UIPA (CPP Grant) ZE Workforce Impact Analysis RFP | Solicitation Number NS26-66

Request for Proposals for

Workforce Impact Analysis Services for

Utah Inland Port Authority

Posted: December 3, 2025

Deadline for Questions: January 5, 2026, 3pm MT

All questions must be submitted through Bonfire during the question and answer period.

Proposal Due Date: January 12, 2026, 3pm MT

Anticipated Interview Presentation: February 9, 2026

Proposal Submission:

Proposals must be submitted electronically through Bonfire by the Proposal Due Date above.

Table of Contents Table of Contents Background/Purpose Statement Communications and Question Answer Period Instructions to Offeror Project Description

Objective Project Location Scope of Work

Task 1: Detailed Project Work Plan, Budget, Schedule, and Data Analysis Plan Task 2: Assessment of Anticipated Workforce-Related Impacts and Benefits Generated by Future ZE Fleet Transition at the SLCIT Task 3: Plan for Mitigating Workforce Impacts, and Maximizing Benefits, of ZE Fleet Transitions Within (and Beyond) the SLCIT Task 4: Analysis of ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility to Near-Port Communities Task 5: ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility Action Plan Task 6: Final Project Report

RFP Services & Deliverables Requested Project Coordination Required Components for RFP Response

Mandatory Minimum Requirements Technical Criteria

Price Guarantee Evaluation Process

Stage 1: Initial Review Stage 2: Technical Proposal Evaluation Stage 3: Interview Presentation

Protected Information Award Terms & Conditions Appendix A: Boundaries Map Appendix B: EPA EJScreen Demographic Index of Intermodal Terminal and Near-Port Communities

Appendix C: Response Questionnaire Mandatory Minimum Requirements

Appendix D: Claim of Business Confidentiality

Background/Purpose Statement Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain proposals from companies interested in providing an analysis of the anticipated workforce-related impacts and opportunities generated by a future transition to zero-emission (ZE) vehicles at the Salt Lake City Intermodal Terminal (SLCIT), with the intent to award a contract under Utah Inland Port Authority BP-07 Procurement Policy for the Request for Proposals.

Communications and Question Answer Period Offerors are prohibited from communications regarding this RFP with the Procurement Unit staff, evaluation committee members, or other associated individuals EXCEPT the procurement officer overseeing this RFP.

The Question and Answer period closes on the date and time specified above. All questions must be submitted as described above during the Question and Answer period. Questions may include notifying the Procurement Unit of any ambiguity, inconsistency, scope exception, excessively restrictive requirement, or other errors in this RFP. Questions are encouraged.

Answers from the Procurement Unit will be posted on Bonfire. Questions may be answered individually or may be compiled into one document.

Questions may also be answered via an addendum. An answered question or an addendum may modify the specification or requirements of this RFP. It is the responsibility of the Offerors to submit their proposals as required by this RFP, including any requirements contained in answered questions and/or addenda.

Instructions to Offeror The RFP is not intended to limit a proposal's content or exclude any relevant or essential data.

Offerors are at liberty and are encouraged to expand upon the specifications to evidence service capability.

The Procurement Unit reserves the right and may reopen this solicitation or create a new solicitation if it determines there may be more competition for the procurement item than when the original solicitation was posted.

If it is determined to be in the best interest of the Procurement Unit, interviews and presentations may be held at the option of the Procurement Unit. The Procurement Unit shall establish a date and time for the interviews or presentations and shall notify eligible Offerors of the procedures.

Offerors invited to interviews or presentations shall be limited to those Offerors meeting the minimum requirements and minimum technical score threshold specified in the RFP. Representations made by an Offeror during interviews or presentations shall become an addendum to the Offeror's proposal and shall be documented. Representations must be consistent with the Offeror's original proposal and may only be used for purposes of clarifying or filling in gaps in the Offeror's proposal.

Interviews and presentations will be at the Offeror's expense.

Project Description This RFP is for a Workforce Impact Analysis based at the SLCIT. The Workforce Impact Analysis will form part of a larger project supported by the Clean Ports Program (CPP), a grant competition created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2024 the EPA awarded the State of Utah two CPP grants for projects at the SLCIT. The UIPA was awarded a nearly $2.4 million Climate and Air Quality Planning (CAQP) grant to conduct an emissions inventory, a ZE Workforce Impact Analysis, community engagement activities, and a grid readiness evaluation. The Utah Division of Air Quality (UDAQ), meanwhile, received a $110 million Zero-Emission Technology Deployment (ZETD) grant to create a voluntary incentive program to enable SLCIT operators to acquire ZE trucks, cargo-handling equipment, and chargers. The ZETD grant will focus on the acquisition of electric technologies rather than other ZE technologies such as green hydrogen. The ZETD grant will also support the purchase and installation of a solar microgrid system, an electrical grid system load impact study, and planning for safety, operations, and the workforce.

