand microtransit service (like Lyft or Uber) operated within designated zones in Norwalk and Westport that provides a unique and convenient alternative mode of transportation on small body on chassis buses and vans. Drivers have an app in each vehicle to provide navigation, live traffic conditions and real-time pick-up and drop-off information.

Detailed information on the system and provision of service may be found at https://norwalktransit.com/.

https://norwalktransit.com/

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The District’s last five years of audited revenue generated from transit advertising on and in the vehicles is as follows:

Advertising Revenue Summary

FY 24 FY 23 FY 22 FY 21 FY 20

$128,861 $124,560 $49,527 $68,915 $2,885

2. PROJECT SCOPE

The District is soliciting written proposals from interested firms to act as the exclusive agent for the sale of transit advertising in and on its fleet of vehicles. The District proposes to grant to a responsible and qualified proposer the right and privilege to place approved advertising material of the type indicated in this RFP on the inside and outside of the District’s vehicles. The successful proposer shall have the right and responsibility for soliciting contracts for transit advertising on the District vehicles and for producing, placing, and maintaining materials, servicing all transit advertising contracts, collecting of all accounts receivable, and generally do and perform all other services and activities required to maintain a reasonable and satisfactory amount of paid advertising on District’s vehicles at all times.

The successful proposer will be the District’s exclusive agent for the sale of advertising on and in the vehicles.

The successful proposer will pay the District a percentage of its gross operating revenue. A guaranteed minimum payment shall be provided each month even if less than the revenue split. Any revenue over the annual guarantee shall be paid at the conclusion of the contract year.

The successful proposer shall be an independent contractor and not an employee or agent of the District.

A. OPERATING REQUIRMENTS

The successful proposer, at its own expense, will be responsible for posting advertising signs, removing outdated signs and any signs rejected by the District. The District reserves the right to reject any advertising it finds to be offensive, objectionable or in poor taste.

Installation and ongoing maintenance of signs and other necessary activities of the successful proposer must not interfere with the District’s operations. Access to vehicles will be provided only at times consistent with the operational hours of the District and in coordination with the Shop Manager. Vehicles will not be removed from day to day service for the purpose of installing or removing advertising signs.

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The successful proposer shall store its own equipment and materials. Installation of all advertising material is to take place at the District facility at 275 Wilson Ave in Norwalk, CT.

The District reserves the right to determine the size, type, location and method of attachment of all exterior and interior advertisements.

Development and production of all advertising shall be done by the successful proposer at the proposer’s sole expense.

The successful proposer shall observe and obey all applicable laws, rules and regulations that may exist over time. Rules and regulations include those promulgated by the District.

The successful proposer will be required to develop a comprehensive marketing plan including use of social media and a media kit with the approval of the District.

B. METHODS OF POSTING ADVERTISEMENTS

The District operates 20 thirty-five-foot transit buses, 15 thirty-foot transit buses, four forty-foot transit buses (used on the Coastal Link) and 36 twelve (12) passenger body on chassis light duty transit buses. These light duty transit buses are not equipped with interior ad racks. The successful proposer will have access to the District fleet inventory, which is composed of 13 like models, to measure, confirm and retain dimensions. A fleet inventory is provided in Exhibit D.

The District is open to the following methods to display signs:

• full or partial wraps,

• direct application of exterior vinyl signs, and

• interior car cards on transit vehicles equipped with interior ad racks.

Vinyl material and adhesives employed shall be high quality and designed for use on transit vehicles. Car cards shall be printed on materials such as coroplast or styrene of a thickness adequate to allow signage to remain in place in ad racks.

No layering of advertisements shall be permitted. This means that the previous display must be removed before application of a new display. Exterior sign frames will be not be utilized.

The successful proposer will be responsible for any paint damage on vehicles when wraps or directly applied signs are installed or removed. The proposer shall be responsible for the cost of restoring the exterior and interior surfaces of the vehicles to their condition prior to installation of advertisement. The adhesive used to apply the vinyl type advertisements shall not cause damage to the District’s property.

