3-RFP265X901132 Downtown and Uptown Wayfinding.pdf

Request For Proposals

Downtown and Uptown Wayfinding

RFP265X901132

ISSUE DATE: November 21, 2025

Due on or before 4:00 PM ET on December 19, 2025

BUYER OF RECORD: Maria Gadomski maria.gadomski@cincinnati-oh.gov

COMMODITY CODE(S): 918-92: Urban Planning Consulting

REQUESTING AGENCY: Department of Transportation and Engineering – DOTE

ACCEPTANCE PLACE: https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/

All proposals must be submitted electronically via the City’s Bonfire portal at the above link. Responses submitted by hard copy, mail, or e-mail will not be accepted.

See “RFP Submissions” for more details.

Office of Procurement Two Centennial Plaza

805 Central Avenue, Suite 234 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-1947 mailto:maria.gadomski@cincinnati-oh.gov https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/

RFP265X901132

Table of Contents

I. REQUEST – Pages 1-12

II. CONTENT AND FORM OF SUBMISSIONS – Page 13

III. REQUIRED & MISCELLANEOUS FORMS – Page 14

IV. REFERENCE MATERIAL – Pages 15-20

V. CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – Pages 21-30

I. REQUEST

INTRODUCTION

The City of Cincinnati’s Department of Transportation and Engineering is seeking professional consulting services to assess the City’s 20-year-old wayfinding system and provide a PHASE 1: Conceptual Master Plan and Recommendations for a new, comprehensive wayfinding program serving Downtown and Uptown, Cincinnati’s two largest urban districts. The existing system is outdated due to aging infrastructure, road infrastructure changes, and ongoing development.

This initiative presents a transformative opportunity to reimagine how residents and visitors navigate and experience the City of Cincinnati through a forward-looking framework that remains relevant and meaningful over time. By implementing an integrated, multi-modal wayfinding system that unites physical and digital components, the City can enhance clarity, minimize confusion, and streamline long-term maintenance and management.

Leveraging modern technology will allow for ADA-compliant tools and content, support for diverse modes of travel—including driving, walking, cycling, and public transit—and expanded Wi-Fi access in underserved areas.

The new system will establish a cohesive citywide identity while strengthening connections to key destinations, from historic neighborhoods and cultural institutions to world-class sports and entertainment venues, Fortune 500 companies, vibrant parks, and the City’s expanding innovation corridor driven by education, research, and start-ups.

GENERAL BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION

Downtown Wayfinding Program

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, civic identity, and visitor orientation, the City of Cincinnati launched the Downtown Gateway Program (1992) to enhance major entry corridors through coordinated signage, landscape, and design features. This was followed by implementation of a comprehensive Downtown Vehicular and Pedestrian Wayfinding System (2000), introduced as part of the Fort Washington Way reconstruction and later expanded north from the riverfront to include the Central Business District and adjacent neighborhoods such as the West End, Historic Over-the-Rhine (OTR), Pendleton, and Mt. Adams. The system established consistent standards for directional signage, guiding motorists and pedestrians to key destinations including cultural attractions, historic landmarks, parking facilities, and urban parks.

To build on these revitalization efforts, the City seeks to update, modernize, and expand its wayfinding infrastructure. Recent initiatives have integrated the system with the Cincinnati Area Geographic Information System (CAGIS) for improved asset management, added pedestrian and multimodal signage, and interactive IKE Smart City kiosks in select areas of Downtown, offering digital maps, real-time information, and public Wi-Fi access. These ongoing improvements underscore the City’s continued commitment to enhancing connectivity, improving the visitor experience, and strengthening Downtown Cincinnati’s identity and position as a vibrant, navigable, and welcoming urban destination.

Uptown Wayfinding Program

Located immediately north of Downtown, Uptown Cincinnati encompasses the neighborhoods of Avondale, Clifton, Corryville, Mount Auburn, Clifton Heights, Fairview, and University Heights. Originally developed in the 19th century as hillside residential communities, Uptown has since evolved into a major regional destination anchored by education, healthcare, and research institutions. Key anchors include the University of Cincinnati, UC Health, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, VA Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Christ Hospital, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Xavier University, Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the Clifton Cultural Arts Center.

Together, these entities make Uptown one of Ohio’s largest employment centers and a critical hub for innovation and discovery.

Uptown Cincinnati is characterized by its innovation, diversity, rich history, architectural distinction, walkability, and concentration of amenities and destinations. However, as institutional and community growth has continued, the aging wayfinding system no longer effectively supports the district’s identity, sense of place, or ease of navigation envisioned in the early 2000s Wayfinding Master Plan. The existing signage network has become increasingly difficult to maintain, contributing to signage clutter, inconsistent messaging, and potential safety concerns.

Navigation represents only one of several interrelated challenges affecting Uptown’s residents, visitors, and institutions. As the city’s hub of innovation, Uptown’s overlapping identities— “Uptown,” “Uptown Innovation Corridor,” and “Cincinnati Innovation District”—present both challenges and opportunities for the forthcoming Wayfinding Master Plan Update. Years of strategic planning and investment have positioned the Innovation Corridor to join the international ranks of leading innovation districts, with the potential to further strengthen Uptown’s role as a driver of community and economic advancement (Uptown Innovation District Design Guidelines, 2019).