The SLCIT, which opened in 2006, is a transloading facility within Salt Lake County that is owned and managed by Union Pacific (UP). Located close to the Salt Lake City International Airport, the UP railroad, and other distribution centers, the SLCIT forms part of an important nexus of logistics and trade, receiving truck shipments from as far away as Montana. At the same time, Salt Lake County is an area that faces both air pollution challenges and community disadvantages. The County has high ambient diesel particulate matter concentrations and at the time the award was granted also had PM2.5 and O3 levels in nonattainment. The County is also listed on the EPA CPP disadvantaged community county list.

Together, these two CPP grants offer a unique opportunity to reduce emissions at the SLCIT by enabling operators to shift from diesel-powered to ZE equipment and vehicles. This change has the potential to improve air quality across Salt Lake County, but transitioning vehicles in a freight environment - where it is vital that transloading operations proceed smoothly, safely, and consistently throughout the year - poses multiple, intersecting challenges. To address these challenges, the CAQP and ZETD grants were designed to comprehensively analyze and mitigate anticipated obstacles by offering joint financial, operational, planning, and infrastructural support to operators. While other components of the two CPP grants address challenges such as the cost of new equipment, this RFP will address the unique obstacles and potential benefits that a ZE transition would pose to the existing and future SLCIT workforce. Assessing these impacts and opportunities is crucial to ensuring a safe, profitable, and effective transition to ZE vehicles, particularly in port contexts such as the SLCIT where fleets are a mix of medium and heavy duty (MHD) on-road vehicles and drayage. To meet this workforce planning need, The Recipient of this subcontract will conduct a Workforce Impact Analysis to 1) analyze the workforce-related impacts, benefits, and opportunities generated by the introduction of ZE vehicles and equipment to the SLCIT; and 2) create a proposed plan to mitigate the impacts and maximize the benefits of such a transition.

Because UDAQ’s deployment will be focused on electric vehicles and infrastructure, the Workforce Impact Analysis will focus on the impacts and benefits of electric technologies.

The project work must comport with the CPP Grant agreement and federal requirements. More information on terms and conditions is on page 17.

Objective The overall aim of the Workforce Impact Analysis is to assess workforce-related impacts and opportunities created by the future transition of medium and heavy duty vehicles (MHDV), including drayage and on-road vehicles, from diesel-powered to ZE (electric) technologies. This analysis will be used to identify ZE workforce-related gaps, such as having skilled and trained operators and maintenance staff; develop strategies for mitigating unintended harmful impacts from implementing ZE technologies into daily operations, such as equipment down-time resulting from an unskilled workforce; and ensure that workers are not displaced because of new technologies. Additionally, this analysis will offer an opportunity to incorporate both the existing SLCIT workforce and potential future workforce (particularly communities residing near the SLCIT, referred to in this RFP as near-port communities) into decision-making processes.

The Workforce Impact Analysis funds will be allocated towards (1) the collection and analysis of existing and new data; and (2) the development of reports, action plans, and recommendations based on this analysis, in service of three main goals. These goals are, first, to illuminate the workforce impacts and benefits of a future MHD fleet transition at the SLCIT, as well as best practices for mitigating the impacts and maximizing benefits of such a transition. Second, to identify and (to the extent possible) quantify the anticipated temporary and permanent job opportunities that would be created by minimal, moderate, and extensive fleet transition scenarios at the SLCIT, and create an action plan to enable near-port communities to better access these anticipated opportunities. Third, to draw on these analyses to develop a more general set of best practices for how to (1) mitigate the workforce impacts of future MHD fleet transitions and (2) bolster underserved communities’ access to workforce opportunities created by such transitions across the State of Utah.

Project Location The EPA has selected the SLCIT, an eligible dry port under the CPP, as the project site for all CAQP grant activities, including the ZE Workforce Impact Analysis. The SLCIT is a 260-acre site located at 1045 South 550 West in Salt Lake City, Utah that provides transloading services for goods shipped on rail (Figure 1 and Figure 2). It is within the UIPA jurisdictional area in the Northwest Quadrant of Salt Lake City, Utah in Salt Lake County, a location at the nexus of multiple nation-wide trucking routes. The property is located approximately 2 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport and Interstate 80.

Figure 1: SLCIT Project Location

Figure 2: SLCIT Facility Diagram

Reference:

https://www.up.com/content/dam/upcom/migration/uprr/customers/documents/digitalme dia/img-up-prem-slc-driver.png

The SLCIT opened in 2006 and is privately owned and managed by UP, which also utilizes contracted operators for various services, including terminal operations, infrastructure support, and drayage. The area contains the necessary supporting infrastructure for transloading and cargo-handling operations, including both freight and vehicular transport.

At the time the award was granted, it was located in PM2.5 and O3 nonattainment areas. The area is also designated by the EPA as having high ambient diesel particulate matter concentrations. Salt Lake County is also listed on the EPA CPP Disadvantaged Community County List.