If the District determines, at its sole discretion, that damage has occurred, and has been caused by the proposer’s activities under the Contract, the proposer shall be notified in writing. The District shall determine, at its sole discretion, the extent of repair needed to restore the damaged area(s) to their original condition. The District will invoice the proposer for the full dollar cost of the repair of any damage to the District vehicles resulting from application or removal of vinyl, or any other project activities (plus a 25%

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administrative overhead charge). Such invoice shall be paid to the District by the proposer within 30 days after receipt by the Proposer. Failure to timely reimburse the District for the damage to the District’s vehicles may result in termination of the Contract.

The designs for illustrated/wrapped vehicles shall be such that they minimize the amount of window space covered by the promotional message. The vehicle number shall be displayed at the following locations on a covered vehicle: front, rear and both sides. Any Norwalk Transit District identifying or safety related vehicle signage shall be retained or integrated into the wrap design.

The District uses standard automatic wash equipment for cleaning the vehicles. The District or their contractors will not be responsible for damage done to advertising as a result of cleaning vehicles.

C. PUBLIC, CHARITABLE, OR EDUCATIONAL ADVERTISEMENTS

The successful proposer shall display in spaces not in use for commercial advertising, public, charitable, or educational advertisements deemed by the District to be proper for the purpose of avoiding unfilled spaces and for promotion of public good will. Such non-commercial advertising shall be charged at customary reduced rates. Contracts between the successful proposer and public, charitable, or educational advertising clients must be executed and processed in the same manner as for-profit advertising clients. The District reserves the right to offer ad space to certain public, charitable or educational entities free of charge. Such clients are responsible for the production costs for said signs.

D. DISTRICT ADVERTISING

The District reserves the right to use, without charge, unsold available advertising space for the promotion of its transit services. The successful proposer shall place and remove the District advertisements without charge. The District will be responsible for the production costs of any advertising signs for its direct benefit.

E. TRADE FOR ADVERTISING

The District must give prior approval to the successful Proposer for any trades of advertising space for media time or space (newspaper, billboard, radio, television or electronic media). It must be guaranteed that any trade time negotiated will not pre-empt paid advertising contracted by said media. Certified logs are required to verify the placements made of advertisements. The District may cancel the provisions of this paragraph at any time, except for previously approved contracts.

F. CHARACTER AND PROPRIETY OF ADVERTISEMENTS

Prospective proposers are advised that all advertisements shall be of a reputable character, shall conform to recognized business standards, and shall not conflict with the laws of the United States, Connecticut, or political subdivisions thereof.

The District reserves the right to approve all advertising, exhibit material, or announcements and their manner of presentation.

The successful Proposer shall immediately remove any advertisements, at the successful Proposer’s sole cost and expense upon written demand of the District, that do not comply with the guidelines established in this RFP. In the event that such matter

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is not removed within twenty-four hours of receipt of the written demand, the District or its authorized representative may remove said material or display and the successful Proposer shall pay any costs incurred by such action. The District or its authorized representative shall not in any way be held responsible or liable for any damage to the materials so removed.

Proposers are specifically advised and hereby notified that the graphics, artwork, and copy of the advertisements are expected to be of high quality and of good taste. The District will have sole and unquestioned authority to determine what constitutes “high quality and good taste.”

Guidelines for Advertising Content

By accepting paid advertising for display in a non-public forum, The District is acting as the owner of the Property and operator of the public transportation system and seeking to maximize advertising revenue to support its transportation operations.

The District does not intend that the advertising permitted to be displayed in and on the Property be created, designated, or used as a public forum for political, religious or advocacy-oriented activities or as individual opinions. In furtherance of these objectives, The District will only accept advertisements for display in and on the Property to paid commercial advertising, certain public service announcements that will help build goodwill for the District among its riders and the public, and governmental messages.