To address these challenges, the former Uptown Consortium, Inc., and their consultant team, recently conducted a comprehensive audit and engagement process with institutional and community stakeholders to gain new insights on how people navigate, experience, and connect with Uptown’s neighborhoods, institutions, and businesses. As Downtown and Uptown continue to evolve, it is critical to collectively reimagine the user experience to reflect the voices, values, and aspirations of the community and its stakeholders. The future Wayfinding Master Plan should establish best practices for integrating Cincinnati’s historic character with contemporary technology and design—resulting in a cohesive, intuitive, and visually unified system that enhances economic vitality, promotes tourism, and strengthens civic pride.

OBJECTIVES AND GOALS

1. Create a best-in-class arrival experience that warmly welcomes and seamlessly connects residents and visitors to Cincinnati’s premier destinations, including historic neighborhoods, world-class sports venues, Fortune 500 companies, cultural institutions, parks, public parking, and the city’s growing innovation hub for education, research, and start-ups.

2. Develop a strategic framework for a fully integrated physical and digital, multi-modal wayfinding strategy that improves navigation for all users and abilities, enables easy system updates, and establishes maintenance and content management protocols and partnership alignment to ensure long-term success.

3. Recommend advanced technology and inclusive design solutions that ensure ADA-accessible tools and content, accommodate diverse mobility modes—including driving, walking, biking, and public transit— and expand connectivity by providing Wi-Fi hot spots in underserved communities.

4. Create a unified system design strategy that reinforces Cincinnati’s urban identity while integrating existing and emerging city, district, neighborhood, and individual neighborhood district branding.

5. Anticipate future development, changes in traffic patterns, new attractions, and increased pedestrian, bicycle, and micromobility vehicle traffic.

6. Utilize GIS-based asset management (CAGIS) tools for data, maintenance, and lifecycle management.

7. Condense sign clutter to improve safety and enhance the aesthetic experience for all users.

SCOPE OF SERVICES/SPECIFICATIONS

The selected consultant shall perform all necessary services to develop and deliver a fully coordinated Phase 1: Downtown and Uptown Wayfinding Signage Conceptual Masterplan and Recommendations. Scope should include a thorough audit and analysis of existing conditions, community/stakeholder engagement, concept design, technology integration, and an executive summary report with recommendations. The selected consulting team must demonstrate proven expertise in urban wayfinding, civic branding, stakeholder and community engagement, and wayfinding technology integration.

To ensure effective stewardship of the available project funding, the City of Cincinnati will provide day-to-day direction and oversight to the consultant. The consultant will be expected to work cooperatively with all stakeholders and City, State and Federal agencies as required to bring this important project to a successful and timely completion within budget.

Provide an itemized estimate for each of the following tasks 1-4:

PHASE 1: WAYFINDING SIGNAGE CONCEPTUAL MASTERPLAN AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Perform a CAGIS / GIS based audit of the existing vehicular and pedestrian wayfinding system, bike, transit, public/private parking, regulatory signage, and civic brand overlays

a. Existing Signage Audit

i. DOWNTOWN

(1) Perform a complete audit

(2) Downtown neighborhoods include Riverfront, Central Business District, Over-the-Rhine, Mt. Adams, and West End

(3) Existing Static Wayfinding Signage Inventory (approximate):

Vehicular Directional (116) / Pedestrian Directional Signs and Maps (142)

(4) Existing IKE Digital Pedestrian Kiosks: (17)

(5) Existing Overhead Gateway Signs: (4)

ii. UPTOWN

(1) Review recently completed audit and action plan summary documents (Wayfinding

Update & Action Plan Summary, June 2024).

(2) Uptown neighborhoods include Avondale, Clifton, CUF, Corryville and Mt. Auburn

(3) Existing Static Wayfinding Signage Inventory (approximate):

Vehicular Directional (59) / Pedestrian Maps (5)

b. Civic Brand Audit

i. Perform a complete audit of Downtown and Uptown existing city, district, neighborhood, and

NBD brand overlays (City to provide known assets and resources)

c. Review recent and past transportation studies, reports, and development plans

d. Review City, State, Federal signage standards and guidelines

2. Engage Community and Institutional Stakeholders

a. DOWNTOWN: Design and facilitate (2) community/stakeholder engagements

b. UPTOWN: Design and facilitate (1) community/stakeholder engagement that builds on the recently completed Uptown Wayfinding Update & Action Plan Summary, June 2024.

c. Community and institutional stakeholders could include:

i. Key City of Cincinnati Departments, Neighborhood Community Councils, Neighborhood

Business Associations, Corporate and Institutional Representatives, Developers, Transit Authority and Parking Representatives, and ODOT (City to provide recommended stakeholders).