Scope of Work

Task 1: Detailed Project Work Plan, Budget, Schedule, and Data Analysis Plan

The Recipient shall prepare a Detailed Project Work Plan, Budget, Schedule, and Listing of Data Sources for the following tasks, which may result in amendments to this Agreement.

The Detailed Project Budget will be consistent with the Approved Project Budget but will provide a greater level of detail. The Detailed Project Work Plan will describe, in detail, the activities and steps necessary to complete the tasks outlined in this Statement of Work. The Work Plan will also include information about the project management approach (including the number and specific roles of staff involved in the project), as well as address quality assurance and quality control procedures. In addition, the Work Plan will include the Project Schedule and a detailed Project Budget. Finally, The Recipient should create a Data Analysis Plan that includes a listing of both existing data sources to consult and new data to collect, as well as the quantitative and qualitative methods that will be used to analyze these data. Staff members from the UIPA’s CPP team will be available to provide additional guidance and support for the collection of new data, particularly when engagement with SLCIT employees, workforce development professionals, and/or near-port residents is required.

Unless expressly permitted by pre-award authority, The Recipient shall not begin work on subsequent tasks until (1) The Recipient has completed and submitted to the UIPA the Detailed Project Work Plan and Budget and (2) the UIPA provides The Recipient with written approval to proceed with subsequent tasks. The UIPA will not reimburse The Recipient for costs incurred in contravention of this requirement.

Task 1 Deliverables:

● Detailed Project Work Plan, including Budget, Schedule, and Data Analysis Plan

Task 2: Assessment of Anticipated Workforce-Related Impacts and Benefits Generated by Future ZE Fleet Transition at the SLCIT

Using both existing and newly collected data, The Recipient shall assess the workforce-related impacts and benefits of transitioning vehicles from diesel-powered to ZE (electric) technologies at the SLCIT. This analysis should consider both drayage and non-road vehicles, as well as additional needs such as charging infrastructure (The Recipient should consult with UIPA and UDAQ to obtain an updated list of the ZE and renewable technologies likely to be implemented at the SLCIT before completing this step). Additionally, the analysis should contain, as relevant, both quantitative components (such as an estimate of total training hours and costs that specific ZE technologies would require) and qualitative components (such as a description of the various employee concerns about, and hopes for, future ZE transitions at the SLCIT). For impacts and benefits that would differ depending on the extent of equipment transition, the analysis should also quantify and describe the extent of impacts and opportunities for the following four transition scenarios: 1) A transition to 25% ZE equipment; 2) A transition to 50% ZE equipment; 3) A transition to 75% ZE equipment; and 4) A transition to 100% ZE equipment.

Potential impacts to assess include, but are not limited to:

● Risk of equipment downtime (e.g., due to lack of operational training, maintenance expertise, or charging schedules)

● Workforce training and certification needs to operate equipment safely, as well as time, monetary investment, and other resources (e.g., access to instructors or training programs) required to adequately carry out such training

● Workplace and workforce safety considerations

● Workforce buy-in for new technologies, including both worker and operator concerns

Potential benefits to assess include, but are not limited to:

● Estimated new temporary jobs created by transition to ZE technologies (e.g., construction or installation, etc.)

● Estimated new permanent jobs created by transition to ZE technologies (e.g., charger and solar microgrid maintenance/operation)

● Positive changes in employee career longevity, wages, skill transferability, or career advancement opportunities due to ZE training or experience received

Task 2 Deliverables:

● ZE Workforce Impacts and Benefits Analysis

Task 3: Plan for Mitigating Workforce Impacts, and Maximizing Benefits, of ZE Fleet Transitions Within (and Beyond) the SLCIT

Drawing on the analysis conducted in Task 2, The Recipient shall develop a proposed Action Plan outlining steps that various stakeholders could take to mitigate the anticipated workforce impacts and capitalize on the benefits of ZE transitions at the SLCIT. The goal of this Action Plan should be to maximize the success of ZE fleet transitions by minimizing downtime, meeting training needs, achieving both safety and operational goals, and supporting worker satisfaction and career development. As relevant, the Action Plan should categorize mitigation steps according to the stakeholder group best positioned to take them;

relevant stakeholders may include UP, contracted operators at the SLCIT, SLCIT employees, the UIPA, local government agencies (UDAQ, etc.), elected officials, local residents, schools & training programs (Salt Lake Community College, etc.), local NGOs, and others. Finally, the Action Plan should include a section describing broader lessons and best practices that future ZE MHDV projects across the state can consult to mitigate workforce-related impacts and obstacles.