The District retains control over the advertising that it will allow to be displayed in and on the Property by subjecting all proposed advertisements to the Advertising Standards below. The District expressly intends that the advertising permitted to be displayed in and on the Property be a non-public forum.

Obscene, pornographic, immoral, vulgar, disreputable or other advertisements that may be offensive to the public, according to local community standards, shall not be accepted. For purposes of these Guidelines, the terms “obscene” and “nudity” shall have the meanings contained in the Connecticut General Statutes.1

Advertisements of a sexually explicit nature or advertisements which advertise shows, movies, pictures, books or other materials, exhibitions, or performances of a sexually explicit nature shall not be displayed.

1State of Connecticut General Statutes defines “Obscene” as follows: “ Any material or performance is "obscene” if, (A) taken as a whole, it predominantly appeals to the prurient interest, (B) it depicts or describes in a patently offensive way a prohibited sexual act, and (C) taken as a whole, it lacks serious literary, artistic, educational, political or scientific value.

Predominant appeal shall be judged with reference to ordinary adults unless it appears from the character of the material or performance or the circumstances of its dissemination to be designed for some other specially susceptible audience. Whether a material or performance is obscene shall be judged by ordinary adults applying contemporary community standards. In applying contemporary community standards, the state of Connecticut is deemed to be the community”

Section 53a-193.

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The successful Proposer shall not display advertisements which are contrary to the best interest of the transit system or which may result in public criticism of the transit system.

Advertising that is false, misleading or deceptive shall not be displayed.

Advertising that is negative, clearly defamatory, scornful of a particular individual/entity, group of persons, or a country, state, municipality or other political subdivision of a country or a state, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, disability, ethnicity or sexual orientation shall not be displayed.

Advertising for tobacco products is expressly prohibited by the State of Connecticut and shall not be displayed.

Advertising that contains profanity shall not be displayed.

Advertising for alcohol products shall not be displayed.

Advertising for cannabis products shall not be displayed.

Advertising that contains an image or depiction of a firearm shall not be displayed.

Advertising that contains an image or depiction, or description of graphic violence, including, but not limited to (1) the depiction of human or animal bodies or body parts, or fetuses, in states of mutilation, dismemberment, decomposition or disfigurement, or (2) the depiction of weapons or other implements or devices associated in the advertisement with an act or acts of violence or harm to a person or animal.

Political advertising may be accepted on a prepaid, cash only basis, and shall be permitted on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, advertising shall not be accepted by or on behalf of any candidate for political office, or relating to a specific ballot question, initiative, petition or referendum.

Advertisements, or any material thereon, which promote or encourage, or appear to promote or encourage, the use, possession or distribution of unlawful or illegal goods or services, including, but not limited to, the image or depiction of such goods or services shall not be displayed.

Advertisements, or any material thereon, which promote or encourage, or appear to promote or encourage, unlawful or illegal behavior or activities shall not be displayed.

Advertising that is libelous or an infringement of a copyright or patent, or is otherwise unlawful or illegal or likely to subject the District, the state of Connecticut and/or the United States of America to litigation shall not be displayed.

Advertising that promotes or encourages or appears to promote or encourage, a transaction related to, or uses, brand names, trademarks, slogans or other materials which are identifiable with, films rated “X” or “NC-17,” adult book stores, adult video stores, nude dance clubs or other adult entertainment establishments, adult telephone services, adult internet sites or escort services shall not be displayed.

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Advertising which contains material that describes, depicts or represents sexual activities or aspects of the human anatomy in a way that the average adult, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to the prurient interests of an average adult, applying contemporary community standards or would find appeals to the prurient interest of minors or adults in sex shall not be displayed.

Advertising for which the message or sponsorship of the advertisement cannot reasonably be determined without reference to a website or telephone number that is listed in the advertisement and that website prominently contains, or that telephone number directs callers to, material that violates any of the above guidelines for advertising content shall not be displayed.

The District also expressly reserves the sole right to refuse any advertisement that may be construed to reflect its support for a particular product, service, idea, political viewpoint, or point of view.