3. Concept design, strategy and recommendations for an integrated digital and static multi-modal wayfinding system

a. Develop cohesive system design concepts reflecting the City’s visual identity and district character. (City is engaging in a re-brand, updates on this process will be provided)

b. Provide a comprehensive design system framework and actionable recommendations for both static and digital wayfinding solutions as an integrated navigation strategy. Digital solutions may be introduced as pilot projects or phased-in permanent elements, but must include a clear strategy for placement, functionality, and content. All system components should be designed to accommodate users of all abilities.

c. System design must meet local, state, and federal guidelines and standards (City, AASHTO, ODOT, MUTCD, ADA)

d. Signage System Typology could include:

i. Highway Guide Signs Wayfinding strategy should include key highway entry points into Uptown and Downtown and critical transition points into primary, secondary, and tertiary destination zones. Consider recommendations for how the navigation strategy can help to alleviate the impact of high traffic areas and support micromobility users.

ii. Vehicular Gateways and Placemaking Designed for vehicular traffic to provide a welcoming visitor arrival experience and area “brand” identification. Develop a civic brand communication strategy that considers existing and new city, district, neighborhood, and NBD brand overlays within the comprehensive wayfinding system.

iii. Vehicular Directional Signage Designed for vehicular traffic to provide seamless directional and destination wayfinding to significant civic, entertainment, educational, ecological, and cultural institutions, and public parking. Installation types could include (post/panel signs, GIS-based navigation apps, digital message boards, variable message signs, etc.).

iv. Pedestrian Directional and Information Signage Designed for pedestrians to provide seamless directional and destination wayfinding to significant civic, entertainment, educational, ecological, and cultural institutions, and public parking. Signage should incorporate a multi-modal strategy that integrates the overlay of bike, transit, bus, shuttle, etc. Installation types could include (post/panel signs, maps, information kiosks, directories, web-based mobile apps, QR codes, AR/VR and RFID technology, etc.).

v. Parking and Mobility Signage Parking directional messaging and parking locations should be incorporated into other way-finding sign types to provide an easy-to-use interface for Downtown and Uptown users.

Mobility (specifically bicycle and transit related) signage should consider coordination with the proposed Crown Bike Trail system, existing/planned City bike facilities, Sorta/Metro/Tank stops or hubs, and Cincinnati Streetcar. Bicycle parking that may be co-located in public parking facilities and micromobility stations/hubs should be considered as part of the parking and mobility signage type.

vi. Regulatory/Blaze Signage Blue Hospital #1 trauma, Interstate and Route blaze signs, traffic safety signage should be designed as integral to the navigation strategy.

e. Develop message/naming strategy to meet City of Cincinnati signage guidelines and requirements

f. Develop preliminary programming plan to include:

i. Navigation strategy and sign locations based on primary, secondary, and tertiary road networks considering game day traffic and or major events solutions

ii. Photo survey of proposed placement.

iii. Identify existing systems (poles/foundations) that can be re-used or need replacement.

iv. Propose new system elements based on identified gaps, improved safety needs, improved user experience

v. Develop a sign/foundation removal plan

g. Provide material recommendations

h. Recommend an Annual Maintenance Plan

i. Recommend a Parking Integration Strategy

j. Develop a Phased Implementation Strategy

k. Provide a Preliminary Cost Analysis for each sign type /installation scenario

l. Kick off meeting with city representatives; bi-monthly strategy and team progress meetings (In-person or virtual meetings are acceptable)

4. Provide a comprehensive Executive Summary Report and Recommendations to include:

a. Existing Conditions Report

b. Stakeholder Input Summary

c. Design Guidelines incorporating City branding and ADA/accessibility standards

d. Signage Typology and Messaging Strategy

e. Sign Location Plan (reused / proposed new locations)

f. Sign / Foundation Removal Plan

g. Concept Design, Strategy and Recommendations

(digital and static multi-modal wayfinding system)

h. Annual Maintenance Plan Recommendations

i. Parking Integration Recommendations

j. Phased Implementation Strategy and Preliminary Cost Analysis

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

The City of Cincinnati has undertaken numerous planning and design initiatives over the past several decades that directly inform the development of the Downtown and Uptown Wayfinding Program. The selected consultant shall review and incorporate the principles, recommendations, and visual standards established in these documents to ensure alignment with broader citywide objectives related to mobility, placemaking, accessibility, and urban design.

Key references include: (to be provided by the City)

- Right-of-Way Referenced Standards

- Plan Cincinnati (2012)

- Existing Downtown and Uptown Wayfinding Master Plan (latest edition)

- City of Cincinnati Signage Standards and Guidelines (2025)

- Downtown Cincinnati Plan (2013; updated 2023)

- Cincinnati Complete Streets Policy (2021)

- Downtown IKE Smart City Kiosk Program (2019)

- Uptown Transportation Study (2017)

- Uptown Strategic Development Framework (2018)

- Uptown Innovation District Design Guidelines (2019)

- Uptown Wayfinding Update & Action Plan Summary (June 2024)

- Brent Spence Bridge Masterplan (impact entry points into Downtown/Uptown)

- Traffic Data and Traffic Counts

Listed Referenced Material will be made available by the City upon request through one of the following formats per the discretion of City Staff.