Task 3 Deliverables:

● ZE Workforce Impacts and Benefits Action Plan

Task 4: Analysis of ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility to Near-Port Communities

Drawing on the knowledge and data generated from Tasks 1 and 2, The Recipient shall conduct a ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility Analysis to identify the obstacles that near-port communities, including underserved residents, may face in training for and accessing future ZE employment opportunities at the SLCIT. Near-port communities include residents of Salt Lake City’s six Westside neighborhoods (Westpointe, Rose Park, Fairpark, Jordan Meadows, Poplar Grove, and Glendale), West Valley City, and Magna. This analysis should also outline existing programs that currently offer relevant training or education for ZE technology, clean energy, and/or freight, as well as any obstacles that underserved residents may face in accessing these programs (taking into account factors like language barriers, income level, access to transportation, access to information, and prior educational attainment).

Task 4 Deliverables:

● ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility Analysis

Task 5: ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility Action Plan

Following this analysis, The Recipient shall develop a ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility Action Plan outlining steps that various stakeholders could take to maximize the accessibility of future ZE workforce opportunities at the SLCIT. This Action Plan should focus, in particular, on how to strengthen pathways for near-port residents and other underserved Salt Lake County communities to be trained for, and access, ZE-related employment opportunities. The plan should also discuss what kinds of public and industry workforce partnerships could be leveraged, strengthened, and created to improve these training and employment pathways. As relevant, the Action Plan should categorize mitigation steps according to the stakeholder group best positioned to take them; relevant stakeholders may include UP, contracted operators at the SLCIT, SLCIT employees, UIPA, local government agencies (UDAQ, etc.), elected officials, local residents, schools & training programs (Salt Lake Community College, etc.), local NGOs, and others. Finally, the Action Plan should include a section describing broader lessons and best practices that future ZE MHDV projects across the state can consult to maximize the overall benefit, equitability, and accessibility of future ZE-related workforce opportunities.

Task 5 Deliverables:

● ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility Action Plan

Task 6: Final Project Report

The Recipient shall compile all Analyses and Action Plans into a single, comprehensive Final Project Report. The Final Project Report should also include 1) an Executive Summary that outlines key findings and recommendations; 2) an Introduction that frames the report’s purpose and overall approach; 3) a Methods Section that details what existing data sources were used, how new data were collected, and how all data were analyzed; and 4) a Conclusion that discusses the broader relevance of the findings.

Task 6 Deliverables:

● Final Project Report

RFP Services & Deliverables Requested The UIPA is seeking a firm to do the following based upon the CAQP grant requirements, summarized from the above Scope of Work section:

# Service Task Deliverable

1 Detailed Project Work Plan, including Budget, Schedule, and Data Analysis Plan

Task 1 Deliverable

2 ZE Workforce Impacts and Benefits Analysis

Task 2 Deliverable

3 ZE Workforce Impacts and Benefits Action Plan

Task 3 Deliverable

4 ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility Analysis

Task 4 Deliverable

5 ZE Workforce Opportunity Accessibility Action Plan

Task 5 Deliverable

6 Final Project Report Task 6 Deliverable

The deliverables should consider current conditions and data, including but not limited to:

● Utah-specific studies of workforce impacts, benefits, and opportunities generated by ZE transportation and clean energy technologies.

● Utah-based studies of MHDV electrification that are not workforce specific.

● Non-Utah-based studies of workforce impacts, benefits, and opportunities generated by transitions to ZE MHDVs.

● Descriptions, requirements, and capacity of existing apprenticeship, degree, and certification programs in Utah related to clean energy, freight, and ZE technology.

● Data from previous community engagement efforts and surveys of near-port residents that pertain to existing and desired employment opportunities.

● Current trackers and future projections for the number of jobs related to 1) logistics and freight; 2) ZE technology; and 3) clean energy in both Salt Lake County and the State of Utah.

● Aggregate data on the number of workers currently active in the SLCIT, their job duties, the operators they work for, and their neighborhoods of residence (these data could be collected if not currently available).

The deliverables should also be informed by new sources of data that The Recipient (as feasibility, time, and budget permit) collects, potentially including but not limited to:

● Surveys, focus groups, or interviews with SLCIT employees.

● Surveys, focus groups, or interviews with individuals involved in administering Utah-based clean energy, freight, or electrification-related degree, certificate, or apprenticeship programs.

● Surveys, focus groups, or interviews with near-port community residents to assess the need for, visibility of, and accessibility of pathways to ZE-related employment opportunities (if this information has not already been collected in a prior study).

Project Coordination The Recipient shall perform all tasks required for the Project through a coordinated process that engages relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to:

● EPA

● UP

● UDAQ and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, UDEQ

● Land Developers, Owners, and Commissioners in the SLCIT, Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake County areas

● SLCIT operators contracted by UP

● Employees that work at the SLCIT

● Individuals involved in administering relevant Utah-based clean energy, freight, or electrification-related degree, certificate, or apprenticeship programs

● Local government agencies

● Elected officials

● Near-Port residents

● Schools and training programs (Salt Lake Community College, etc.)