All advertising shall be printed and displayed in a neat and workman-like manner. The successful proposer shall maintain all displayed advertising so as to insure its neat appearance, and promptly remove all advertising that is worn or otherwise unsightly in appearance. The District reserves the right to require the successful Proposer to promptly remove, at the Proposer’s own expense, any advertising which, in the opinion of the District, is unsightly in appearance. The successful Proposer further agrees to remove dated advertising no later than ten (10) days following the final date of an advertised event, offer or advertising client’s contract expiration.

G. REVENUE/PAYMENT

A revenue proposal form is included as part of this RFP (Exhibit G). Proposers shall submit these forms as their official revenue proposal.

The successful proposer will pay the District a percentage of the annual contracted income for the sale of advertising space or the minimum annual guarantee fee, whichever is greater. Annual contracted income is defined as the amount contracted for the advertising space less advertising agency and/or brokerage commissions (other than the successful Proposer’s staff), fees and production charges.

The successful proposer shall pay the District the minimum guarantee payment on a monthly basis. The payment shall be made by the 15th of each month that the contract is in effect.

In the event that the District’s contractual share (percentage of the annual contracted income) of this revenue exceeds the minimum annual guarantee for the contract year;

the extra income shall be paid to the District within ten (10) days of the end of each contract year.

H. MONTHLY REPORTING

The successful proposer is required to remit the monthly minimum guarantee by the 15th of each month that the contract is in effect. Monthly revenue information must be accompanied by a report to the District that includes but is not limited to:

1. All contracts in effect

2. Billings for the month by vendor

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3. New contracts signed

4. Contract expiration dates

5. Fees paid to outside agencies

6. Vehicle number where advertising signs are posted

The monthly payment and report to the District is to be mailed to:

Norwalk Transit District Attn: Matt Pentz, CEO 275 Wilson Avenue Norwalk, CT 06854

The successful proposer shall furnish the District with copies of all signed contracts, pricing schedules and correspondence (including changes in prices, lengths of contracts and cancellation notices) upon request.

I. RECORD KEEPING

The successful proposer shall keep full, complete, true and active records of its operations and will permit the District to inspect/audit all records and financial data involved in the operation of the transit advertising program to determine compliance with all standard rules and regulations during the regular business hours maintained by the successful proposer, and at such other times upon one (1) day’s written notice. If a material financial breach is determined to exist, this is grounds to terminate the contract at the sole discretion of the District. The District’s litigation and collection expenses related to this contract are the responsibility of the proposer.

Upon the District’s request, the proposer shall submit to the District various annual financial reports and projections intended to completely inform the District’s Chief Executive Officer of the proposer’s project activities.

The successful proposer shall maintain all required records for three (3) years after final payment by the successful proposer to the District under the terms of the operating contract. However, if any audit, claim, or litigation is started before the expiration of the three (3) year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved.

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SECTION III - RESPONSE CRITERIA

1. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

All information shall be provided according to the following instructions in order to be considered a responsive Proposal.

Four (4) identical hard copies (with one identified as the original) and one (1) electronic copy of the Proposal on a thumb/flash drive shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope and clearly marked "PROPOSAL: TRANSIT ADVERTISING SERVICES" on the front thereon. The Respondent’s complete return address must be included on the envelope.

The proposal must include a cover letter, a table of contents and a plan to carry out the Scope of Services Specifications outlined in this RFP.

Each Proposal shall be typed and should be concise but comprehensive and not include any unnecessary elaborate or promotional materials. Appendices should provide information relevant to the proposal and not consist of Proposer’s general marketing materials. The Proposal is limited to 20 - 8 ½ X 11 sheets or 40 pages of double-sided prints. Font size 12 points. Required certifications and appendices are not considered part of the page limit.

Proposers shall provide a proposal which includes the required elements, both in content and sequence as set forth in this section. Proposal Forms must be completed and signed.