• Links to available online content.

• Electronic file copies.

• Hard copies.

TERM

The term of this Agreement shall commence on the effective date and ending eight months from the effective date. Optional renewals will be included in final negotiation.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Qualified teams must have demonstrated:

30% Relevant Experience & Expertise:

- Experience with the design, planning, and execution of complex local/national municipal wayfinding projects

- Expertise in multi-modal wayfinding system development and micro-mobility integration strategies that employ static and digital ADA compliant solutions and universal design principles

- Technical capability with current digital navigation tools and multi-modal transportation methods

- Expertise in urban identity design that integrates complex district identity overlays

- Evidence of system performance and long-term sustainability

- Expertise in facilitating meaningful community stakeholder engagements and integrating community feedback into strategic design decisions

20% Technical Approach & Methodology:

- Demonstrates innovative project management tools and methods

- Demonstrates capacity for managing and implementing complex multi-phased municipal wayfinding projects

- Evidence of timely delivery, quality control, and vendor management capabilities

- Demonstrates technical experience with large-scale sign manufacturing, coordination, and installation

20% Qualifications of Key Personnel & Technical Expertise:

- Team capacity and resource allocation for 8 consecutive months as outlined in the project schedule

- Expertise in multi-modal urban wayfinding system design and framework development, including both static and digital solutions

- Knowledge of current local city, state, and federal guidelines and standards including (AASHTO, ODOT, MUTCD, ADA and universal design principles)

- Technical competency in large-scale sign manufacturing, materials, installation methods, quality control and vendor performance management

10% Cost & Value Proposition:

- Competitive pricing for high quality deliverables of outlined scope

- (Tasks 1-4) Itemized cost breakdown and clear fee structure per outlined scope

- Team capacity and value demonstration relative to project scope

10% Implementation Timeline:

- Detailed project schedule with completion milestones per outlined scope

10% Economic Inclusion:

- Statement indicating whether the Offeror is a City of Cincinnati Department of Economic Inclusion Certified M/WBE or is partnered with such a firm.

SUBCONTRACTING GOAL

The MBE subcontracting goal for this RFP is 6%. The WBE subcontracting goal for this RFP is 4% One of the factors the City uses to determine the most advantageous offer is whether an Offeror subcontracted the minimum percentage of its bid to qualified City-certified M/WBEs. Failure to meet or exceed the subcontracting participation level may cause a proposal to be rejected as non-responsive.

The “MBE/WBE Inclusion Packet” which includes the applicable forms to be completed and included with the proposal is available at the following webpage: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/bid-proposal-forms/. When on the aforementioned webpage, please click on the weblink called “MBE/WBE Inclusion Packet” to download and access the appropriate forms.

Offeror is responsible for verifying that each M/WBE to be used on a contract is certified by the DEI as of the proposal due date. The M/WBEs named must be certified to provide the services that they are listed to perform, and the services must be required as part of the work on this contract. A directory of certified M/WBEs is available online at https://cincinnati.diversitycompliance.com or at the offices of DEI.

TIMETABLE

Milestones for the process are: Date

1. Release of RFP November 21, 2025

2. Date of Pre-Submission meeting (virtual) December 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

3. Deadline for written questions December 9, 2025 by 11:00 AM ET

4. Deadline for question responses December 11, 2025 by 4:00 PM ET

5. Submissions Due in Bonfire December 19, 2025 by 4:00 PM ET

LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

PRE-SUBMISSION MEETING

The City will hold a non-mandatory (virtual) pre-submission meeting via Microsoft Teams on December 4, 2025 at 10:00AM ET to assist with questions and clarifications.

Microsoft Teams

Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 248 796 399 316 15 Passcode: ZD3CZ6AF

Dial in by phone

+1 513-666-2177,,768280096# United States, Cincinnati Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 768 280 096#

QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE RFP

All questions or requests for clarification must be submitted in writing no later than December 9, 2025 at 11:00 am ET. Questions and clarification requests may be emailed to the buyer of record indicated on the cover page of this RFP, or submitted through the Bonfire portal at https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/. If emailing, please reference “RFP265X901132 Downtown and Uptown Wayfinding” in the subject field of the message.

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/bid-proposal-forms/ https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/bid-proposal-forms/ https://cincinnati.diversitycompliance.com/ https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YmQ2YzNmNjQtYmI4Ny00OGNhLTk4ZjItY2U0ODgxOWViOTI3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%226f55bfd1-3669-41fd-a0e3-c98d56adb39f%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%228883992f-c5e1-48b9-8652-30677f69c696%22%7d tel:+15136662177,,768280096 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/9d03d963-8094-4dfc-ae86-c676fa6cddab?id=768280096

Questions received after the designated period may not be considered. Any response made by the City will be provided in writing via Addendum.

Offerors are strictly prohibited from contacting any other City employees or any third-party representatives of the City on any matter having to do with this RFP. All communications regarding this RFP must be made to the City’s contact person, or any other City representatives designated by the Chief Procurement Officer in writing.