● Local NGOs

Required Components for RFP Response Each Offeror shall include in its RFP Response the following nine (9) components:

1. Minimal Mandatory Questions

2. Workforce Impact Analysis and/or Workforce Planning Experience

3. Public Engagement and/or Workforce Engagement Expertise

4. Local (Utah) and/or Regional (Intermountain West) Project Experience

5. ZE Technology Analysis, Thought Leadership, and/or Policy Guidance Expertise

(focusing on experience with electric vehicles and infrastructure)

6. Ports, Freight, and Logistics Experience and Expertise

7. Prior Federal Grant Experience and Compliance

8. Proposed Timeline

9. Use of Budget

Specific considerations and outcomes for each component are in Appendix C: Response Questionnaire.

Mandatory Minimum Requirements Offerors must demonstrate the ability to meet or exceed the mandatory minimum requirements outlined below by providing a narrative point by point response, in the order listed, to each requirement. Please follow the template outline Appendix C.

The following mandatory minimum requirements must be met in order for a proposal to be considered responsive:

1. At least three (3) years of experience conducting each of the following activities: 1) Public Engagement and/or Workforce Engagement; 2) ZE Technology Analysis, Thought Leadership, and/or Policy Guidance; and (3) Workforce Impact Analysis and/or Workforce Planning (including as one component of broader economic development planning or analysis efforts).

2. At least one (1) year of experience working on: 1) Projects in ports, freight, and/or logistics contexts; and 2) Projects within one or more of the following states: Utah (local project experience) and/or Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, or Wyoming (regional project experience).

3. Timely Submission

4. Critical Report Timeline Adherence: All deliverables will be completed on or before

December 1, 2027

5. Budget Compliance: Not to exceed $150,000. Please provide the cost.

6. Federal Debarment (Offeror does not appear on the System for Award Management exclusion database)

Proposals which do not satisfy ALL minimum mandatory qualifications requirements will be excluded from this bid.

Offerors should note that only those submissions which meet all of the minimum mandatory criteria will be eligible for inclusion in the award process.

The contract will be awarded from the qualifying proposals based on the highest scoring responsible Offeror, meeting the stated RFP requirements:

● Meeting all minimum mandatory requirements

● Ability to meet the technical requirements

● Optional interview presentation

Technical Criteria For ease of evaluation, the proposals must provide a point-by-point response, addressing in detail each area of the evaluation criteria, including addressing how the point-by-point response addresses the issues discussed in this RFP.

The subjective criteria that will be used to evaluate the proposals is:

1. Proposed Schedule & Use of Budget (50 points)

a. Includes all required Services & Deliverables Needed.

b. Comprehensive project plan with timeline, task breakdown, and schedule.

c. Estimated time to complete not to exceed December 1, 2027.

d. Budget reasonableness and cost effectiveness.

2. Workforce Impact Analysis and/or Workforce Planning Experience (75 points)

a. Demonstrate experience conducting comprehensive workforce impact analyses, including methodologies used, scale, and outcomes achieved (workforce analysis may have been part of a broader economic development analysis or planning effort).

b. Demonstrate expertise in workforce planning (including as part of a broader economic development planning effort), including forecasting labor demand and supply, skill gap analysis, and development of actionable workforce transition strategies.

c. Demonstrate experience using both quantitative and qualitative data sources to support workforce impact analysis and scenario planning.

d. Demonstrate experience in assessing and mitigating disproportionate impacts to underserved communities.

3. Public Engagement and/or Workforce Engagement Expertise (75 points)

a. Demonstrate experience with meaningful public engagement, including stakeholder identification, facilitation, and incorporation of public feedback in the study process.

b. Demonstrate a practical knowledge of the inner workings of the community ecosystem, including understanding inclusion, engagement, opportunity, culture, and perspective.

c. Demonstrate experience engaging with stakeholders in workplace contexts (including individuals in both supervisory and non-managerial roles) through mechanisms such as focus groups, surveys, and/or stakeholder interviews.

4. Local or Regional Project Experience (75 points)

a. Demonstrate practical knowledge and experience working on local (Utah) or regional

(Intermountain West - Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) projects, particularly projects that incorporate community or workforce engagement activities.

b. If applicable, demonstrate practical knowledge and experience working on projects within the State of Utah, particularly projects that incorporate community or workforce engagement activities.

c. If applicable, demonstrate that relevant organizational staff reside within the State of Utah, and/or that the organization has the ability to conduct and support in-person community and workforce engagement activities within Salt Lake County.

5. ZE Technology Analysis, Thought Leadership, and/or Policy Guidance Expertise (50 points)

a. Demonstrate practical knowledge of ZE transportation technologies, especially electric vehicles in MHDV contexts

b. Demonstrate ability to analyze and/or evaluate ZE-related policies at the local, state, and/or federal level.

c. Demonstrate knowledge of existing and emerging regulatory structures, funding mechanisms, and incentive programs that support ZE technology adoption, workforce training, and infrastructure development.