PREVENTING UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Fairness and transparency in the procurement process require that Offerors competing for a specific project do not derive a competitive advantage from having provided services related to the project/contract/work assignment in question. To that end, pursuant to Administrative Regulation No. 62 and the City’s RFP Manual, a firm, and each of its affiliates, hired to provide services for the preparation or implementation of a project shall be disqualified from any subsequent procurement solicitation to provide goods, works, or services resulting from or directly related to the firm’s services for such preparation or implementation, unless an exception is made by the City Manager in writing.

RFP SUBMISSIONS

The Offeror shall develop a written response to this RFP structured to comply with Section II of this RFP.

While each submission will be considered objectively, the city assumes no obligation to accept to take action on any submission. The City assumes no liability for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting any submission.

Responses to this RFP must be submitted through the City’s Bonfire portal at https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/. Responses submitted by hard copy, mail, or e-mail will not accepted.

Important notes:

• Logging in and/or uploading your file(s) does not mean your response is submitted. Offerors must successfully upload all file(s) and must click the submit button before closing time.

• You will receive an email confirmation receipt with a unique confirmation number once you finalize your submission. This will confirm that you have successfully submitted your response.

• If a requested file is mandatory, you will not be able to complete your submission until the requirement is met.

• Uploading large documents may take time, depending on the size of the file(s) and your internet connection speed.

• Please note the type (.doc, .pdf, etc.) and number of files (one only or multiple) allowed. The maximum file size for upload is 1,000 MB. Please do not embed any documents within your uploaded files as they will not be accessible or evaluated.

For technical questions or issues related to your submission, please contact Bonfire directly at support@gobonfire.com or 1 (800) 354-8010, ext. 2. The support team is available Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET. You can also visit their help forum at https://bonfirehub.zendesk.com/hc.

Submissions can be withdrawn at any time until the deadline date, at which time submissions will be considered firm and become the property of the City and will not be returned. Offeror must login to Bonfire to withdraw their submission through the system. If resubmitting, Offeror is responsible for submitting prior to the closing time and receiving a new email confirmation receipt. By responding to this RFP, Offerors waive any challenge to the City’s decisions.

PUBLIC RECORDS REQUIREMENTS

https://cincinnati-oh.bonfirehub.com/ mailto:support@gobonfire.com https://bonfirehub.zendesk.com/hc

By submitting this response, Offeror acknowledges that the City is governed by the Ohio Public Records Laws.

Notwithstanding any statement to the contrary, the City’s handling of any confidentiality obligations is subject to the limitations of this paragraph. Offeror’s submission may be subject to disclosure under the Ohio Public Records Laws. The City shall have no duty to defend the rights of Offeror or any of its agents or affiliates in any records requested to be disclosed. Confidential proprietary material must be clearly identified by the Offeror as "trade secret" and easily separable from the rest of the submission. The Offeror recognizes and agrees that the City is not responsible or liable in any way for any losses that the Offeror may suffer from the disclosure of information or materials to third parties.

Upon receipt of a public records request for which any document clearly marked by Offeror as “Trade Secret” is responsive, the City will notify Offeror of its intent to release records to the requestor. Offeror shall have a maximum of five (5) business days beginning with the date it receives notification to respond to the City by either accommodating the requestor or pursuing legal remedies to stop the City’s release of requested information.

Said notification shall relieve the City of any further obligation under any claim of Offeror or any of its agents or affiliates in any jurisdiction in connection with the disclosure of such records. Offeror and its agents and affiliates shall have the right to pursue legal and/or equitable remedies to stop or limit disclosure at their sole expense.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection of a preferred Offeror(s) and subsequent award(s) of contract(s) will comply with City Administrative Regulation No. 23 and the Cincinnati Municipal Code (CMC). The City will award a contract(s) to the successful Offeror(s) considering the total requirements for this procurement and what is “Most Advantageous to the City” in accordance with CMC Chapter 321.

The City’s Selection Committee will review and evaluate all properly submitted proposals that are received on or before the deadline. The Selection Committee will submit its finding to the Chief Procurement Officer as to which proposal(s) is/are “Most Advantageous” to the City taking into consideration price and evaluation factors set forth below. The Chief Procurement Officer will review the Selection Committee’s findings and will then submit a recommendation to the City Manager who will make the award for the City pursuant to CMC Section 321-65.

The City reserves the right to ask for additional information and clarification from or about any or all of the Offerors. The City may require selected Offerors to make an oral presentation of their submission.

PROCESS FOR ENTERING INTO AGREEMENT

The Offeror(s) whose submission(s) is/are found to be the "Most Advantageous" to the City of Cincinnati will be offered the opportunity to negotiate with the intent to enter into an Agreement with the City. The scope, terms and conditions of that Agreement shall be in substantial conformance with the terms, conditions and specifications described in this RFP and with the proposal that is submitted by the Offeror(s) whose submission(s) is/are found to be the "Most Advantageous" to the City.

Offerors should be prepared to begin contract negotiations upon submitting. If the Offeror is not able to begin contract negotiations, the City may disqualify that Offeror.

The City reserves the right to negotiate the Agreement to include any portion or portions of the services described in this RFP. The City reserves the right to reject any and all responses in total or by components.

The City reserves the right to make one total award, one award for each section, multiple awards, or a combination of awards, and to exercise its judgment concerning the selection of one or more submissions, the terms of any resultant agreement(s), and the determination of which, if any, submission(s) is/are Most Advantageous to the City, as a result of this RFP process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The City reserves the right to check all references furnished and consider responses received in determining the award.

The City reserves the right to perform investigations as may be deemed necessary by the City to assure that competent persons will be and are utilized in the performance of the Agreement and to verify the accuracy of the contents of proposals.

The City publishes information on the City of Cincinnati Internet web site at www.cincinnati-oh.gov, which includes the Cincinnati Municipal Code.

CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION

The Offeror awarded the contract shall be a registrant under Vendor Self Service (VSS) at time of award. Go to https://vss.cincinnati-oh.gov/vssprod/Advantage4 to register.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Contractor shall be subject to the provisions of the City of Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 325, regarding

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). The EEO Program requires the Contractor awarded the contract to complete and submit a DEI 147 form. The DEI 147 form is designed to provide an evaluation of the Contractor’s policies and practices relating to the extension of equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, national or ethnic origin, age, handicap, or

Vietnam military service.

Failure to comply with the City’s request for submission of the DEI 147 form within ten (10) days of the date of the request will be sufficient cause to reject the proposal due to the Contractor being nonresponsive.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The City of Cincinnati is committed to supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact the City’s

Office of Aging and Accessibility if you require any special accommodation.

CONTRACTOR’S COVENANT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Pursuant to the City of Cincinnati’s policy of non-discrimination, specifically in its purchasing and contracting practices and as a condition of contract award, we covenant, represent and warrant that:

• We will not discriminate against small business enterprises on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender or disability in the process of contracting, subcontracting and purchasing;

• We will use good faith efforts to promote opportunities for small business enterprises to participate in and compete for opportunities to the extent of their availability and capacity;

• We will submit to ongoing monitoring by and submittal of reports to the City’s Department of Economic Inclusion;

• We will submit to investigations and/or audits by the Department of Economic Inclusion in connection with routine monitoring or as a result of specific allegations of discrimination.

TAXPAYER IN GOOD STANDING

Vendors awarded a contract should be a Taxpayer in Good Standing with the City of Cincinnati. To verify your firm’s standing and receive a verification letter, contact the city’s Income Tax Division. The Taxpayer in Good http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/ https://vss.cincinnati-oh.gov/vssprod/Advantage4

Standing Request form can be found at https://docs.cincinnati-oh.gov/form/coc/TaxpayerGoodStanding. Please allow three (3) business days for processing after receipt of your request.

https://docs.cincinnati-oh.gov/form/coc/TaxpayerGoodStanding

Section II – Content and Form of Submissions

1. Cover Letter (1 page limit) – A cover letter introducing your firm and summarizing your submission.

2. Company Overview (5-page limit) – Provide an overview of your firm, including its history, experience, and qualifications relevant to this project/service. Identify previous experience with the design, planning, and execution of complex local/national municipal wayfinding projects; expertise in multi-modal wayfinding system development and micro-mobility integration strategies that employ static and digital ADA compliant solutions and universal design principles; expertise in urban identity design that integrates complex district identity overlays; evidence of system performance and long-term sustainability programs; expertise in facilitating meaningful community stakeholder engagements and integrating community feedback into strategic design decisions; and provide examples of similar completed projects, over the last ten years, on which the firm’s local and/or non-local staff were involved in a significant and meaningful, decision-making capacity. Include a brief description of project scope, project costs, project schedule, detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of the staff members.

3. Technical Approach and Methodology (2-page limit) – Detail your approach to fulfilling the requirements outlined in the Scope of Work. Include your methodology, strategies, project management tools and any innovative approaches you plan to employ; provide a description of the firm’s technological capabilities and how the firm has made efforts to keep pace with technologies specific to providing the necessary services;

demonstrate capacity and approach for managing and implementing complex multi-phased municipal wayfinding projects; identify methods used to achieve timely delivery, quality control, and vendor management capabilities; and demonstrates technical experience with large-scale sign manufacturing, coordination, and installation..

4. Project Team (4-page limit) – Provide information about the key personnel who will be assigned to this project/service, including their qualifications, professional license (state), registration or certifications (state), relevant experience, and length of time at the firm; identify outside consultants and associates expected to be retained, their address and telephone number, nature, degree, and quality of work performed; provide team capacity and resource allocation for 8 consecutive months as outlined in the project schedule;

demonstrate team’s expertise in multi-modal urban wayfinding system design and framework development, including both static and digital solutions; demonstrate knowledge of current local city, state, and federal guidelines and standards including (AASHTO, ODOT, MUTCD, ADA and universal design principles);

highlight technical competency in large-scale sign manufacturing, materials, installation methods, quality control and vendor performance management.

5. References (1 page limit) – Provide at least two references from past clients or projects that demonstrate your firm’s capability to successfully deliver similar services.