6. Ports, Freight, and/or Logistics Experience and Expertise (50 points)

a. Demonstrate practical knowledge of how regional and national port systems operate and move freight, supplies, or goods across Utah and the United States.

b. Demonstrate an understanding of port management, operations, infrastructure, and workforce.

7. Prior Federal Grant Experience and Compliance (25 points)

a. Demonstrate experience working on prior federal grants with similar work and overall outcomes.

b. Demonstrate how your firm will comply with federal requirements including the CPP grant’s Applicable Federal Laws and Regulations and required Additional Standard Terms, which are separate attachments uploaded in Bonfire.

Price Guarantee Offeror must guarantee its pricing for one (1) year.

If allowable under this RFP, a request for price adjustment must be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date. A request for price adjustment must include sufficient documentation (market analysis) supporting the request. Any price adjustment will not be effective unless approved by the Procurement Unit. A price adjustment will be guaranteed for the same length of time as the original price guarantee. The procurement unit will be given the immediate benefit of any decrease in the market, or allowable discount.

Evaluation Process

Only Responses that meet minimum mandatory requirements will be evaluated.

Stage 1: Initial Review In the initial phase of the evaluation process, the Procurement Unit will review all proposals timely received. Non-responsive proposals not conforming to RFP requirements or unable to meet the mandatory minimum requirements will be eliminated from further consideration. Any vendors not meeting these mandatory minimum requirements will be notified at this stage.

Stage 2: Technical Proposal Evaluation Responsive proposals will then be evaluated by an evaluation committee appointed by the Procurement Unit against the proposal technical criteria noted in this RFP. Proposals will be evaluated against the technical criteria as follows:

Evaluation Component Possible Points

Proposed Schedule & Use of Budget 50

Workforce Impact Analysis and/or Workforce Planning Experience 75

Public Engagement and/or Workforce Engagement Expertise 75

Local (Utah) and/or Regional (Intermountain West) Project Experience 75

ZE Technology Analysis, Thought Leadership, and/or Policy Guidance Expertise

Ports, Freight, and/or Logistics Experience and Expertise 50

Prior Federal Grant Experience and Compliance 25

Total Technical Points Possible 400

Responses that achieve a minimum score threshold of 325 points will proceed to the Interview Presentation. Responses with a score of less than the minimum technical points will be eliminated and will not move to the Interview Presentation.

The evaluation committee for this RFP will tally the final scores for criteria other than cost to arrive at a consensus score by the following method: an average of the individual scores.

Stage 3: Interview Presentation If necessary, responsive proposals that meet the minimum score threshold from Stage 2 will move onto the Interview Presentation. A total of 50 demonstration points is possible. Offerors will be given 30 minutes maximum to demonstrate their response to the Technical Proposal for the evaluation committee. The committee will evaluate the offeror on how well they would execute and perform the RFP services and scope of work.

In the case that the Procurement Unit determines that interviews are necessary, UIPA plans to hold these demonstrations in person at our office, located at 60 South Temple, Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. We have listed the anticipated date but will communicate the exact date and time to all Offerors who qualify.

If an in-person demonstration will not work, we will set up technology to present virtually if needed.

Protected Information An offeror may request that part of its proposal be protected by submitting a Company Request for Protected Record Status.

Pricing may not be classified as confidential or protected and will be considered public information.

Process for Requesting Non-Disclosure: To protect information under a Claim of Business Confidentiality, an Offeror must complete the Company Request for Protected Record Status form, at the time the proposal is submitted, with the following information:

● Include a concise statement of reasons supporting the claim of business confidentiality (Subsection 63G-2-309(1)).

● Submit an electronic “redacted” (excluding protected information) copy of the proposal. Copy must clearly be marked “Redacted Version.”

The Claim of Business Confidentiality form may be accessed in Appendix D.

An entire proposal cannot be identified as “PROTECTED”, “CONFIDENTIAL” or “PROPRIETARY”.

Redacted Copy: If an Offeror submits a proposal that contains information claimed to be confidential or protected, the Offeror MUST submit two separate proposals: one redacted version for public release, with all protected business confidential information either blacked-out or removed, clearly marked as "Redacted Version"; and one non-redacted version for evaluation purposes clearly marked as "Protected Business Confidential".

All materials submitted become the property of the Procurement Unit. Materials may be evaluated by anyone designated by the Procurement Unit as part of the evaluation committee. Materials submitted may be returned only at the Procurement Unit's option.

Award To determine which proposal provides the best value to the procurement unit, the evaluation committee shall evaluate each responsive and responsible proposal that has not been disqualified from consideration.

It is anticipated that this RFP will result in a single award to the responsive and responsible Offeror with the highest score.