6. Economic Inclusion (1 page limit) – Provide a statement indicating whether the Offeror is a City of Cincinnati Department of Economic Inclusion Certified S/M/WBE or is partnered with such a firm.

7. Required and Miscellaneous Forms – Offeror must submit all required forms as indicated in Section III of this RFP.

8. Exceptions – Offeror must include a statement indicating compliance with the Terms and Conditions presented in all sections of this RFP or any exceptions.

9. Cost Proposal (1 page limit, MUST BE SUBMITTED AS A SEPARATE ATTACHMENT) – Present a detailed cost proposal outlining all expenses associated with the project/service, including labor, materials, and any other relevant costs. Total cost of the project will be evaluated for scoring.

SECTION III – REQUIRED FORMS

Failure to submit all required forms may result in your submission being deemed non-responsive and not scored.

• ATTACHMENT 1 – Offeror Corporate and Contact Information o REQUIRED WITH SUBMISSION

• ATTACHMENT 2 – Affidavit of Accuracy and Signature Page

• ATTACHMENT 3 – Subcontracting Outreach Program o The “MBE/WBE Inclusion Packet” which includes the applicable forms to be completed and included with the proposal is available at the following webpage: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/bid-proposal-forms/. When on the aforementioned webpage, please click on the weblink called “MBE/WBE Inclusion Packet” to download and access the appropriate forms.

• ATTACHMENT 4 – Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Form (DEI147) o A copy of the form is available at the following webpage: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/equal-employment-opportunity-forms/.

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/bid-proposal-forms/ https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/bid-proposal-forms/ https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/equal-employment-opportunity-forms/ https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/equal-employment-opportunity-forms/

DOWNTOWN + UPTOWN

Comprehensive Wayfinding System

City of Cincinnati

DOWNTOWN WAYFINDING SYSTEM

Downtown Cincinnati is a great place to live, work, and play. It is characterized by its rich history, culture, parks, architectural distinction, walkability, and concentration of amenities and destinations. This comprehensive Downtown Wayfinding System was introduced as part of the Fort Washington Way reconstruction and later expanded north from the riverfront to include the Central Business District and adjacent downtown neighborhoods.

Designed to work on two levels (pedestrian and vehicular), the urban wayfinding system includes gateway signs, street identification, sign blades, pedestrian map kiosks, and vehicular and pedestrian directional signage.

The system established consistent standards for directional signage, guiding motorists and pedestrians to key public destinations including cultural attractions, historic landmarks, parking facilities, and urban parks.

The process included community engagement, public meetings and a facilitation of key community and institutional stakeholders.

civic branding visitor strategy wayfinding

CINCINNATI, OH

City of Cincinnati Office of Arch. + Urban Design Environmental Graphics Team

Office of Arch. + Urban Design

UPTOWN WAYFINDING SYSTEM

Uptown Cincinnati is a great place to live, work, learn, and play. It is characterized by its innovation, diversity, rich history, architectural distinction, walkability, and concentration of amenities and destinations. As a major regional destination, it is anchored by education, healthcare, and research institutions. The Uptown wayfinding system was designed as an extension of the Downtown wayfinding system, to include 120+ signs.

The goal of this comprehensive system included improved access to, within and from Uptown, its neighborhoods, retail centers, and key destinations within the City of Cincinnati.

The process included community engagement, public meetings and a facilitation of key community and institutional stakeholders.

civic branding visitor strategy wayfinding

CINCINNATI, OH

City of Cincinnati Office of Arch. + Urban Design Environmental Graphics Team jangelchumbley Cross-Out

SECTION IV TO RFP265X901132

CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Contractor shall, in a satisfactory and proper manner as determined by the City Manager of the City, perform all the necessary services under this Agreement in connection with the purpose of the project as outlined by the Department of transportation and Engineering in its Request for Proposals.

Contractor shall perform the services as outlined in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof.

Contractor warrants that the Services shall be performed in a good, timely, and professional manner by qualified staff and in accordance with generally accepted professional practices. The Contractor further warrants that the design and recommended solution are workable and capable of meeting the objective and purpose of the project as described in this Agreement.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

A. Method of Payment. Any payments from the City specified in this Agreement, including any periodic installment payments, will be contingent upon performance of contractual obligations to date and the submission by Contractor of an original, detailed invoice on company letterhead specifying that the required services have been performed, accompanied by receipts, invoices, reports, statements, or any other supporting information as required by the City to document entitlement to payment. Failure to satisfactorily meet any one of the Agreement obligations by Contractor may result in the City not approving periodic payments to Contractor and/or filing liens as may be necessary against Contractor's assets or future assets until Contractor satisfactorily fulfills its obligations under the Agreement or satisfactorily reimburses the City for any prior payments.

B. Prompt Payment System. This Agreement is subject to, and Contractor shall comply with, the provisions of Chapter 319 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code that provide for a Prompt Payment System.

SUBCONTRACTS, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS

A. Subcontracts. Contractor agrees that none of the work or services covered by this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly authorized herein, shall be subcontracted without the prior written approval of the City. Forms to request approval for the use of subcontractors are available for download at: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/subcontractor-utilization-forms-for-post-award-use/ and must be submitted and approved before subcontractors are authorized to begin work. The City has no obligation to pay Contractor for any work or services performed by a subcontractor prior to the City’s written approval of that subcontractor. In the event Contractor employs a subcontractor without first securing the required approval of the subcontractor by the City, the City shall have the right to stop payment to Contractor or to withhold any monies due Contractor until the subcontractor is approved. Any work or services subcontracted hereunder shall be specified by written contract or agreement and shall be subject to each provision of this Agreement.

B. Use of Debarred Subcontractors Prohibited. The City maintains a list of Vendors Debarred from Contracting or Subcontracting with the City, which may be accessed at:

https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/forms/subcontractor-utilization-forms-for-post-award-use/ http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/purchasing or may be furnished in other form upon request. The City will not contract with any firm or person on the list. It is Contractor’s responsibility to verify that each subcontractor it proposes to use is an eligible firm or person. The City will not approve a subcontractor whose name appears on the list. The City shall neither accept nor be liable for any increase in costs, or other expenses, delay, loss, or subsequent ineligibility to contract with the City incurred by a contractor as a result of the City rejecting any proposed person, firm, partner, principal, affiliate, subcontractor or supplier that is debarred or suspended after the submission of a bid, proposal, or other communication leading to a contract, but before the approval or award of the contract.

C. Assignment. Contractor shall not assign or transfer Contractor's interest in this Agreement without the prior written consent of the City.

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND PROGRAMS

A. Generally. Contractor, in the performance of services under this Agreement, shall comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances, regulations, and rules of the federal government, the State of Ohio, the County of Hamilton, and the City of Cincinnati, including COVID-19 policies currently in effect and as amended from time-to-time during the initial term and any renewal terms of this Agreement.

B. Equal Employment Opportunity Program. This Agreement is subject to, and Contractor shall comply with, the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program contained in Chapter 325 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code. Said chapter is hereby incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

C. Minority and Women Business Enterprise Programs

1. This Agreement is subject to, and Contractor shall comply with, the provisions of the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program contained in Chapter 324 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code. Section 324-99 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code is hereby incorporated into this Agreement.

2. Details concerning this program can be obtained from the Department of Economic Inclusion, Two Centennial Plaza, 805 Central Avenue, Suite 610, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202,

(513) 352-3144.

3. This Agreement is subject to mandatory participation goals for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and for Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), which Contractor shall meet by subcontracting <DEI-Determined MBE % Proposed by Contractor> of the total contract amount to MBEs certified by the City who will be performing a commercially useful function under this Agreement (the “MBE goal”) and < DEI-Determined WBE % Proposed by Contractor> of the total contract amount to WBEs certified by the City who will be performing a commercially useful function under this Agreement (the “WBE goal”), as specifically set forth in the Form 2003 submitted with the proposal and approved by the Department of Economic Inclusion. A copy of the Form 2003 is attached hereto as Exhibit C. The MBE goal and the WBE goal (collectively, the “contract participation goals”) established herein apply to the initial contract amount, to any alternates, and to all subsequent amendments, supplements, extra work orders, change orders or other modifications that, either individually or in the aggregate, increase the dollar value of the contract by 10% or more.

4. A list of certified firms may be obtained from searching the City’s Certified Directory, a link to which is included on the Department of Economic Inclusion’s webpage (https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion/). Contractor may refer firms interested in http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/purchasing consideration for certification eligibility to the on-line application at:

(https://cincinnati.diversitycompliance.com/FrontEnd/StartCertification.asp?TN=cincinnati

&XID=7672).

5. If Contractor is unable to meet the established contract participation goals for this Agreement through the use of the MBEs and WBEs specified in the Form 2003 submitted with its response to the Request for Proposals, Contractor must seek a qualified and certified substitute MBE and/or WBE to fulfill those contract participation goals.

6. The City, through the Director of Economic Inclusion, must approve in advance and in writing any MBE or WBE substitution. If, after making good faith efforts as defined by the rules and regulations for Chapter 324 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code, Contractor is unable to find one or more qualified and certified substitutes capable of performing work under this Agreement, Contractor must request a post-award waiver or reduction of the contract participation goals for this Agreement as provided in section 324-23 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code.

7. The failure to comply with the contract participation goals is a material breach of this Agreement unless a request for a post-award waiver or reduction of the contract participation goals has been submitted by Contractor and approved by the Director of Economic Inclusion.

8. A business that is certified both as an MBE and as a WBE may be counted either toward the MBE goal or toward the WBE goal, but not toward both, and it may not be allocated partially toward each.

9. If Contractor hires or engages another party who then subcontracts work under this Agreement, Contractor agrees to include in its contract with such party a requirement that said party take the affirmative steps required by the Rules and Regulations adopted under Chapter 324 when advertising and awarding such subcontracts.

C. Subcontracting Reporting

1. Prior to commencement of work or services under this Agreement, Contractor shall provide to the City, through the Department of Economic Inclusion,…