After the evaluation and final scoring of proposals is completed, the Procurement Unit shall award the contract as soon as practicable.

Terms & Conditions Any contract resulting from this RFP will include but not be limited to:

● UIPA Standard Terms and Conditions.

The UIPA Standard Terms and Conditions have been attached in the Files section of Bonfire (See UIPA Standard Terms & Conditions).

● Grant Programmatic Conditions The Grant Programmatic Conditions have been attached in the Files section of Bonfire (Clean Ports Grant Programmatic Conditions).

● Grant Administrative Conditions The Administrative Conditions have been attached in the Files section of Bonfire (See Clean Ports Grant Administrative Conditions).

In addition, any contract from this RFP will be subject to 2 CFR Part 200 (See https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1).

Exceptions and/or additions to the Standard Terms and Conditions are strongly discouraged.

However, Offerors requesting exceptions and/or additions to the Standard Terms and Conditions must submit these requests with the proposal. Exceptions and/or additions submitted after the date and time for receipt of proposals will not be considered. Offerors may not submit requests for exceptions and/or additions by reference to a vendor's website or URL. URLs provided with a proposal may result in that proposal being rejected as non-responsive. Offerors may submit questions during the Question and Answer period regarding the Standard Terms and Conditions.

UIPA may refuse to negotiate exceptions and/or additions that are determined to be excessive; that are inconsistent with similar contracts of the procurement unit; to warranties, insurance, or indemnification provisions that are necessary to protect the procurement unit after consultation with the applicable legal counsel; where the solicitation specifically prohibits exceptions and/or additions; or that are not in the best interest of the procurement unit.

For any proposed change(s), Offeror must provide the Standard Terms and Conditions for this solicitation in Microsoft Word format with redline edits. Additional terms or documents must be submitted in separate Microsoft Word documents. Offeror must also provide the name, contact information, and access to the person(s) who will be directly involved in legal negotiations.

Any mandatory required acceptance of an Offeror’s terms and conditions may result in the proposal being determined to be non-responsive.

An award resulting from this RFP is subject to successful contract terms and conditions negotiation (if required). UIPA may reject a proposal if the Offeror that submitted the proposal fails to sign a contract within 90 days after the contract award.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1

Appendix A: Boundaries Map

Appendix B: EPA EJScreen Demographic Index of Intermodal Terminal and Near-Port Communities

Appendix C: Response Questionnaire

Mandatory Minimum Requirements

Please answer yes or not to the following questions:

Yes / No: Does your firm or organization have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in conducting workforce impact analysis planning and/or workforce planning activities (including as one component of broader economic development planning or analysis efforts)?

Yes / No: Does your firm or organization have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in conducting workforce engagement and/or public engagement activities?

Yes / No: Does your firm or organization have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in conducting ZE technology analysis, thought leadership, and/or policy guidance?

Yes / No: Does your firm or organization have a minimum of one (1) year of experience working on projects in ports, freight, and/or logistics contexts?

Yes / No: Does your firm or organization have a minimum of one (1) year of experience working on projects within one or more of the following states: Utah (local project experience) and/or Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, or Wyoming (regional project experience)?

Yes / No: Are you able to complete all required services and deliverables on or before December 1, 2027?

Yes / No: Is your cost proposal equal to or less than $150,000? Please submit your cost here:

Yes / No: Are you currently federal debarred (lists on the System for Award Management exclusion database)?

Yes / No: Does your firm or organization have prior experience in federal grants and compliance?

For ease of evaluation, the proposals must provide a point-by-point response, addressing in detail each area of the evaluation criteria, including addressing how the point-by-point response addresses the issues discussed in this RFP.

Technical Criteria

The subjective criteria that will be used to evaluate proposals are:

1. Proposed Schedule & Use of Budget

a. Includes all required Services & Deliverables Needed.

b. Comprehensive project plan with timeline, task breakdown, and schedule.

c. Estimated time to complete not to exceed December 1, 2027.

d. Budget reasonableness and cost effectiveness.

2. Workforce Impact Analysis and/or Workforce Planning Experience

a. Demonstrate experience conducting comprehensive workforce impact analyses, including methodologies used, scale, and outcomes achieved (workforce analysis may have been part of a broader economic development analysis or planning effort).

b. Demonstrate expertise in workforce planning (including as part of a broader economic development planning effort), including forecasting labor demand and supply, skill gap analysis, and development of actionable workforce transition strategies.

c. Demonstrate experience using both quantitative and qualitative data sources to support workforce impact analysis and scenario planning.

d. Demonstrate experience in assessing and mitigating disproportionate impacts to underserved communities.

3. Public Engagement and/or Workforce Engagement Expertise

a. Demonstrate experience with meaningful public engagement, including stakeholder identification, facilitation, and incorporation of public feedback in the study process.

b. Demonstrate a practical knowledge of the inner workings of the community ecosystem, including understanding inclusion, engagement, opportunity, culture, and perspective.

c. Demonstrate experience engaging with stakeholders in workplace contexts (including individuals in both supervisory and non-managerial roles) through mechanisms such as focus groups, surveys, and/or stakeholder interviews.

4. Local or Regional Project Experience

a. Demonstrate practical knowledge and experience working on local (Utah) or regional

(Intermountain West - Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) projects, particularly projects that incorporate community or workforce engagement activities.

b. If applicable, demonstrate practical knowledge and experience working on projects within the State of Utah, particularly projects that incorporate community or workforce engagement activities.

c. If applicable, demonstrate that relevant organizational staff reside within the State of Utah, and/or that the organization has the ability to conduct and support in-person community and workforce engagement activities within Salt Lake County.

5. ZE Technology Analysis, Thought Leadership, and/or Policy Guidance Expertise

a. Demonstrate practical knowledge of ZE transportation technologies, especially electric vehicles in MHDV contexts

b. Demonstrate ability to analyze and/or evaluate ZE-related policies at the local, state, and/or federal level.

c. Demonstrate knowledge of existing and emerging regulatory structures, funding mechanisms, and incentive programs that support ZE technology adoption, workforce training, and infrastructure development.

6. Ports, Freight, and/or Logistics Experience and Expertise

a. Demonstrate practical knowledge of how regional and national port systems operate and move freight, supplies, or goods across Utah and the United States.

b. Demonstrate an understanding of port management, operations, infrastructure, and workforce.

7. Prior Federal Grant Experience and Compliance

a. Demonstrate experience working on prior federal grants with similar work and overall outcomes.

b. Demonstrate how your firm will comply with federal requirements including the CPP grant’s Applicable Federal Laws and Regulations and required Additional Standard Terms, which are separate attachments uploaded in Bonfire.

Appendix D: Claim of Business Confidentiality

COMPANY REQUEST FOR PROTECTED RECORD STATUS

Name and Address of entity (“Company”) making this confidentiality claim (please print or type):

Pursuant to the Government Records Access and Management Act, Utah Code § 63G-2-309, Company submits this written claim for business confidentiality. Company claims that the records attached to this form and/or listed below and provided to the Utah Inland Port Authority (“UIPA”), or its programs, are protected records and should be considered confidential and classified as protected records.

DESCRIPTION of the record(s) covered by this confidentiality claim and which Company believes qualifies for protected status:

● APPLICATION, PLUS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.

● [COMPANY TO LIST ADDITIONAL RECORDS] ______________________________

The following reasons are Company’s concise claim in support this claim of business confidentiality (check (✔) all that apply):

(__) 1. The record(s) provided would reveal negotiations regarding assistance or incentives offered by or requested from UIPA for the purpose of encouraging Company to expand or locate a business in Utah.

(__) 2. The Record(s) provided is a trade secret (as defined in Utah Code § 13-24-2(4)).

(__) 3. The record(s) provided is commercial or non-individual financial information and disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to result in unfair competitive injury to Company.

(__) 4. The record(s) provided is commercial or non-individual information and disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to impair the ability of UIPA, or its programs, to obtain necessary information in the future.

NOTE: Company will be notified if a record claimed to be protected is classified as public or if the determination is made that the record should be disclosed to the public because the interest favoring access outweigh the interest favoring restriction of access. Records claimed to be protected under this business confidentiality claim may not be disclosed to the public by UIPA until the period in which to bring an appeal expires or the end of the appeals process, including judicial appeal (unless the claimant, after notice, has waived the claim by not appealing or intervening before the record committee). (Utah Code § 63G-2-309)

BY: ___________________________________________________ DATE: ______________________

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE NAME AND TITLE

COMPANY STATEMENT

The following is a concise written statement supporting a business confidentiality claim is required, U.C.A.

63G-2-309(1)(a)). Please attach additional sheets if necessary.

The attached information (records provided to UIPA) is related to _[explain purpose of company’s interaction with UIPA, for example, vendor submitting a bid/offer through procurement process for a state contract for goods/services]__________________________to a project that the Company is pursuing.

The Company makes its claim of confidentiality, protected, or private status of records for the following reasons:

_____ [the company should explain here the reasons why the records should be classified as confidential, private, or protected] ____________________________________________________________________

NOTE: Claimant shall be notified if a record claimed to be protected is classified public or if the determination is made that the record should be disclosed because the interest favoring access outweigh the interest favoring restriction of access. Records claimed to be protected under this business confidentiality claim may not be disclosed until the period in which to bring an appeal expires or the end of the appeals process, including judicial appeal (unless the claimant, after notice has waived the claim by not appealing or intervening before the record committee). (U.C.A. 63G-2-309)

COMPANY: ____________________________________

By: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________

Name (printed): _________________________________

Title: __________________________________________

Appendix D: Claim of Business Confidentiality